Title
Resolution of Hampton City Council Initiating Amendments to the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance Concerning Amusement Centers and Physical Recreation Facilities
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this item is to request City Council adoption of an initiating resolution to formally begin the process of amending the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance to update the definitions and additional standards of uses for amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities. This initiating resolution starts the public process for a zoning text amendment related to amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities. On February 11, 2026, City Council passed an initiating resolution to begin work on updating the current definition of coin-operated machine devices within the Zoning Ordinance and to adjust the standards governing these uses, including but not limited to, how many machines may be permitted as an accessory use in certain establishments and zoning districts. This resolution would add amending the definitions and additional standards of uses for amusement centers and physical recreation facilities to this work. City Council has determined that consideration of amendments relating to coin-operated amusement machines, amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities is necessary to promote commercial activity in the City while clarifying which devices qualify and how many devices may be permitted as an accessory use.
The initiating resolution does not adopt the ordinance text amendment itself; instead, it directs Community Development and other appropriate staff to prepare draft text and advance it through the required public hearing process in accordance with applicable law.
Discussion:
The proposed zoning ordinance amendment process is intended to promote commercial activity while providing clearer, more consistent definition of amusement centers and physical recreation facilities.
By improving ordinance clarity and predictability for business owners, staff, and the public, the City can reduce interpretation disputes, support compatible economic activity, and maintain appropriate zoning controls consistent with public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice.
Impact:
Adoption of the initiating resolution is not expected to have a direct fiscal impact because it does not, by itself, change regulatory requirements. Anticipated City costs at this stage are primarily associated with staff time for drafting ordinance text, internal coordination, legal review, required public notice/advertising, and processing the text amendment through Planning Commission and City Council hearings
Recommendation:
Rec
Adopt the initiating resolution directing staff to prepare proposed amendments to the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance to update the definition and standards related to coin-operated amusement machines, including the number of such devices permitted as an accessory use in certain establishments and zoning districts, amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities, along with other reasonably related amendments identified by the Director of Community Development; and to advance the proposed text amendments through the public hearing and review process required by Virginia Code, including Planning Commission recommendation and subsequent City Council consideration.
Body
Resolution of Hampton City Council Initiating Amendments to the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance Concerning Coin-Operated Amusement Machines, Amusement Centers, and Physical Recreation Facilities.
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2026, the Hampton City Council adopted a resolution initiating amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Hampton (the “Ordinance”) to update the definition of devices currently described within the Ordinance as “coin-operated amusement machines” and to modify the number of such devices permitted as an accessory use in certain establishments and within certain districts; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the City may more effectively promote commercial activity in the City by expanding the scope of the amendments described in its February 11, 2026 initiating resolution to include amendment of Ordinance provisions related to amusement centers and physical recreation facilities, as the same are defined in the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that initiation and consideration of an amendment to the Ordinance adopting new definitions and standards for coin-operated amusement machines, amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities is required by the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice, as more particularly described above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY HAMPTON CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:
1. The foregoing recitals are incorporated by reference herein.
2. Pursuant to Virginia Code 15.2-2286(A)(7), Hampton City Council formally initiates proposed amendments to the Hampton Zoning Ordinance, specifically amendments adopting revised definitions and standards for coin-operated amusement devices, amusement centers, and physical recreation facilities, along with other reasonably related amendments identified by the Director of Community Development.
3. The Community Development Department and other appropriate staff are directed to prepare draft text for the proposed amendment and to take all steps necessary and proper to present the amendment for public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council, in accordance with applicable law.