Virginia Beach Planning Commission Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 9, 2026, to consider a range of land use applications, including short-term rental regulations, mixed-use developments, and conditional use permits. The meeting included a formal session following an informal discussion. The commission deferred several items, approved a consent agenda of nine items, and voted on 11 regular agenda items, with most receiving approval. Key themes included addressing housing needs, balancing development with community concerns, and refining zoning ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the June 2, 2026, informal and formal hearings (11-0, with Commissioner Camp abstaining on item 14).
• Item 11 (Change in Nonconformity): Approved a 2,400-square-foot storage garage at 1330 Creedle Road.
• Item 12 (Conditional Rezoning): Approved rezoning of Pungo Square Shopping Center from B1/AG2 to conditional B2, with proffers limiting uses.
• Item 13 (Conditional Rezoning): Approved rezoning of 21,000 sq ft at Norfolk Avenue and Cyprus Avenue from I1 to conditional RT3 for retail/commercial.
• Item 14 (Child Daycare): Approved a conditional use permit for a 57-child daycare at Memorial Methodist Church, 804 Gammon Road (Commissioner Camp abstained).
• Item 17 (Indoor Recreation): Approved a conditional use permit for a gymnastics/tumbling gym expansion to 10,000 sq ft at 209 First Colonial Road.
• Item 20 (Wildlife Rehabilitation): Approved a home-based wildlife rehabilitation center for small mammals at 4317 Ben Gun Road.
• Item 22 (STR CUP): Approved a short-term rental conditional use permit at 913 Pacific Avenue Unit B.
• Item 23 (STR CUP): Approved a short-term rental conditional use permit at 304 28th Street Unit 209.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Items 6&7 (BH Farmhouse LLC): Seven speakers testified. Supporters included a resident of Lake Christopher, the CEO of CHIP of Southampton Roads, and a military spouse who praised the developer's community engagement and affordable housing component. Opponents, including representatives from the Charlestown Area Civic League and residents of Dillon Drive, raised concerns about traffic congestion, school overcrowding, environmental impact, privacy, and stormwater management. A petition with 6,556 signatures was cited. The developer committed to further traffic studies and potential pedestrian safety improvements.
• Items 9&10 (33rd Street LLC): Four speakers testified. A resident of 33rd 1/2 Street supported the project but requested a pedestrian crosswalk on Pacific Avenue. Another resident of 33rd 1/2 Street emphasized safety concerns at Pacific Avenue crossings. A property owner on 34th Street requested a sidewalk connecting the alley to 34th Street and expressed concerns about pile driving noise and damage. A condo owner reiterated the need for a sidewalk and safe crossing. The developer offered to work on pedestrian access to 33rd Street and participate in cost-sharing for a potential HAWK signal.
• Item 8 (Street Closure): One speaker, Lisa Bertini, opposed the closure of a portion of Holly Road, expressing concern about tree removal and wildlife habitat. The applicant clarified no trees would be removed.

Discussion Items

• Items 1 & 2 (STR Overlay Revision): Deferred for 30 days due to a revised map and ongoing public outreach. The proposed overlay boundary reduction would grandfather existing STRs. The commission discussed the difference between grandfathered and non-conforming uses.
• Item 3 (STR Parking Requirements): Approved an ordinance to prohibit STRs from using city-owned parking garages to meet parking requirements. The amendment applies only to public garages, not lots. Staff reported general support from advisory committees.
• Item 4 (Mini Warehouse – First Floor Storage): Approved an ordinance amendment to clarify that storage units are allowed on the ground floor of mixed-use buildings in B4C districts, provided they are not visible or directly accessible from the exterior. The vote was 8-3, with some commissioners concerned about consistency with the newly adopted comprehensive plan.
• Item 5 (Subdivision Variance): Deferred for 30 days at the applicant's request to continue stakeholder discussions.
• Items 6&7 (BH Farmhouse LLC): Approved a conditional rezoning from B2 to conditional B4 and a subdivision variance for a 251-unit multifamily development at 1805 Kempsville Road. The project includes preservation of a historic farmhouse, 18 affordable units (7% at 100% AMI for 10 years), and site improvements. The developer committed to traffic studies for a potential crosswalk and pedestrian safety. The vote passed (no tally given, but noted as approved).
• Item 8 (Street Closure – Bay Colony Drive): Approved a street closure for a portion of an unimproved lane and Holly Road right-of-way, subject to conditions including a public utility easement. The vote was 11-0.
• Items 9&10 (33rd Street LLC): Approved a street closure of the eastern portion of 33rd 1/2 Street and a modification of conditions to allow a 7-story, 85-foot-tall senior living facility (130 independent living units, 10 affordable) instead of a previously approved 12-story, 158.5-foot building. The developer agreed to work on pedestrian access and cost-sharing for infrastructure improvements. The vote passed (no tally given, but noted as approved).
• Item 15 (Bulk Storage Yard – 232 Jersey Avenue): Approved a conditional use permit for a bulk storage yard with a four-year term, later amended to five years on a substitute motion. The vote was 9-2. The commission debated the length of interim use given the Pembroke SGA redevelopment timeline.
• Item 16 (City View 2 LLC): Approved a conditional use permit for a mini warehouse and office building at 5411-5431 Virginia Beach Boulevard. The building includes 18,525 sq ft of office space (corporate headquarters) and climate-controlled self-storage, with convertible floors. The vote passed (no tally given, but noted as approved).
• Items 18&19 (1036 FP Road LLC): Approved a conditional use permit for a mini warehouse (23,500 sq ft) and a bulk storage yard (side only, not front) at 1036 Ferry Plantation Road. The applicant agreed to remove front storage and add landscaping. The vote passed (no tally given, but noted as approved).
• Item 21 (Sports Center Signage): Approved a major entertainment venue signage package for the Virginia Beach Sports Center, including monument, pylon, and banner signs. The item was originally on consent but pulled for a speaker who left; passed without opposition.

Key Outcomes

• Deferrals: Items 1, 2, 5, site visit minutes (July 2, 2026), and the 2025-2026 annual report were deferred 30 days to the August meeting.
• Consent Agenda: Approved 11-0 (with one abstention).
• Regular Agenda: All 11 items were approved, with item 4 passing 8-3 and item 15 passing 9-2 after a substitute motion. Other votes were unanimous or not recorded with dissent.
• Directives: Staff was directed to work with applicants on pedestrian safety studies, sidewalk connectivity, and tree preservation. The annual report will be updated with additional goals, including housing stock review and tree canopy assessment.
• Next Steps: Approved applications will go to City Council for final decisions. The commission will continue discussions on the STR overlay and zoning ordinance updates.