Chesapeake Planning Commission Public Hearing – September 10, 2025

The Chesapeake Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a consent agenda with three items approved unanimously and one regular agenda item (Sawyer Property rezoning) that was approved 8-1. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• PLN-USE-2025-016 (Right Start Early Childhood Center) – Approved 9-0 with stipulations: replace chain-link fence with opaque fence around outdoor play area within 6 months; install modified landscaping per preliminary site plan within 6 months; any expansion beyond 70 children requires subsequent City Council approval.
• PLN-USE-2025-028 (Real Street Tattoos) – Approved 9-0 with stipulations: signage must meet Zoning Ordinance; no neon, electronic, or similar signs; window signs cannot exceed 25% of each panel; permit is limited to the applicant.
• PLN-TXT-2025-006 (Subdivision Approval Timelines) – Approved 9-0. This ordinance amends the Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance to reflect statutory changes from the 2025 General Assembly session, including modifications to subdivision approval authority, timelines for action on plats and plans, and measurement standards.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yvette Anderson spoke in support of item 2 (Right Start Early Childhood Center) and was available for questions.
• Claudia Aguera spoke in support of item 3 (Real Street Tattoos) and was available for questions.
• Vic Nichols (1124 Mill Lake Quarter) voiced support for item 3, noting that residents of Greenbrier were in favor. She also spoke in support of item 1 (Sawyer Property), praising the single-family home development but expressing concern about homeowner associations (HOAs) and the cost of road improvements being passed on to homebuyers.
• Markela Moore (Washington Borough) spoke in opposition to item 4 (Subdivision Approval Timelines). She stated that the text amendment, in addition to General Assembly-required changes, also removes the Planning Commission as approval authority and eliminates the requirement for applicant-provided public notification. She argued these changes were not mandated by the General Assembly and should be handled separately.
• Grady Palmer (222 Central Park Avenue, Virginia Beach) spoke in support of item 1 (Sawyer Property) on behalf of the applicant. He highlighted the need for single-family homes, the high architectural standards proffered, a Phase I cultural resources survey, and that the development would add about 20 students to Oscar Smith High School, which has stable enrollment. He noted road improvements planned for the area.
• Melissa Venable spoke in support of item 1 and was available for questions.

Discussion Items

• PLN-REZ-2024-014 (Sawyer Property) – Staff found the rezoning consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (Low Density Residential), incorporates connectivity and smart growth principles, and passes level of service standards. The applicant’s agent, Grady Palmer, presented the proposal for 43 single-family homes on 22 acres of a 72-acre parcel, with proffers including architectural requirements, a Phase I cultural resources survey, and turn lane improvements if not built by the city.
• Commissioner Gilman questioned traffic Level of Service (LOS) data, noting that only 2,700 of 3,700 approved/pending units in the two-mile radius were counted. Staff explained that the LOS policy only counts developments with approved preliminary or construction plans, not rezonings. They acknowledged the difference and noted that resources limited a fourth column. Gilman also asked about the timeline for road improvements, noting that the Centerville/Elbow intersection design is slated for 2027, with construction likely years later. He expressed concern about school capacity (Oscar Smith High School at 110% capacity) and the lack of new schools planned for 11 years.
• Commissioner Malone asked about proffer 6, which requires the applicant to build turn lane improvements if “not built by others.” Staff clarified that “others” means the city; if the city’s phase two widening does not include the turn lane, the applicant will install it.
• Commissioner Hackworth made a motion to approve the Sawyer Property rezoning with the proffers as listed in the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Malone. The motion passed 8-1, with Commissioner Gilman opposed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 2, 3, 4): Approved 9-0.
• Sawyer Property Rezoning (Item 1): Approved 8-1 (Gilman opposed). The conditional zoning allows 43 single-family units on 22 acres at 1917 Elbow Road, with proffers covering architectural standards, limitations on unit count (43 plus existing dwelling), a Phase I cultural resources survey, right-of-way dedication, turn lane improvements, and a non-ingress/egress easement.
• September 24, 2025 Meeting: Canceled by unanimous consent due to no business.
• Next Steps: The Sawyer Property rezoning will be heard by City Council at a future meeting (typically the third or fourth Tuesday of the month). The new Comprehensive Plan update is scheduled for a Planning Commission public hearing on October 8, 2025, with a City Council work session on September 24, 2025.