Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - March 21, 2019

The Hampton Planning Commission met on March 21, 2019, at 20:30 UTC to consider a public utility pump station request, a live entertainment use permit, and four zoning ordinance amendments related to the infill housing overlay district. The meeting included public comments, a youth planner report, and several unanimous votes, with one split decision.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the February meeting were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Planning Commission Action 19-00001 (HRSD Pump Station at 302 South Willard Ave): Dr. Lisa Marie Samaha, owner of 224 South Willard Ave, expressed opposition. She stated she only learned of the project two days prior via a postcard and questioned why HRSD did not use vacant property on National Avenue instead. She also raised concerns about flooding at the flat 302 site and noted that HRSD had previously contacted her about selling her property, but she wondered why alternatives such as the existing pump station site or vacant lots were not pursued. Beth Wyatt, owner of 313 South Willard Ave, also opposed, citing existing odor and noise problems at the current pump station, potential property value decline, and the availability of vacant lots nearby. Deborah Viviani of Fort Monroe asked about the top alternatives considered.
• Use Permit 19-00002: No public speakers signed up or spoke.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments: No public speakers signed up or spoke.

Discussion Items

• Planning Commission Action 19-00001 (HRSD Pump Station): Staff presented the request to build a new pump station at 302 South Willard Ave in the Phoebus neighborhood, replacing the existing station at 219 National Ave. The project would support current and future development and includes a two-stage odor control system, enclosed equipment, and design matching R13 residential district requirements. Applicant Ted Honepin (HRSD General Manager) explained that the location is dictated by gravity sewer lines and that the new station is sized for 40-year growth projections and wet weather capacity. He noted that HRSD had met with the Phoebus Partnership twice and planned a community meeting, which was delayed due to a member’s illness. Multiple commissioners expressed concern that neighbors were not adequately notified and that no letter from the community group was provided. Commissioner Garrison and Chairman Carter opposed the motion to approve, citing insufficient public input.
• Use Permit 19-00002 (Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina): Staff recommended approval for live entertainment (with a mariachi band planned for Cinco de Mayo) subject to 12 conditions, including specific hours Sunday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–midnight, and Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., and a security plan. The applicant confirmed the request was for live music, not a club. The commission unanimously approved with the 12 conditions.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments (19-00001, 19-00002, 19-00004, 19-00003): These amendments addressed the infill housing overlay district. Proposed changes included: increasing the maximum height from 25 to 35 feet (still limited to two stories), creating a “facade zone” instead of a strict build-to line, reducing the off-street parking requirement from two spaces to one for lots under 50 feet (previously under 40 feet), updating the definition of facade zone, and codifying rules allowing first-floor stairs to encroach into all setbacks and second-floor stairs into rear yards, always keeping a minimum of 3 feet from property lines. Staff explained the changes resolved conflicting regulations and created design flexibility for smaller lots. Each amendment was considered separately and all passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Planning Commission Action 19-00001 (pump station) by a 5–2 vote, with Commissioners Garrison and Carter voting no due to inadequate public input. This action is final and does not require City Council approval.
• Approved Use Permit 19-00002 unanimously, subject to 12 conditions.
• Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendments 19-00001, 19-00002, 19-00003, and 19-00004 each unanimously.
• The meeting also included the March youth planner report presented by Simone, detailing upcoming grant program reinstatement efforts and a joint city council meeting; the commission praised the youth commission’s work.