The Newport News Planning Commission on Dec. 18, 2024, voted unanimously to recommend approval of special exception SC2024‑0004 to permit construction of a two‑story single‑family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot at 112420 Fifth Street that has less than 50 feet of frontage.

City planning staff presented the application, saying the parcel is about 0.09 acre and sits in an R‑4 single‑family block dominated by two‑story, front‑porch houses. Staff recommended the commission forward the request to the Board of Zoning Appeals with 10 conditions. The presentation said the proposed house would have a 15‑foot front porch setback (meeting the 10‑foot minimum), 5‑foot side yard setbacks, an attached one‑car garage recessed 18 feet from the front, and exterior materials and massing similar to surrounding homes. Staff concluded the proposal “meets all zoning ordinance criteria” for a nonconforming lot.

The commission opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke. After discussion the commission voted 6‑0 to approve the motion recommending the special exception as presented. The item will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 21, 2025.

The transcript and staff presentation cited Section 45‑3204(e)(2) of the Newport News zoning ordinance (the city provision permitting special exceptions for single‑family dwellings on nonconforming lots) as the controlling standard; the commission’s recommendation transmits compliance findings and the listed conditions to the Board of Zoning Appeals for final action.

The commission’s approval sends the application to the Board of Zoning Appeals rather than approving a building permit; one of the staff conditions requires the applicant to submit a property‑line vacation plat for approval prior to issuance of a building permit.