Conditional use permit sought for indoor/outdoor flea market after banquet request withdrawn

City planning staff briefed the Norfolk City Council on a conditional use permit application for an indoor and outdoor flea market at 1200 East Little Creek Road, at the corner of Pythian and East Little Creek. Bobby Tahan, director of city planning, said the operator asked to withdraw a proposed banquet facility and now proposes only an indoor and outdoor flea market with a stated indoor capacity of 42. Staff said the conditional use permit includes a proposed condition prohibiting amplified sound and music outdoors to reduce noise impacts. The applicant met with the South Bay Civic League on Sept. 11; staff attended that meeting. After the presentation the Civic League voted not to support the application, citing concerns about parking and outdoor activity, Tahan said. At the July planning commission hearing, commissioners recommended approval 6–1. Tahan noted that indoor retail is permitted by right on the site, but the specific mix of used goods being proposed could require a conditional use permit. Councilmembers discussed whether the council could limit any approval to indoor-only activity; Tahan said such a condition can be imposed for a conditional use permit and staff will follow up with the applicant as requested. Councilmembers suggested staff and the applicant continue outreach to the Civic League and explore parking and noise mitigation steps before the council takes final action on any permit.