Title
Ordinance To Amend And Re-Enact Chapter 1, Article II Of The Zoning Ordinance Of The City Of Hampton, Virginia Entitled, “Regulations Applicable to Many or All Zoning Districts” By Amending Section 1-18 Entitled “Fence and Wall Regulations”
Purpose
Background Statement:
This amendment is in response to additional authority granted localities by House Bill 549 (2020) and Senate Bill 340 (2020), which amended section 15.2-901 of the Code of Virginia. As of July 1st, 2020, the City of Hampton is granted additional powers to regulate overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation.
This amendment is primarily a technical amendment being brought forward as part of adoption of a separate City Code amendment pertaining to enforcement of overgrown vegetation. Changes in this amendment include clarification around hedges that act as a fence, allowing fences in residential setbacks, compliance with vision clearance on corner lots, prohibiting locating a fence in a City easement without approval, and clarification that fences are considered impervious area.
This application is being brought forward in conjunction with a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Item #20-0194) which adds a definition for fence and natural fence and, as part of adoption of a separate City Code amendment pertaining to enforcement of overgrown vegetation, which would remove duplicative zoning regulations. This application is also being brought forward in conjunction with a City Code Amendment (Item #20-0192). By regulating overgrown vegetation through the City Code rather than the Zoning Ordinance, the City has more flexibility in enforcement mechanisms and can act more quickly.
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approve
Planning Commission Recommendation:
Approve
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 Section 1-18 of the Zoning Ordinance of the C...
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