Planning commission recommends approval of two special exceptions for infill homes in Newport News

The Newport News Planning Commission on March 19 unanimously recommended that the Board of Zoning Appeals approve two special exceptions filed by Ella Homes LLC to build two-story single-family detached homes on nonconforming lots with less than 50 feet of frontage.

The commission recommended approval of SE2025-0004, for a property listed in the staff report as 115420 Fifth Street (approximately 0.10 acre, a 43.75‑foot wide lot), and SE2025-0005, for a property listed as 122320 Sixth Street (approximately 0.086 acre, a 37.5‑foot wide lot). Both proposals call for two‑story houses with covered front porches, siding, rectangular windows and a one-car garage recessed 18 feet from the front of the structure. Staff told commissioners the proposed side yard setbacks are 5.1 feet, meeting the 5‑foot minimum, and that each parcel has been zoned R‑4 (single‑family dwelling) since the citywide comprehensive rezoning that became effective Aug. 1, 1997.

City planner Eli Zarka presented the staff analysis and said the requests meet Section 45-3204(e) of the zoning ordinance, which allows the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant special exceptions to improve a nonconforming lot of record having less than 50 feet of frontage with a single‑family detached dwelling provided listed criteria are met. Zarka said staff recommended approval of SE2025-0004 with ten standard conditions and approval of SE2025-0005 with nine standard conditions; among the conditions are submission of building elevations and exterior materials for review by the director of planning prior to issuance of a building permit, a requirement that the first‑floor front façade and base of each structure have brick veneer, and brick front steps.

Public comment on SE2025-0004 included two speakers who spoke in favor. Humberto Amares, who identified himself as a carpenter and real estate agent, said the project is his personal project and that he is “complying with everything on my blueprints.” Steve Hardy, representing Ella Homes, said the company purchased the parcel at a city auction and introduced himself to neighbors after closing.

Public comment on SE2025-0005 included one resident in opposition. Wayne Hamburg said the fenced lot had appeared to be part of his property when he purchased his home and said he and his family use the yard; he described concerns about close proximity of a new house to his porch, the difficulty of moving large landscaping equipment through the side yard and potential costs to relocate his outdoor heat pump. Hamburg said relocating the heat pump could cost about $8,000, and he said, “to be sitting that close on top of each other, it’s not comfortable.”

Commissioners discussed the balance between neighborhood improvement and residents’ concerns about lot proximity. A commissioner noted prior policy discussions about encouraging homeownership and infill in that area, and another commissioner urged residents to use public meetings and community sessions planned by the applicant to raise questions. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval of both special exceptions; the motions passed unanimously, 9–0. The planning commission’s vote is a recommendation; final consideration will be by the Board of Zoning Appeals at a hearing scheduled for April 2025.

Votes at a glance

- SE2025-0004 (115420 Fifth Street): Recommendation to Board of Zoning Appeals to approve special exception for construction of a two‑story single‑family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot (43.75 ft frontage). Motion to recommend approval carried 9–0. - SE2025-0005 (122320 Sixth Street): Recommendation to Board of Zoning Appeals to approve special exception for construction of a two‑story single‑family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot (37.5 ft frontage). Motion to recommend approval carried 9–0.

What’s next

Both matters are scheduled to be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals in April 2025. Staff said the BZA approval will include the conditions listed in the planning staff reports, including required building elevations and brick treatment on the first‑floor front façade and front steps.