Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – August 17, 2023

The Hampton Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August 17, 2023, in the afternoon. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, deferral of two short-term rental use permit applications, a rezoning application for an outdoor recreational vehicle storage facility, a use permit for a veterinary office, a youth planner report, and public comments on the deferred rentals. The commission also recognized the departure of Commissioner Carol Garrison.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 20, 2023: Approved with one abstention (Commissioner Harris) and all others in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning Application (22-6): Robert Moore (701 Santa Barbara Drive) expressed concerns about flooding, debris accumulation in a tidal ditch, and lack of bathroom facilities at the existing storage site. He urged the commission to consider the negative impacts on his community.
• Short-Term Rental Deferrals (Items A & B): Multiple residents from the Farmington and Baker Farm neighborhoods spoke against the proposed short-term rentals at 28 Castle Haven Road and 100 Baker Farm Drive. Key speakers included Joy Strawn (23 Castle Haven Road), Clarence Johnson (17 Castle Haven Road), Michelle Woods Jones (1 Sudden Place), Frances McCampson (52 Estate Drive), Ruth Cunningham (35 Castle Haven Road), Dr. Edward Lee Makham soon (Farmington), James H. Mixon (12 Manor Hill Court), Les Orgain (Baker Farm), Mark Rodriguez (92 Trestland Trace), and Dr. Adrian E. Cosby (67 Diamond Hill Road). They argued that short-term rentals would degrade neighborhood character, reduce long-term rental housing stock, increase property taxes, violate subdivision covenants, and pose safety risks. Several residents noted that the properties may already be operating illegally. A petition with nearly half the community’s signatures was presented in opposition.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning Application 22-6 (Langley Storage Associates LLC): The proposal seeks to rezone 15.17 acres at 16, 18, and 20 Potter Lane from R9 (one-family residential) and C3 (general commercial) to LFA2 (Langley Flight Approach Mixed Use and Manufacturing District) with conditions. The intended use is outdoor storage of recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, watercraft). Staff presented findings that the project is consistent with the community plan, includes a preserved 100-foot Chesapeake Bay buffer, and that debris removal within the buffer would be harmful. Applicant Craig Allen noted the site’s isolation and the facility’s history as a good neighbor. The public hearing had one speaker (Robert Moore) who raised concerns. Commissioners questioned landscaping and buffer protections. The motion to approve with five proffered conditions passed unanimously (7-0).
• Use Permit Application 23-30 (Veterinary Office at 26 Coliseum Crossing): The applicant, Stephen Hartley (architect for PETCO), proposes converting part of an existing PETCO retail store into a 1,700-square-foot veterinary office offering outpatient services (health exams, vaccines, minor procedures). Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 10am–7pm. No overnight boarding or emergency services; the applicant stated they coordinate with other vets for extended stays. Staff recommended six conditions. No public speakers. Commissioner Garrison noted the regional shortage of veterinary services and supported the proposal. The motion to approve with six conditions passed unanimously (7-0).
• Youth Planner Report: Ayanna Hollis, senior youth planner, reported on the Hampton Youth Commission’s summer activities: annual boot camp (July 24 & 26), retreat (August 7–9), and recruitment of 8 new commissioners (total 25). The first meeting of the 2023–2024 school year is September 18. A new junior planner has been hired. The commission expressed appreciation.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: July 20, 2023 minutes adopted (6-0-1 abstention).
• Short-Term Rental Deferrals: Both items A (28 Castle Haven Road) and B (100 Baker Farm Drive) were deferred to the Planning Commission’s December 14, 2023 meeting, per City Council’s request. No vote was taken on the merits.
• Rezoning Approved: Application 22-6 (Potter Lane) approved with five proffered conditions (7-0).
• Veterinary Office Use Permit Approved: Application 23-30 (Coliseum Crossing) approved with six conditions (7-0).
• Meeting Date Change: The December regular meeting was moved from December 21 to December 14, 2023.
• Commissioner Farewell: Commissioner Carol Garrison will be moving to North Carolina; her colleagues expressed gratitude for her service, particularly on environmental and wetlands issues.