Title
Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Hampton, Virginia by Amending Chapter 14, Titled “Reviews by the Planning Commission and City Council", by Adding a New Article III, Titled “Community Meetings"
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
See Discussion.
Discussion:
The Hampton Zoning Ordinance does not currently require applicants to host a community meeting for rezoning and use permit applications. Current practice is to request and encourage applicants to conduct such meetings in most cases. Council members inquired whether and how the city can require applicants to conduct a community meeting, and by formal action on August 13, 2025, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2286(A)(7), initiated this proposed amendment.
The purposes for this amendment are to:
• Give residents and neighborhood organizations an opportunity to engage with applicant regarding the details, potential impacts and benefits of a proposed development.
• Allow applicant and staff to hear community feedback and, potentially, to address concerns before formal public hearings.
• Provide an additional opportunity for Planning Commission and City Council to hear community support or concerns (i.e., through staff summary of community meeting discussion); and to evaluate permissible considerations, including, issues affecting public health, safety, and general welfare; other good zoning practices identified in state code; mitigation of impacts (e.g., to surrounding community, infrastructure, environment); and consistency with comprehensive plan and other adopted policies of the City.
Impact:
See purposes stated above.
Recommendation:
Rec
Recommend Approval of the Ordinance; Advancement to Council for Consideration.
Body
WHEREAS, the public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice so require.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Ch...
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