[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6541509,"mediaKeyId","3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5","parentId",3409799,"title","Planning commission backs Neighborhood Design District rezoning, asks staff to protect existing M‑1 businesses","audioSeconds",2094,"startMs",1199000,"endMs",3293000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5&start=1199&end=3293","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5/thumbnail_1199000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6541509/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-backs-Neighborhood-Design-District-rezoning-asks-staff-to-protect-existing-M1-businesses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541509-7f5c9704aaad699b5f3c0784b7c61e5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171542&Signature=Kn28bUvDo8LrTivycg9UEkFvt78OT9V9ufs~ALsEtMBBkQ5JdBEmMLfYWgSSLFwZcClQAoTFmW6O8GIb8BRPIKKPFqyM1B500iKAgY-rjXOdOjuu46IqfpTuGLdD3wZiNMpP56fNUVlBkwrk8GzbPo92y6UymdkfyEZ~DpyoLEdkD~qlNm-mP9YbAejjxzfMw0PqmYpXrJDWXu3OR3JQwjxDUaPpHMb8bhDU-NVm3f8KPL9mUnziAQFMrz8jJgk2pSZCwo8Z4AslyuyCKXAb1jFTUUzridW26-FeG90xCvMUn7EOBXHsaLzJa00cc3GMILXIMk~QCPI9vJSzMQegzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winchester","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Winchester City Planning Commission voted to recommend two rezoning ordinances—one covering parcels in the Cedar Valley area and another covering the Cider Hill/North Cameron/Fairmont area—to reclassify those parcels into a Neighborhood Design District (NDD) zoning designation and forwarded both items to city council. Commissioners also accepted a friendly amendment directing staff to amend the NDD text to allow expansion of existing M‑1 uses consistent with what is allowed in the M‑1 zoning district.

Planning staff presented the rezoning as the implementation step following a neighborhood design district committee, a comprehensive plan amendment and prior zoning text changes. The Cedar Valley rezoning affects a block of parcels along Valley Avenue, Cedar Creek Grade and Williams Lane; the other rezoning covers larger industrial and mixed parcels near North Cameron, Braddock and Fairmont Avenue.

Several property owners and business representatives spoke at the public hearings. Tom Willis, counsel for National Fruit Co., told commissioners: “It's been in business in this city since 1913. National Fruit employees, depending on the year, between 152 persons, and so there are dozens of families in this community dependent on this business for their livelihood.” Willis and other business spokespeople expressed concern that the NDD would make their existing industrial uses legally nonconforming and limit future expansion, potentially reducing property value and operational flexibility.

Staff replied that existing, legally established industrial uses would become legally nonconforming but could continue to operate; adaptive reuse is encouraged under the NDD rules and the ordinance provides the planning director discretion to grant waivers to development standards to enable reuse of existing structures. Mr. Reddy (planning staff) summarized that the NDD “doesn't necessarily deal with access management” now and emphasized the planning focus on adaptive reuse and future redevelopment.

Business owners asked whether interior changes or shifts in product (for example, different food processing uses) would trigger new approvals; staff said the use category for food manufacturing would be broad enough to allow changes in manufacturing without automatically requiring a new CUP, while exterior or footprint changes tied to redevelopment would be subject to development standards.

After extended public comment and commissioner discussion, the commission voted to forward the rezoning recommendation to the Planning and Economic Development (PED) Committee and city council, with the added directive that the NDD ordinance language be amended to allow the expansion of existing M‑1 uses as currently permitted in the M‑1 zoning district. The motion passed in a roll call where one commissioner recorded a no vote on the amendment; the rest voted in favor.

Commissioners said they want staff to draft clearer ordinance language before the council review so that incumbent industrial employers understand what redevelopment or expansion will be allowed. Staff indicated it would work with property owners to craft specific text changes and to flag any implications for pending PUDs, such as Fairmont Greens, which had approvals already in the area.

The rezoning items now proceed to the Planning and Economic Development Committee and then to City Council for public hearing and final action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Winchester - Planning Commission - 3:00 PM - May 20 2025 - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of two rezoning ordinances creating Neighborhood Design District (NDD) zoning for several northern Winchester neighborhoods and directed staff to revise the NDD text to preserve expansion rights for existing M‑1 industrial users.","taxTitle","Winchester City, Frederick County, Virginia","taxId",5107,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":46,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6541505,"Planning commission denies 22 West Whitlock alley vacation, approves Hope Drive remnant conveyance to Ward Plaza with conditions",3597,6890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5&start=3293&end=6890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5/thumbnail_3293000.jpg","/articles/6541505/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-denies-22-West-Whitlock-alley-vacation-approves-Hope-Drive-remnant-conveyance-to-Ward-Plaza-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541505-27ef3f535d8f1efa7cedf0b6468f71ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171542&Signature=bzuLfXuZsW5XG26WASI1~KtZAY19T-~vMoQJZvrMF0CiwhS~gSe9QapZI~-dmEw4bSGo9xdPBuzmUdLIAkPboDqlyegO9pthAB2~1uPNWlR9rbkwAcB2kSMJYOyjiYbH48IqUnzfU4Il2oLrk-DHYfmRMcjDEyqAP00Ctc5Olchv5xyykgjBTxGqaWwwEhdMTC9849YDVnQ29MyjLa0MHl25yT4Xr6DZbgdHbEGz6rwVTwJ3HOKhvpQDIJ4QYmcMXNMb7TZ9h1SrVvGVuxFq~YoaXl-PYfvt~YZoygS93osLUAk1EAUz27uDuKI~o201foGDD8XGXXO5hhnoVNvjjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winchester City Planning Commission took opposite actions on two right‑of‑way (ROW) vacation requests. The commission recommended denial of a request to vacate an approximately 89‑foot unbuilt alley segment behind 22 West Whitlock Street (ROW‑25‑206) and recommended approval, with conditions, of a remnant parcel on the north side of Hope Drive (ROW‑25‑1) to be consolidated with the Ward Plaza redevelopment parcel at 330 Hope Drive.

ROW‑25‑206 (22 West Whitlock): The applicant requested vacating and conveying a roughly 1,200‑square‑foot area of an unbuilt alley behind his property; a similar, earlier council approval had lapsed. Applicant testimony said he had cleared and graveled part of the alley and placed temporary fencing and a shed for security; he told commissioners he cleaned the corridor to remove squatting and debris. Adjacent property owners, including the owner/operator of a neighboring parking lot/medical office, submitted written opposition and appeared at the meeting to object. Commissioners expressed concern that the applicant had placed items and signage on a public right‑of‑way before council action and that vacating a public alley used for access and maintenance would set a precedent. The commission voted to recommend denial, citing consistency with good planning practice and the comprehensive plan.

ROW‑25‑1 (Hope Drive): Staff described a narrow remnant strip (approximately 0.22 acres) left when Hope Drive was realigned; the parcel contains existing utility easements that limit buildable area. The remnant adjoins 330 Hope Drive, a parcel planned as part of the Ward Plaza redevelopment. Public services staff and planning staff said the city typically vacates remnant parcels and conveys them to adjacent owners if easements are retained. The commission recommended forwarding ROW‑25‑1 to council for approval with conditions: retention of necessary public utility easements, administrative approval of any minor subdivision/consolidation plat, and a memorandum of understanding that the conveyed area be maintained as public‑accessible green/recreation space (private owner maintenance of landscaping/hardscape allowed) and that the sliver not be used to increase residential density for the PUD.

Both items proceed to City Council, where public hearings are required for vacations; the Hope Drive item will be accompanied by deed restrictions and retained easements as recommended by staff.","The Winchester Planning Commission recommended denial of a request to vacate an unbuilt alley behind 22 West Whitlock Street after nearby property owner opposition and procedural concerns, and recommended approval of a small remnant on Hope Drive to be consolidated with Ward Plaza provided utility easements are retained and an MOU secures public green‑space use.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6541513,"Planning commission forwards 6‑foot front‑yard fence request at 44 Circle Drive to city council",836,303000,1139000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5&start=303&end=1139","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409799-0510eea634147127b4083358f5a794f5/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6541513/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-forwards-6foot-frontyard-fence-request-at-44-Circle-Drive-to-city-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541513-868012a4820aeb78ccfffbd4ccc9ec8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171542&Signature=mIU1Y7tRiA2mou8nz21q1tODAiUUZdGv7~jHvv~LAX6tftGCGTKJt9ETo5v1JsqQXO9MKL4VTsUw5TLeKeqtJM-DeXXFVSkB3k94Gb8tKdsFGSyzUaWEUpUNW2QjmdAivsiCppYAfkNgbAcDfvzTLwmOeN329wQ5fACC1G0MZzBJ0q5p3~TmESMbRkY5E5qVWAwORaYn5bCpDkUyBZre1j-c7VXzZOcCdK6gdW4GCvH189Xm85hWAfe0P0NNQ60-kZGqNGzBG-AaOYzMAtv~DZEkoMO2ctVA9Izb6nNrorckbVv3Bwh9bK3P8FYnGlAjk3nTS4R17jrh6dxbCR088A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winchester City Planning Commission voted to forward CU‑25‑225, a conditional use permit request by Kathleen Marie Tan, to city council with a recommendation of approval to allow a 6‑foot privacy fence in the front yard at 44 Circle Drive.

The request stems from a zoning violation after the fence was installed without a permit. Zoning staff told commissioners that the lot’s continuous frontage is treated as front yard under the Winchester zoning ordinance and that the city’s front‑yard standard allows 4 feet and 25% openness; the applicant seeks an exception for a 6‑foot, solid privacy fence. Planning Director Davis described the lot as “unique” because the front yard wraps around the property and said the CUP process is the only route to keep the existing fence in place rather than remove it.

Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing opposed exceptions to the ordinance on precedent and neighborhood character grounds. David Richmond (Ward 4) told the commission he preferred to keep the neighborhood consistent with the ordinance, saying, “I like to keep this neighborhood according to the ordinances if it's possible.” Several other residents raised similar concerns about allowing a solid six‑foot front fence in a predominantly unfenced area.

An adjacent resident, Deanna Piper, told the commission she was handling her late father’s estate and said she had “no objections” to approving what is already installed. Commissioner Blue noted details discussed in the commission’s work session and told the public the CUP applies only to this property, not the ordinance as a whole; Blue said the family had cited safety concerns, including “a child with developmental delays who keeps wandering off,” as part of the justification for the taller fence.

The motion to forward the CUP to city council carried. The commission attached three conditions: (1) submission and approval of a zoning fence permit; (2) the fence shall not exceed 6 feet in height; and (3) if the fence requires replacement in the future, any fence greater than the by‑right front‑yard allowance would require a new CUP.

Votes were recorded by roll call with all commissioners present voting in favor of forwarding the CUP to council.

The item now goes to Winchester City Council for a public hearing and final decision. If council approves the vacation, the applicant will still need the ministerial zoning fence permit required by condition before the fence is considered fully compliant.

The planning commission packet includes the applicant’s letter describing safety concerns and photos showing the fence installed without a prior zoning permit.","The Winchester City Planning Commission voted to forward a conditional use permit (CU‑25‑225) that would allow a 6‑foot privacy fence in the continuous front yard at 44 Circle Drive, with conditions including submission of a zoning fence permit and a requirement that future replacements exceeding by‑right standards require another CUP.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission backs Neighborhood Design District rezoning, asks staff to protect existing M‑1 businesses

Planning commission denies 22 West Whitlock alley vacation, approves Hope Drive remnant conveyance to Ward Plaza with conditions

Planning commission forwards 6‑foot front‑yard fence request at 44 Circle Drive to city council