Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - September 16, 2021

The Hampton Planning Commission held its regular meeting on September 16, 2021, beginning at approximately 6:30 PM ET. The meeting included the annual election of officers, approval of previous minutes, and three public hearing items: a rezoning request, a deferral for a use permit, and a citywide zoning ordinance amendment concerning multifamily dwellings. All actions were by roll call votes. No members of the public spoke during the public hearings.

Election of Officers

• Ruth Ann Kellum was nominated and elected as Chair of the Planning Commission by a unanimous vote (7-0).
• Michael Harper was nominated and elected as Vice Chair by a vote of 6-0-1 (one abstention).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 19, 2021 meeting were approved by a unanimous vote (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak on any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning Application 21-00005 (HRCN LLC): A request to rezone approximately 3.26 acres at the northeast corner of Commander Shepherd Boulevard and North Campus Parkway from Hampton Road Center 2 (HRC2) to Limited Commercial (C2) district, with 11 proffer conditions, to allow a commercial retail center with up to five buildings totaling over 30,000 square feet. Staff noted the change would allow more flexible development standards appropriate for an urban character, including reduced setbacks and enhanced pedestrian connectivity, consistent with the Hampton Road Center North Master Plan. The applicant's attorney presented the proposal. Commissioner Garrison expressed support, noting the difficulty of developing the parcel under current standards and potential demand from nearby NASA employees. The Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval.

• Use Permit 21-00012 (Christopher W. Wilgus): A request to operate an animal daycare at 2409 and 2411 Kikatan Road. The applicant requested a deferral to allow additional time to work with city staff. The Commission unanimously (7-0) approved deferral to the October 21, 2021 meeting.

• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-0003 (City of Hampton): A city-initiated amendment to Section 3-2 (Table of Uses) and Section 3-3 (Additional Standards) to modify where and how multifamily dwellings and upper-floor dwelling units are permitted. Key changes: require a use permit for multifamily in previously by-right districts (MD2-MD4, RT1, and limited commercial C2) except downtown, Phoebus, and Buckrow special districts where by-right continues with new design standards; allow upper-floor dwelling units by right in Buckrow and Fort Monroe with standards; and include a technical cleanup for restaurant/microbrewery uses. Staff noted the amendment had been deferred by City Council to allow work with Coliseum Central Business Improvement District, but that parallel effort continues. After presentation, the Commission unanimously (7-0) voted to recommend approval.

Community Development Director's Report

• Youth Planner Presentation: Senior Youth Planner Jericho Nisley and newly hired Junior Youth Planner Kira (Hampton High School) reported on the Hampton Youth Commission's recent activities, including a three-day retreat in August to develop the work plan, election of youth officers, and formation of three committees (Grants, Youth Voice, Community Development). They outlined upcoming events: stakeholder meetings with City Council and School Board; a grants interest meeting on October 4, 2021; and planning a STEAM business fair. The 2020-2021 grant cycle awarded $20,000 to three projects. The Commission thanked the youth planners for their service.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning 21-00005: Recommended approval (7-0) to City Council with 11 proffers.
• Use Permit 21-00012: Deferred to October 21, 2021 meeting (7-0).
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-0003: Recommended approval (7-0) to City Council.
• Meeting Adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM ET.