Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - June 21, 2018

The Hampton Planning Commission met on June 21, 2018, at 8:30 PM. Vice Chair Southall presided due to Chairman Carter's medical reasons. The commission approved minutes, recognized three retiring city officials, and voted on four zoning and comprehensive plan amendments, all of which passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 17, 2018: Approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoning Amendment 18-0003 (Tattoo Parlors in Phoebus): Jeff Sanford, a business and property owner in Phoebus, spoke in opposition. He argued that tattoo parlors were intentionally excluded from the PH1 district during its creation, that numerous tattoo parlors already exist in the region, and that the change could open the door to other undesired uses. He noted that only 27 people voted at the community meeting (64% in favor) and emphasized a need for more retail. Gus Haboush, a property owner, spoke in support, stating the prospective buyer is a veteran police officer with good character. Robin Carpenter, president of the Partnership for New Phoebus, provided context: the partnership supported the amendment after multiple meetings, and three major restaurant owners on the main drag favored the change. He noted that perceptions of tattoo parlors have evolved.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0002 (Flood Zone Small Projects & Definition): Staff (Steve Shapiro) presented the amendment, which addresses a FEMA requirement stemming from a 2015 Community Assistance Visit. FEMA had deemed that even minor projects (e.g., painting, cabinet installation) in the Special Flood Hazard Area required permits. After a multi-year effort involving the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and congressional representatives, the city developed a RAD (Review, Assess, Document) process accepted by FEMA, removing the serious finding. The amendment codifies this process and adds a definition for “regulatory flood protection elevation.” Staff recommended approval. Vice Chair Southall noted that no other locality had received a similar finding. Commissioner Peterson commended staff for their efforts. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0003 (Tattoo Parlors in Phoebus PH1): Staff (Tolu) presented the amendment to allow tattoo parlors as a use-permit use in the PH1 district. The request came from a business owner interested in opening on Mellon Street. A community meeting in May drew 27 attendees; 64% voted in support. The Partnership for New Phoebus also submitted a letter of support. The amendment aligns with the Hampton Community Plan and Phoebus Master Plan, which call for mixed-use, specialty retail and support for small businesses. Discussion included questions from commissioners about the original exclusion (during PH1 creation) and other prohibited uses. Commissioner Coleman expressed support for attracting younger demographics. Commissioner Kellum noted that similar uses (e.g., billiard halls, Turkish baths) are permitted. The public hearing included the two speakers noted above. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0004 (Mobile Food Vendors at Hospitals in Coliseum Central): Staff (Anna) presented the amendment to allow mobile food vendors as an accessory use to hospitals in the Coliseum Central Overlay District, prompted by Sentara Hospital’s request to provide late-night dining options for third-shift employees. The Coliseum Central Business Improvement District submitted a letter of support. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment 18-00001 (Resiliency): Staff (Lucy) presented the amendment to update the Hampton Community Plan to incorporate resiliency goals and policies from the “Living with Water” report endorsed by City Council in January 2018. The amendment adds resiliency as a ninth key element to the city’s vision, updates land use and environmental stewardship sections with information on sea-level rise, flooding, and storm surge, and introduces new policies. Commissioner Garrison praised the proactive approach. Commissioner Kellum noted a formatting inconsistency. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Community Development Director's Report: Youth Planner Janaria Licky presented the monthly report on the Hampton Youth Commission’s activities, including a budget public hearing appearance, a unity event, and work on an end-of-year report to City Council. She announced her graduation and plans to attend the University of Virginia. The commission thanked her and wished her well.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Minutes of May 17, 2018.
• Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing Vanessa ValdeJulie, retiring City Attorney.
• Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing Sharon McSmith, retiring Planning staff member (37 years of service).
• Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing James “Pete” Peterson, retiring Assistant City Manager and Planning Commissioner.
• Approved unanimously: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0002 (flood zone small projects and regulatory flood protection elevation definition).
• Approved unanimously (recommendation to City Council): Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0003 (allowing tattoo parlors in Phoebus PH1 with a use permit).
• Approved unanimously: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0004 (allowing mobile food vendors as accessory use to hospitals in Coliseum Central Overlay District).
• Approved unanimously: Comprehensive Plan Amendment 18-00001 (adopting resiliency goals and policies).
• Information Only: Youth Planner Janaria Licky presented the June youth planning report.