Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - August 11, 2020
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Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - August 11, 2020
The Hampton Planning Commission convened on August 11, 2020 to consider a zoning ordinance amendment and receive briefings on lawn parking and RV parking regulations. The meeting included approval of minutes and a recommendation on the zoning amendment.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from June 25, 2020, unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-00012: Zoning Administrator Hannah Sabo presented a proposal to amend Chapter 12 to restrict expansion of legally nonconforming uses and structures. The amendment would limit commercial nonconforming uses to their current land area, allow residential nonconforming uses to expand within the parcel, and require additions to nonconforming structures to meet current setbacks. Staff recommended approval.
- Commissioner South Hall asked about expanding a nonconforming garage; staff clarified additions must comply with current setbacks.
- Commissioner Bond inquired about outdoor seating for restaurants during COVID-19; staff stated creating new outdoor seating would require compliance with current regulations.
- No public comments. The commission voted to approve (all ayes). Forwarded to city council.
- Community Director's Report - Parking on Residential Lawns: Mike presented a non-action briefing on proposed regulations to restrict parking on front lawns. Goals include improving resilience and neighborhood character while considering cost burdens. Staff proposed requiring a minimum green area percentage (e.g., 50% for smaller lots) and limiting paved surfaces. Parking on lawns would be prohibited except for exceptions (special events, street sweeping, flooding, car washing). Enforcement would be through zoning violations with a 10-day notice; a 6-12 month delay before enforcement would allow outreach. Commissioners expressed concerns: Commissioner South Hall questioned necessity and potential hardship; Commissioner Callum suggested neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach; Commissioner Brown noted the issue originated from neighborhoods.
- Community Director's Report - RV Parking Regulations: Mike presented a non-action briefing to update RV parking rules. The current 28-ft length limit is unenforceable. Staff proposed: repeal current regulations; allow up to two RVs on lots under 5 acres (only one motorhome); motorhomes cannot park in front yards; all RVs must maintain visibility of the house; larger lots (over 5 acres with 100-ft setback) could have up to four RVs (two motorhomes). No size restrictions, no limit on hookup duration. Commissioners discussed visual obstruction concerns; Commissioner South Hall emphasized front-yard setback issues. Staff noted input from focus groups and council. Commissioner Callum asked about storage alternatives; staff acknowledged limited and costly options.
Key Outcomes
- Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-00012 approved unanimously; forwarded to city council.
- No formal action on lawn parking or RV parking; staff will bring back polished versions for a vote on August 20, 2020, and then to council on September 9, 2020.
- Commissioners thanked outgoing Councilman Brown for his service on the commission.
Meeting Transcript
Dr. Coleman. Present. Ms. Kellan. Here. Mr. South Hall. Here. Dr. Carter. Mr. Brown. Present. Mr. Bond. Present. Chairman Garrison. Present. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes from June the 25th? Hearing no, none. Can I have a motion, please? Move to accept the minutes from June 25th. Dr. Coleman. Aye. Ms. Callum. Aye. Mr. South Hall. Aye. Dr. Carter. Mr. Brown. All right. Mr. Bond. All right. Chairman Garrison. Aye. Mr. O'Neill, would you like to read the information about the public hearing? Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. The Planning Commission of the City of Hampton takes pride in being fair and courteous to all parties in attendance to ensure that the affairs of the Commission may be conducted in an orderly manner and to ensure that all persons desiring to address the commission on matters pertinent to it are afforded an opportunity to do so and to permit persons in attendance to observe and hear the proceedings of the commission without distraction and to permit the commission to conduct city business with minimal disruption. The following rules for public hearings and comments are established as follows. Please turn off your cell phone while in the chamber. If you are attending the hearing and desire to speak on an item, please enter your name, address, and item number at the desk in the back of the chambers prior to the call to order. The commission secretary will announce the item number and item title being considered.
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