Virginia Beach Planning Commission Public Hearing - October 8, 2025

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 8, 2025, to consider various zoning and planning items. The meeting began with introductions, the pledge, and rules of order. Several items were handled via consent agenda, and others were discussed in detail, including a church's modular classrooms, a residential development, a youth group home, and a car wash.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6 and 8 were withdrawn by motion (10-0): Item 6 (Wave Church community center application) and Item 8 (Elgin Ventura conditional use permit for residential kennel).
• Minutes: Four sets of minutes were approved by consent: September 10, 2025 informal meeting; September 10, 2025 formal hearing; September 17, 2025 comprehensive plan public meeting (with abstentions by Coston, Anderson, Bailer, Cromwell, Hippon); September 18, 2025 comprehensive plan public meeting (with abstentions by Quayar, Coston, Anderson, Hippon, Mouch, Plumley). Minutes of the September 24-25 retreat were deferred. October 2 site visit minutes were approved (with abstentions by Bailer, Cromwell, Quayar, Hippon, Plumley).
• Item 1 (John M. Nichols, change in nonconformity at 1029 Hillview Boulevard): Expansion of existing nonconforming dwelling; staff recommended approval.
• Item 2 (Amanda Linehart, change in nonconformity at 203 75th Street): Addition to legally nonconforming single-family dwelling; staff recommended approval.
• Item 3 (Catholic Diocese of Richmond, modification of conditional use permit for cemetery): Replace cremation gardens with funeral chapel; all 11 conditions acceptable.
• Item 4 (C4FS LLC, modification of conditions for mini-warehouse): Allow internal illumination for building-mounted signage; conditions 6 and 7 ensure compliance with zoning ordinance.
• Item 11 (Small Circle Tattoo, conditional use permit for tattoo parlor): Operate in an existing unit at Chimney Hill shopping center; hours Mon-Sat 11am-8pm by appointment.
• Item 12 (Thessum O and Mikeum Adesso, conditional use permit for short-term rental): At 303 Atlantic Avenue, suite 1002 in Dolphin Run condominiums; property lost grandfather designation due to non-use for 2+ years.
• Item 13 (City of Virginia Beach, ordinance to adopt Parks Needs Assessment into Comprehensive Plan): Long-range plan for parks and open space, prioritizing equity; after 4-year public engagement process.
• The consent agenda was approved by a recorded vote of 10-0, with the noted abstentions on minutes and an abstention on Item 4 by Commissioner Plumley.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kim Mayo (opposition to Item 7 – Brickle LLC): Owns property near the proposed rezoning; expressed concerns about density, parking (30 spaces insufficient), flooding, and traffic. She stated the existing infrastructure is inadequate and criticized recent developments. She spoke as an individual, not on behalf of a civic league.
• Public Testimony on Item 9 – Courtney Ebron (Youth Group Home):
  • Beverly Garris (opposition): Lives six houses down on Rugby Road; worried about property values, resale, traffic, and the applicant's lack of experience. She questioned the security measures and noted the attached nature of the home.
  • Daniel A. Bell (opposition): Resident at 4953 Rugby Road for 10 years; raised concerns about a blind corner, street parking hazards, traffic, and the potential for violent or sexual offenders. He also mentioned federally protected geese in the area.
  • Jean DiLorenzo (opposition): Resident since 2008; stated the area is poorly lit at night and that the proposed use would change neighborhood character. He noted the need for safety and questioned the short 30-day average stay.
  • Rafael Barajas (opposition): Resident at 4993 Rugby Road; primary concern was safety of his children (ages 4 and 15). He cited the applicant's lack of experience as the main reason for opposition and doubted the effectiveness of security measures.
  • Dr. Valroy Williams (support): Owner of the property (5004 Rugby Road) since 1993; described his background as a foster parent and expressed enthusiasm for the group home, citing the structured environment and security features (cameras, motion lights). He noted the need for such facilities in Virginia Beach.
  • Tawanda Bolton (support): Applicant's aunt; stated the applicant's mother has over 20 years’ experience in group home settings and that the family network will provide support (e.g., balanced meals from her catering business).

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – WAVE Church (Modular Classrooms Extension): The applicant requested a continuation of the conditional use permit for modular classrooms used for religious instruction and youth programs. Modulars were erected in 2015 and have been in use for 10 years. Commissioners questioned the long-term plan (a future youth center) and the condition of the trailers. An RV on the property was brought up. A motion to approve with a condition to remove the RV within 30 days was made and seconded. The applicant accepted. Approved by recorded vote 10-0.
• Item 7 – Brickle LLC (Rezoning and Development at Pleasure House Road): The applicant requested approval for 7 residential units in two buildings on a 0.59-acre site zoned R-7.5, seeking A-12 density. Discussion focused on building height (37 feet for flood resilience), parking (30 spaces including guest spaces), stormwater management, and sidewalk improvements (6-foot multi-purpose trail in front of property). Commissioners noted the project fits with infill development goals after zoning was changed from A-24 to A-12. One speaker opposed. Approved 10-0.
• Item 9 – Courtney Ebron (Youth Group Home at 5004 Rugby Road): The applicant sought a conditional use permit for a residential group home for up to 6-8 youth males ages 7-17. Extensive debate occurred over the applicant's lack of professional experience, the small size of the home (1,537 sq. ft., attached duplex), community opposition, and technical issues (applicant is an individual, but the business entity New Horizons LLC would operate the home). The commissioner for District 7 noted the need for community outreach and proposed a 30-day deferral to allow the applicant to engage with neighbors and correct application deficiencies. The applicant agreed. A separate concern was raised about the lease term (3 years) and the conditional use permit running with the property. Motion to defer for 30 days passed 10-0.
• Item 10 – Green Clean Holdings (Car Wash at Great Neck Road): The applicant requested a conditional use permit for a car wash. Discussion included pedestrian safety and coordination with traffic engineering on a stoplight/crossing. Staff recommended approval, but some commissioners noted they were making an exception based on site-specific conditions and the applicant's track record. Approved 10-0.

Key Outcomes

• Items 6 and 8 withdrawn: 10-0 vote to withdraw.
• Consent Agenda approved: 10-0 (with specified abstentions on minutes and Item 4).
• Item 5 (WAVE Church) approved: 10-0, with condition to remove RV within 30 days.
• Item 7 (Brickle LLC) approved: 10-0.
• Item 9 (Courtney Ebron) deferred: 10-0 vote to defer for 30 days for community outreach and application correction.
• Item 10 (Green Clean Holdings) approved: 10-0.