Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - August 16, 2018

The Hampton Planning Commission met on August 16, 2018, to consider a use permit for a bed and breakfast to host wedding ceremonies, two zoning ordinance amendments related to pharmaceutical processors, and an annual report on commission activities. The commission unanimously approved all action items following public hearings and discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the July 19, 2018 Planning Commission meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Use Permit 18-5 (Magnolia House): No members of the public signed up to speak. The applicant, Joyce Blair, explained that the business only hosts marriage ceremonies (not receptions) and has three guest rooms. She expressed support for the permit, noting the neighborhood's embrace of the business.
• Zoning Amendments 18-5 and 18-6: One speaker, Joe Scarcello (Chief Financial Officer of Rx Native Pharmaceuticals), spoke in favor. He stated that his company hopes to locate a facility in Hampton to serve patients with cannabidiol oil prescriptions and emphasized the need for the zoning changes to allow prompt application for a use permit. He highlighted benefits to local patients, including those at the VA Hospital and Hampton University's Proton Therapy Center.

Discussion Items

• Use Permit 18-5 – Magnolia House (232 South Armistead Avenue): Staff presented the application to allow events (specifically wedding ceremonies) at the existing bed and breakfast. The property is zoned R-11, and the city had previously approved a conditional privilege for a bed and breakfast in 2006; the current permit seeks to add events under a 2018 zoning amendment. Discussion focused on conditions to prevent the use from expanding into a nightclub or dance hall. Commissioners expressed support, praising the business as a community asset. The permit included 13 conditions.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments 18-5 and 18-6: Staff presented two related amendments. Amendment 18-5 adds the state-defined term "pharmaceutical processor" to the zoning ordinance. Amendment 18-6 permits such facilities as a use permit in six zoning districts, subject to a 1,000-foot setback from schools and daycare centers. Commissioners clarified that the facilities would be indoor, vertical operations growing and processing cannabis plants into oil for medical use only, not smoking. The use permit process would allow future site-specific review and conditions. Discussion also touched on supporting competition and minority-owned businesses.
• Annual Report: Staff (Corey and Lucy Stahl) reviewed commission activity from July 2017 to June 2018, including the number and types of cases, ongoing work on downtown zoning, and plans to address parking on lawns and RV parking. Commissioners commended staff performance.
• Hampton Youth Commission Presentation: Youth commissioners reported on their boot camp focusing on listening skills, conflict resolution, and attending a city council meeting. They announced an upcoming retreat (August 28–30).

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Use Permit 18-5 (Magnolia House) with 13 conditions: Passed unanimously (roll call: Dr. Coleman – aye; Ms. Garrison – aye; Ms. Callum – aye; Mr. South Hall – aye; Mr. Brown – aye; Ms. Bunting – aye; Chairman Carter – aye).
• Motion to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-5 (definition of pharmaceutical processor): Passed unanimously.
• Motion to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-6 (permitting pharmaceutical processors with use permit): Passed unanimously.
• No action taken on annual report or Youth Commission presentation; they were informational.