Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - November 19, 2020

The Hampton Planning Commission met on November 19, 2020, to consider a rezoning application, a zoning ordinance amendment, and receive reports on youth activities, multifamily regulatory changes, and the capital improvement plan. The meeting included public testimony, discussion, and votes on several items.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously elected Ruth Ann Kellum as Vice Chair (7-0).
• The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning 20-00005: Three residents spoke in opposition: Mary Cartwright (1515 West Green Street) cited traffic congestion, safety hazards, and lack of green space; Aggie Dale (retired city employee) argued the area is already saturated with high-density apartments and has flooding issues; Donald Cartwright (nearby resident) stated he was not notified and expressed concerns about traffic, flooding, and safety.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-00025: Larry Townsend, representing the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors, spoke in support, citing benefits to housing stock and affordability.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning 20-00005 (1538 & 1540 West Queen Street): Staff presented the request to rezone 4.28 acres from RM and R13 to MD4 with 12 proffered conditions for a 38-unit apartment development with kayak launch. Applicant Robert Lang described the project as upscale, market-rate apartments (14 one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom) with rents $1,400–$1,800, fitness and business centers, and a private kayak launch on Newmarket Creek. Commissioners questioned flooding risk, traffic impact (staff said no full traffic study needed due to low trip generation), and the kayak launch permitting process. Commissioners expressed concerns about neighborhood notification, flooding, and traffic safety. After public testimony, the commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval to City Council. (Votes: Ayes - Harper, Coleman, Kellum, Bond; Nays - South Hall, Brown, Garrison.)
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-00025 (Green Area Requirements): Staff explained the amendment would set minimum green area percentages for street frontage yards (50% for lots under 0.25 acres, increasing to 75% for lots over 1 acre) and require zoning permits for new impervious surfaces. The amendment does not limit parking on lawns. Commissioners discussed potential conflicts with pending parking regulations, small lots, and property line setbacks. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval.
• Youth Planner Report: Jericho Nisley reported that the Hampton Youth Commission has held six meetings, working on the Youth Master Plan Update (goals: youth active, returning, prepared, respected), grant marketing, and a mental health forum scheduled for December 16. Commissioners thanked the presenter.
• Briefing on Multifamily Regulations Update: Senior Planner Allison Eichley presented proposed phase-one changes to multifamily development regulations, including new standards for downtown, a new residential mixed-use category, and requiring use permits in most districts while allowing by-right in master-planned areas. Stakeholder feedback was mixed. Commissioners discussed the role of use permits, balancing single-family and multifamily, and the need for public input. No vote was taken.
• Capital Improvement Plan Briefing: Jenny Thomas from the budget office provided an overview of the CIP process, funding sources, and alignment with council strategic priorities. Commissioners discussed the planning commission's past role in CIP review and methods for public engagement. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning 20-00005: Recommended approval (4-3) with 12 conditions, forwarded to City Council.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-00025: Recommended approval (7-0), forwarded to City Council.
• Election of Vice Chair: Ruth Ann Kellum elected.
• Minutes approved.
• Next Steps: Staff will incorporate feedback and present a revised multifamily regulation proposal at the December 17 Planning Commission meeting; City Council to consider the zoning amendment and rezoning at future dates.