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Planning commission approves zoning text amendments for EV charging, artisanal production and tattoo parlors with performance standards
Summary
The commission voted to recommend approval of a package of zoning text amendments to allow electric vehicle charging stations, artisanal production and tattoo parlors by right in specified districts and to add performance standards for EV chargers and artisanal production; an attempt to separate tattoo parlors for later study failed.
The Norfolk Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a zoning text amendment that would (1) allow electric vehicle charging stations in more districts and as an accessory use with siting standards, (2) expand where artisanal production is allowed and (3) allow tattoo parlors by right in specified commercial and light industrial districts.
Why it matters: The ordinance language change would remove a conditional‑use requirement in certain districts and attach performance standards the city says are intended to address safety, access and compatibility concerns. Staff presented the measures as a package and commissioners debated whether tattoo parlors should be separated for additional outreach before a vote.
Key provisions presented by staff include the following: - Tattoo parlor: defined in the amendment as establishments engaged in placing marks on or under the skin. Staff proposed allowing tattoo parlors by right in Community Commercial, Regional Commercial, Light Industrial and in the 20th Street, Collier Avenue and Riverview Pedestrian Commercial Overlay (PCO) districts. The Downtown Norfolk Civic League registered opposition during the staff outreach noted in the record. - Electric vehicle (EV) charging: staff proposed allowing principal EV charging stations by right in Community Commercial, Regional Commercial, Light Industrial, General Industrial, Institutional Campus, Airport and Monarch Way districts, with performance standards that require charging stations to be at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines and the public right of way and at least 30 feet from the nearest fire hydrant. The staff proposal also defines an accessory EV‑charging use allowed by right in specified districts and limits accessory chargers to a maximum of 35% of required parking spaces for the principal use. - Artisanal production: staff recommended allowing on‑site hand fabrication and small‑scale production by right in additional commercial overlays and limiting the use to 15,000 square feet with at least 15% of gross floor area devoted to sales.
The commission considered a motion to remove the tattoo‑parlor language from the package and take it up at a later date; that motion did not carry. The commission then voted to recommend approval of the complete text amendment package with a roll‑call vote; the final recorded vote on the package included one dissenting vote.
The planning commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for its consideration and any ordinance amendment would become effective only after council action and the city clerk’s posting requirements are satisfied.
