Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – December 16, 2021

The Planning Commission for the City of Hampton met on December 16, 2021, to approve minutes, conduct a public hearing for a use permit, consider three related zoning ordinance amendments, and receive reports from the Youth Planner and the Community Development Director. All actions were recommendations to City Council.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of November 18, 2021: Approved with a 5–0–1 vote (Commissioner Garrison abstained, stating she had not reviewed the minutes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Use Permit 21‑00021: Edwin Boone, a member of the applicant’s organization, spoke in support of the permit for a private club/lodge at 1025 North King Street, describing the group’s positive impact and upcoming toy giveaway.
• No other public speakers signed up for this item or for the subsequent zoning ordinance amendments.

Discussion Items

• Use Permit 21‑00021 – Private Club/Lodge at 1025 North King Street: Applicant Terry Riddick explained the move from a previous location at 20 West Mercury Boulevard because the roof had collapsed. The new space is smaller but has more parking. Commissioner Carroll noted the previous location was unsafe due to pedestrians in the street and expressed support for the safer new site. Staff recommended approval with 12 conditions. The motion to approve passed unanimously (6‑0).
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments 21‑00015, 21‑00019, and 21‑00020 – Animal Regulations: Senior Planner Alison Jacura presented three related amendments aimed at clarifying and coordinating city code and zoning ordinance provisions for animal-related uses. Key provisions included:
  • Adding a definition of "companion animal" (copied from state code).
  • Regulating accessory structures for companion animals (e.g., dog houses up to 25 sq. ft. without a permit; larger structures require a 15‑ft. setback and notification to HART).
  • Codifying a 15‑ft. setback for chicken coops/avian structures and a 60‑ft. setback for horse/equine structures, with lot‑size requirements.
  • Clarifying setbacks for primary animal uses (e.g., horse riding schools, farms).
  • No changes to where uses are permitted; only reorganizing and updating standards. No public testimony was offered. The commission voted to approve each amendment separately, all by unanimous 6‑0 votes.
• Youth Planner Presentation: Kira Reed reported on the Youth Planner committees:
  • CPC Committee: Working to reschedule a job fair to be held in schools rather than the Coliseum.
  • Grants Committee: Awarded six grants totaling approximately $14,640 to local youth organizations (Hampton High School Positive Image Club, Phoebus High School National Honor Society, Alternative World Changers Youth Leadership, Distinctive Youth Foundation, Hampton Roads Refugee Relief/Peninsula Islamic Community Center, and Autopin Edutainment).
  • Youth Voice Committee: Preparing a presentation for the Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference (April 11–12, 2022) and scheduling a meeting with the School Board.
• Director’s Report: Community Development Director announced that the next phase of the Community Plan update will begin after the holidays with a kickoff event in late January featuring a guest speaker, followed by a "traveling roadshow" to engage community groups. Commissioners were invited to suggest civic organizations or nonprofits for outreach.

Key Outcomes

• Use Permit 21‑00021: Approved (6‑0) with 12 conditions; will appear on the January 12, 2022 City Council agenda.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments 21‑00015, 21‑00019, and 21‑00020: Each approved unanimously (6‑0); will be forwarded to City Council.
• Next Steps: Community Plan outreach events to be scheduled; Youth Planner grants to be implemented; the use permit and zoning amendments to be considered by City Council in January.