Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – October 17, 2019

The Hampton Planning Commission met on October 17, 2019, at 20:30 UTC. The meeting included a public hearing on a use permit for live entertainment at Guy Fieri's Dive and Taco Joint, a youth planner presentation, and a pre-recorded educational segment on building permits. The commission unanimously recommended approval of the use permit with 12 conditions.

Call to Order & Approval of Minutes

• Chairman Garrison called the meeting to order. Roll call: Dr. Coleman, Miss Callum, Mr. South Hall, Dr. Carter, Mr. Brown, Miss Bonsing, and Chairman Garrison were present.
• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Public Hearing: Use Permit 19-0008 – Live Entertainment at Guy Fieri's Dive and Taco Joint

• Staff Presentation: City Planner Frank Glover presented the request by HPP Western LLC for a live entertainment (Level 2) use permit at 1976 C Power Plant Parkway (Guy Fieri's Dive and Taco Joint). The restaurant already held a Level 1 permit but sought Level 2 because the performance area exceeds 75 square feet and they wish to extend hours beyond Level 1 limits. Proposed activities: bands Thursday–Saturday 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and a DJ on select evenings (e.g., Tuesdays) 9 p.m. to midnight. No dance floor. Music would be piped to an outdoor covered deck via speakers. The property is in the C-2 zoning district, within the Coliseum Central Overlay District and the Power Plant Parkway Initiative area. Staff recommended 12 conditions, including: security personnel at a minimum of one per 75 patrons for the live entertainment area, with at least one security staff posted outside; compliance with the city noise ordinance; no dance floor; consistent seating layout; and adherence to hours of operation. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Presentation: Lisa Murphy, attorney for the applicant, thanked staff and noted that the investment in the space was $1.6 million. She stated that the restaurant currently has over 80 employees and serves 150 guests on a typical weekday and 350 on weekends. She emphasized that the venue is part of a larger entertainment destination with PBR and Guy Fieri's Pizza Parlor, all under the same management and ABC license. She argued that impacts are limited due to the location near Interstate 64 and Bass Pro Lake, with ample parking and similar nearby uses. She consented to the 12 conditions.
• Commissioner Questions: Mr. Brown asked about security enhancements. Antoine Del Carpio, Director of Operations, explained that security is based on capacity, with a minimum of one per 75 patrons, and they increase staffing for special events. They also employ off-duty Hampton police officers (at least two) paid by the establishment. Security is provided by a third-party company under contract. Mr. Brown inquired whether security personnel are DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) certified; Del Carpio did not have that information immediately but said he would follow up. Commissioner Bonsing asked about noise from music piped outdoors; Murphy responded that most patrons would be inside, and the outdoor music would be modest, with no competing bands because all three facilities are under the same management.
• Public Comment: No members of the public signed up to speak.
• Vote: Commissioner Bonsing moved to approve Use Permit 19-0008 with the 12 conditions; the motion was seconded. Roll call: Dr. Coleman – aye, Miss Callum – aye, Mr. South Hall – aye, Dr. Carter – aye, Mr. Brown – aye, Miss Bonsing – aye, Chairman Garrison – aye. The use permit was recommended for approval to City Council unanimously.

Community Development Director's Report

• Director Hayes introduced the monthly Youth Planner presentation. Junior Youth Planner Maya Patterson presented the October Youth Plan Report. She summarized activities in September: four general meetings and two executive meetings; committees worked on a memo to City Council, grants interest meeting preparations, planning for a candidate forum in March, implementing a financial literacy program with Parks and Recreation, and updating the youth master plan using data from Dream Studios. Next steps for November include two committee meetings, two commission meetings, and a second grants interest meeting on November 25.

Round Robin Interview: Building Permits and Development Services

• The meeting concluded with a pre-recorded episode of "Round Robin" hosted by Robin McCormick, featuring Hannah Sabo, head of the Development Services Center. The segment covered the permit process for homeowners and contractors, including: when permits are required (e.g., interior work that moves walls or plumbing, new construction, additions, decks, fences); why permits are needed (state and federal building codes, safety, resale value); permit fees as user fees; the risk of early start penalties; checking contractor licenses via DPOR; the importance of calling the city (311) before starting work; and special considerations for properties in flood zones or the Chesapeake Bay Preservation District (100-foot buffer, requirements for impervious surfaces). Sabo emphasized that the city's goal is to partner with homeowners to ensure safe construction.

Key Outcomes

• Use Permit 19-0008 (live entertainment at Guy Fieri's Dive and Taco Joint) was recommended for approval by the City Council with 12 conditions, on a unanimous vote (7-0).
• The monthly Youth Planner report was presented and received.
• The meeting included an informational segment on building permits, reinforcing the city's commitment to code compliance and safety.