Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – September 17, 2026

The Hampton Planning Commission met on September 17, 2026, to consider a rezoning application, a zoning ordinance amendment, hear a youth planner report, and conduct administrative business. Commissioners voted to recommend denial of the rezoning for a 1.94‑acre property on Old Buckrow Road after public testimony raised concerns about flooding, traffic, and tree loss. A separate ordinance amendment on permit revocation procedures was recommended for adoption. The meeting also included a tribute to departing Commissioner Coleman and a scheduling change for the October meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Annual Election of Chair and Vice Chair: A motion to defer the election of chair and vice chair to the regular October session passed with a unanimous vote (7‑0).
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 20, 2026, work session and general meeting were approved unanimously (7‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning 26‑0222 (1772 Old Buckrow Road): Three signed‑up speakers opposed the rezoning:
  • Thomas Johnson (18 Fox Grove Drive) argued that the proposed nine‑unit density would create an unsafe stormwater retention pond, conflict with the FEMA AE‑7 flood zone, and place long‑term maintenance burdens on a nine‑homeowners association.
  • Marshall King (1766 Old Buckrow Road) described existing drainage problems on his property, stating that water from the street passes through his land and that adding more impervious surface would worsen flooding.
  • Marshall Johnson (2 Alexander Drive) detailed historical drainage patterns and warned that additional runoff could back up into homes in the Colonial Acres neighborhood.
  • Three emails opposing the project (from Joy Boarhill, Sally Lewis, and Beth Elliott) were entered into the record.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26‑0247: No public speakers signed up.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning 26‑0222 (Staff Presentation by Senior City Planner James Randolph): The application sought to rezone 1.94 acres from R‑11 (single‑family) to R‑8 (two‑family) to develop one single‑family dwelling and four duplexes (nine total units). The site is in an AE‑7 flood zone. Proffers included architectural styles consistent with the Buckrow community, a six‑foot privacy fence, and a 10‑foot tree‑retention buffer. City Engineer McCord Newsom stated that the proposed stormwater BMP would detain the additional runoff but would not worsen existing flooding conditions. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant (Curtis Cole): Described three years of collaboration with city departments, an August 2026 HOA meeting with 17 attendees, and commitments to maintain the bus stop, establish a HOA for maintenance, and capture all stormwater on site.
• Commission Discussion: Concerns focused on existing flooding, traffic (noting that a traffic impact study is not required below 100 peak‑hour trips, and this project would generate about 90 trips per day), and the limited tree retention possible with the 10‑foot buffer. Staff confirmed that keeping the current zoning would not prevent tree removal or limit impervious surface beyond standard city requirements.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26‑0247 (Presentation by Zoning Administrator Melvion Foljum): The amendment would revise processes for revocation of certain zoning administrator permits, move appeals of short‑term rental revocations to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and impose a one‑year waiting period (increased from six months) for re‑application for substantially the same use on the same land. The amendment also defines “holder” to include related business entities. Staff recommended approval.
• Youth Planner Report (Zariah Meyer): The Hampton Youth Commission participated in the Crabtown Celebration, held an annual retreat focused on committee structure and FOIA training, and continues to promote the Youth Climate Action Fund (open call through late October). Upcoming events include October meetings and community events.
• Matters by the Commission: Chair Rogers and other commissioners thanked Commissioner Coleman, who served from July 14, 2017, through three terms, for her dedicated service. Commissioner Coleman expressed her gratitude and love for Hampton.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning 26‑0222 (Old Buckrow Road): A motion to recommend denial passed 7‑1 (Chair Rogers voted nay). The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26‑0247: A motion to recommend adoption passed unanimously (7‑0).
• Meeting Schedule Change: A motion to move the regular October 15 meeting to October 22 passed 6‑0‑1 (Commissioner Coleman abstained).
• Deferral of Elections: Carried unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes: Carried unanimously.