Virginia Beach City Council Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Virginia Beach City Council met on September 15, 2026, for a formal session that included ceremonial resolutions, a lengthy consent agenda, a highly contested rezoning and variance application for a 251-unit multifamily development, and a short-term rental permit that was deferred. The meeting featured substantial public testimony from both supporters and opponents of the Farmhouse project, with council ultimately approving the rezoning 9-1. A short-term rental conditional use permit at 414 19th Street was deferred 30 days to allow further discussion on a fence to address neighbor concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 10-0, consisting of 10 ordinances and resolutions, including:
  • Acquisition of an agricultural preservation easement (31.98 acres) and issuance of $473,304 in contract obligations.
  • Designation of October 13, 2026 as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (with pink, teal, and green lighting at the Greenwich overpass).
  • Referral to Planning Commission of amendments to reduce the oceanfront short-term rental overlay district.
  • Addition of a code section for National Register of Historic District signs.
  • Acceptance and appropriation of $7 billion from VDOT for street reconstruction.
  • Acceptance of a $500,000 firearm violence intervention grant, a $348,403.57 forestry reimbursement, a $59,498 behavioral health IT grant, and an $18,000 swift water rescue grant.
  • Transfer of $25,000 for a sponsorship agreement for the Black Diamond Weekend event.
  • Several planning items on public hearing, including approval with amendments, a deferral to October 20, and revised conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

Planning Item #2 – BH Farmhouse LLC (1805 Kempsville Road)

• Opposition speakers:
  • Danielle Swartz (Brigadoon resident) expressed defeat, stated she felt the decision was already made, cited a petition with 6,500 signatures opposing the rezoning, questioned whether the project fits the suburban character of West Kempsville, raised concerns about setbacks reduced from 35-20 ft to 15-10 ft, traffic access conflicts, and stormwater/school impacts.
  • Samantha Roklin (President of Charlestown Area Civic League, chair of Kempsville Coalition) criticized the council for lack of transparency and ignoring infrastructure needs (stormwater, schools, traffic), calling the proposed improvements “band-aids” and urging a pause on development.
  • Melanie Fitzgerald (Brandon resident, mother of two) opposed due to lack of playgrounds in her neighborhood, high lead levels in her children’s water, and the loss of green space attached to Brandon.
  • Kim Mayo (WebEx) objected, claiming the development does not comply with tree preservation and Chesapeake Bay requirements, and criticized Councilman Shulman; the mayor ruled some comments off-topic.
• Support speakers:
  • Eddie Hewitt (Back Bay Brewing Company) supported the project, stating the brewery’s relocation made the farmhouse use no longer feasible, and that the alternative would be a shopping center; he noted that similar concerns raised during the brewery rezoning in 2017 did not come true.
  • Shauna Furman (on behalf of the Wood family) emphasized the family’s 100-year stewardship, desire to preserve the farmhouse, and partnership with Bonaventure.
  • Ashley Malinowski (Virginia Apartment Management Association) supported citing a shortage of 67,973 units in Virginia Beach, and the need for housing supply to moderate prices.
  • Patricia O’Brien (CEO, Children’s Health Investment Program) praised Bonaventure’s corporate philanthropy, stating their support is vital for vulnerable children.
  • Ben Flood (Bonaventure developer) highlighted the community engagement that led to design changes (lowered density, more open space, preserved trees, workforce housing, $600,000 traffic signal contribution), and noted the project creates local jobs and tax revenue.

Planning Item #9 – Wave Investment Group LLC (414 19th Street, Unit 104)

• Jill Flood (President, Baltic Village Townhouse POA) opposed the short-term rental, describing daily conflicts with guests who use her community’s private driveway and parking lot, including littering, loitering, and threats; she requested a fence between properties and offered to share costs.

Discussion Items

Farmhouse Rezoning (Item #2)

• Councilman Cash Green (District 7) made a motion to approve, stating he listened to the community and incorporated changes into the proffers; he acknowledged both sides and noted he sought input from Chief Hutch.
• Mayor Dyer spoke in favor, referencing the 2023 council retreat that identified housing as the fourth highest priority after stormwater, public safety, and schools, and described the housing crisis as national, affecting military readiness; he expressed confidence the project would benefit the community.
• Councilman Green’s motion was seconded. After discussion, the vote was 9-1 (only Councilman Remick voted no).

Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Permit (Item #9)

• Staff recommended approval with 20 conditions; Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
• Attorney Eddie Bardon represented the applicant, noted the building is 54 years old, has one short-term unit in an eight-unit building, and parking is on-site.
• Councilman Shulman asked about parking; Bardon confirmed it is acceptable to staff.
• After Jill Flood’s testimony, Councilman Shulman moved to defer for 30 days to explore the feasibility of a fence; the applicant agreed. The motion passed unanimously 10-0, deferring to October 20, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 10-0 as read (with noted amendments and deferrals).
• Resolution commending Virginia Beach Little League Softball Program adopted.
• Resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month and Philfest USA adopted.
• Resolution honoring Dieter Steinhoff and Dr. Petra Snowden adopted.
• Planning Item #2 (BH Farmhouse LLC): Rezoning and variance approved 9-1, allowing a 251-unit multifamily development with 18 workforce housing units (7% of total, reserved for households at or below 100% AMI for 10 years), a $600,000 traffic signal contribution, preserved farmhouse, increased open space, and other proffered conditions.
• Planning Item #9 (Wave Investment Group LLC): Conditional use permit for short-term rental deferred 30 days to October 20, 2026, to discuss a potential fence between properties.
• Appointments to boards approved 10-0: Ryan Turner (student), Eric Camacho, Micah Rivers (Minority Business Council), Tiffany Jenkins (Public Library Board), William Surge (Wetlands Board).