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Planning Commission previewed multiple conditional‑use applications including daycare subdivision, drive‑thru expansion and late‑hour restaurant requests
Summary
Staff previewed multiple land‑use applications—encroachments, conditional rezoning/CUP for a subdivided daycare, a McDonald’s drive‑thru expansion, restaurant alcohol and late‑hour requests, brewery ownership change with live entertainment, and multiple short‑term rental CUPs—none of which were voted on at the meeting.
The Planning Commission heard staff presentations on a cluster of land‑use matters that will return to the commission for formal hearings and votes. Staff previewed the applications, flagged outstanding items and summarized neighborhood engagement.
Items presented (preview only)
- 512 Pembroke Avenue (Ghent Historic District): staff described an encroachment application to install two narrow bands of pavers in the parkway verge; the Architectural Review Board recommended approval 9–0; staff noted the applicant must maintain the verge and carry insurance naming the city as additional insured.
- 3211 Lafayette Boulevard: an encroachment for an existing pole sign that became city property after a right‑of‑way dedication; ARB recommended approval 9–0.
- 117 East Princess Anne Road (Norfolk Auto Row Historic District): an encroachment for an existing outdoor dining structure tied to a CUP previously granted for the use; ARB recommended approval; staff noted the structure will be revocable and requires maintenance and insurance.
- 5700 block: Proposed conditional rezoning and CUP (same property) — applicant seeks to subdivide a site currently zoned industrial and to rezone a portion to MFNS to allow townhouses while keeping a child daycare on the smaller remainder; staff said daycare is allowed in the I‑N zone by right only if parcel remains larger than one acre, so the daycare parcel will require a CUP after subdivision; staff noted pending proffers that address a drainage plan and landscaping adjustments and asked the applicant to correct signage that is not currently code‑compliant before the formal hearing.
- McDonald’s (East Little Creek at Meadow Creek): the operator requested a CUP to expand the drive‑thru to two lanes and to retain 24‑hour operation; staff said the site is legally nonconforming for its drive‑thru and hours because the restaurant predated current rules; expansion requires a CUP and staff will coordinate with traffic reviewers on outbound circulation concerns raised by commissioners.
- Mama’s Kitchen (1872 East Little Creek): applicant requested a CUP to allow on‑premise alcohol sales at a relocating restaurant; staff said the operator previously sold alcohol at a different site and would need a CUP at the new location; the site requires some minor site improvements and staff said the civic league does not oppose the request.
- Which Wich (155 Granby Street): operator requested extended late hours in downtown (open to 3 a.m. previously in other districts); staff noted downtown rules require a CUP for after‑midnight operation and said the applicant proposes hours to 3 a.m., capacity is small (27) and the ARB review will cover storefront signage.
- Riff Raff Brewing (114 E. 20th Street): change of ownership and a CUP to continue onsite brewing with live entertainment — staff said the application reduces late‑night hours compared with a prior permit and that doors that open to the street will be required to close by 9 p.m. under the draft condition.
- Short‑term rental renewals and new CUPs: staff previewed several short‑term rental CUPs in residential neighborhoods (examples at Thompson Road, 30th/ Killam, West Ocean View Avenue, Woosley Street, and others). Staff summarized neighborhood analyses (percent of nearby parcels that are single‑family and percent that would become STRs if approved) and said some civic leagues expressed support or had no opposition.
Process and next steps
Staff repeatedly reminded the commission that these were previews; most items require additional materials (for example updated site plans, removal of noncompliant signage, or traffic analysis) before formal hearings. Several commissioners asked staff to request more detailed traffic analyses for the McDonald’s drive‑thru expansion and to confirm access and queuing arrangements.
What was not decided
No final approvals or votes were taken on these items at this meeting; staff will bring finalized applications, reports and public hearing notices at subsequent Planning Commission sessions.
Ending
Staff asked commissioners to refer issues and follow‑up questions to the project planners; the items will appear on future agendas with hearing materials and recommended conditions.
