Chesapeake Planning Commission Public Hearing – February 12, 2025

The Chesapeake Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes (adjourned at 7:20 PM). The commission considered three applications: two consent items (a home-based daycare and a billboard) and one regular agenda item (a text amendment to remove temporary sign permits on non-residential property). All votes were 9–0 in favor. The meeting also included a presentation on ongoing comprehensive planning efforts and the cancellation of the February 26, 2025, public hearing.

Consent Calendar

• PLN-USE-2024-048 – Shining Light Preschool: Approved unanimously (9–0; Crews/Sgueglia) with six stipulations. The conditional use permit allows operation of a Level II Home Occupation daycare for up to eight children (exclusive of provider’s own children) at 1913 Keeter Run (Greenbrier Planning Area). Stipulations include licensure, no hired employees from outside the home, water testing per EPA Lead and Copper Rule, and a Right of Entry Agreement.
• PLN-USE-2024-039 – W Military Hwy Billboard: Approved unanimously (9–0; Crews/Sgueglia) with six stipulations. The permit authorizes a 55‑foot‑tall, 672‑square‑foot monopole billboard on West Military Highway (Western Branch Planning Area). Conditions require demolition of an existing building, landscaping within six months, and FAA compliance (including red lights). The 55‑foot height exceeds the standard 35‑foot limit; the applicant stated the lower grade of the feeder road necessitated the extra height.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Consent items: Three speakers came forward but indicated they were available only to answer questions: Kristen Thomas (applicant for Shining Light Preschool), Tyler Rosa (agent), and Ted Sorrell (applicant for the billboard). No opposition was expressed.
• Regular item (Temporary Sign Permits): No public speakers were present. One email in opposition had been received prior to the meeting.

Discussion Items

• PLN-TXT-2024-015 – Temporary Sign Permits: The proposed ordinance amends Section 14‑704 of the Zoning Code to eliminate the permit requirement for temporary signs on non‑residential property. Key discussion points:
  • Staff stated the amendment creates consistency across districts and removes a “time‑consuming and costly” process.
  • Development & Permits Director Jay Tate reported an average of only 14 permits per year over the past five years, while thousands of temporary signs are placed without permits. He argued the permit system provides little enforcement benefit because most violations are citizen‑reported and enforcement resources are limited.
  • Commissioners questioned the impact on enforcement, sign density limits (one per 100 linear feet), and the 90‑day time limit for temporary signs. Tate clarified the ordinance does not change sign density or duration rules; the permit removal only affects the application process.
  • Commissioner Hackworth brought up the city’s “sign sweeper” volunteer program (which removed nearly 6,000 signs in the past year) and noted that most enforcement is triggered by complaints, not permits.
  • Commissioner Steiner asked about differentiating commercial from political signs; Assistant City Attorney Benjamin Titter explained that after Reed v. Town of Gilbert, content‑based regulation is unconstitutional, so no distinction can be made.
  • Commissioners expressed concern that eliminating permits may weaken the ability to track sign placement duration, but acknowledged the practical inefficiency of the current permit system.
• Comprehensive Plan Update (Pre‑Meeting presentation): Planning Director Jimmy McNamara and staff presented:
  • Character district exhibits (mid‑scale neighborhood, urban mixed‑use, rural) are nearing completion.
  • Greenbrier Area Plan: Community meeting scheduled for March 24, 2025 (6–8 PM at Greenbrier Middle School); public comment period March 12 – April 9; tentative planning commission work session March 26, 2025; public hearing anticipated May 2025, City Council July 2025.
  • Deep Creek Area Plan: Guiding principles established (preservation, accessibility, connectivity, community empowerment, balanced responsible progress). Additional community engagement in spring 2025; draft plan expected summer 2025.
  • Indian River Design Guidelines: Initiating resolution adopted February 11, 2025; public hearing set for March 2025.
  • A new staff member, Garrick Hannigan (Planner III), was introduced.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All three agenda items (PLN-USE-2024-048, PLN-USE-2024-039, PLN-TXT-2024-015) were approved by 9‑0 votes.
• Cancellation: The February 26, 2025, Public Hearing meeting was canceled by unanimous consent due to no pending business.
• Next Steps: The temporary sign text amendment will proceed to City Council for final action. The planning commission will hold a work session on March 26, 2025, to review the Greenbrier Area Plan draft.
• Adjournment: The meeting ended at 7:20 PM.