Title
Infill Housing Plan Book Briefing
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book (“Plan Book”) is to provide the City of Hampton with a framework for encouraging high-quality, context-sensitive residential infill development on substandard lots. The Plan Book is intended to support neighborhood revitalization, expand housing opportunities, and promote compatible design that reflects Hampton’s community character and architectural traditions.
The Plan Book was developed in response to the City’s ongoing interest in addressing vacant and underutilized residential parcels, strengthening established neighborhoods, and providing practical guidance for new housing development on lots that do not meet standard dimensional requirements. The document would include house plans, exterior design options, and floor plans and finishes tailored to Hampton’s character areas, including Downtown, Phoebus, the Greater Wythe area, and, as appropriate, traditional beach and coastal designs for Buckroe. The Plan Book is also intended to simplify the development process for builders while promoting construction that is sustainable, resilient, and responsive to modern housing needs.
Discussion:
The Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book is being prepared by WPA to provide guidance for residential development on substandard infill lots. The Plan Book is intended to support redevelopment of vacant and underutilized parcels, expand housing opportunities, and promote high-quality design that is compatible with Hampton’s established neighborhoods and character areas.
This item represents the consultant’s second update to City Council on the project. The presentation will provide Council with an opportunity to review project progress, receive information on the work completed to date, and offer feedback to help inform preparation of the final document.
Consultant services for the project have already been authorized through an existing City contract. Therefore, no additional funding is being requested as part of this update. Any future costs associated with implementation actions would be considered separately through the City’s normal budget and policy processes.
Alternatives include continuing to review infill development on substandard lots on a case-by-case basis or pursuing future regulatory changes without a design-based guidance document. The proposed Plan Book offers a practical and flexible tool to support compatible infill development and neighborhood reinvestment.
Impact:
The Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book would support redevelopment of vacant and underutilized residential parcels in a manner that is compatible with Hampton’s adopted community plans, area plans, and strategic planning goals, where applicable. The project promotes context-sensitive infill development, neighborhood reinvestment, housing opportunity, and design compatibility within established neighborhoods.
By providing guidance for residential development on substandard lots, the Plan Book would help implement planning objectives related to revitalization of existing communities, compatible design, and efficient use of land and infrastructure. The document is intended to support quality infill development that reflects the character of Hampton’s neighborhoods while advancing broader City goals for reinvestment and sustainable growth.
Recommendation:
Rec
This section should summarize the desired action of Council.
Body
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