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Planning Department proposes ADU rule changes; Planning Commission backs several CUPs and staff to circulate summary for neighborhoods
Summary
Planning staff presented proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendments, two conditional use permit requests and a signage concern; the Planning Commission recommended approval of the ADU changes and both CUPs and staff will prepare a one‑page summary for civic leagues.
The City Planning Department told the council it has proposed text amendments to Norfolk’s ADU rules and reported Planning Commission recommendations on several conditional use permit requests, while council asked staff to improve neighborhood outreach and to investigate signage and window‑covering rules.
Planning Director Mr. John told the council the commission recommended approval, 6–0, of two proposed text amendments: permitting kennels as an accessory use in a specified pedestrian commercial overlay at the Ghent Business Association’s request, and clarifying/expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules citywide.
On ADUs, the planning presentation said existing size limits (currently 500 square feet or 25% of the residence, whichever is less) would change to a maximum of 800 square feet or 50% of the residence, whichever is less. The proposal would also allow utilities to be either tied to the primary home or separate, default driveway rules to existing driveway regulations, and require that the principal dwelling meet minimum parking standards rather than adding a new dedicated parking space in all cases. The department said properties that cannot meet standards may seek a conditional use permit (CUP) to vary requirements; ADUs would remain permitted in residential zoning districts except multifamily apartment complexes.
Councilmembers asked about outreach and clarity for residents. Councilmember Pistoia requested a one‑page summary for civic leagues and the planning director said staff and urban‑design consultants are preparing that material. Councilmember Johnson and others stressed the need to explain the difference between an ADU and a room addition (ADUs require separate living/kitchen/bath facilities under current code) and how addressing, parking and rental rules would be handled.
The planning update also reported Planning Commission recommendations for two conditional use permits that are on the council’s agenda tonight. Coles’ Coffee LLC seeks a CUP at the transcripted address (226 West 20 Fourth Street) to operate a banquet hall, sell alcohol on premise and add live entertainment; the Planning Commission recommended approval (recorded vote in the record: 6–0) and the recommendation includes a two‑year expiration tied to the entertainment permission. Creatives LLC requested a CUP at 255 Granby Street to operate a banquet hall with live entertainment and alcohol; the applicant proposed hours of 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 9 a.m.–midnight Friday and Sunday with a total capacity of 74; the commission recommended approval, 6–0, also with a two‑year expiration.
Separately, councilmembers raised concerns about bright, neon or LED signage at several commercial storefronts, particularly vape shops, and asked staff to review transparency and window‑covering rules and to report back. Councilmember Stott and others asked planning and neighborhood services to explore changes to window‑transparency standards and potential enforcement options.
Planning staff said they will provide the one‑page summary to neighborhood services for distribution to civic associations to allow time for public review before the council considers the ADU changes.
