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Planning commission fast‑tracks UDO change to align site‑plan review with new state deadlines (HB 2660); forwards to council
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a text amendment to remove local time limits from the Unified Development Ordinance and rely on updated state code deadlines (House Bill 2660 and Va. Code §§ 15.2‑2259, 15.2‑2260), keeping a table of approval authorities while deleting redundant timing language.
The Suffolk City Planning Commission voted 7–0 to recommend Ordinance Text Amendment OTA2025‑005 to City Council and to fast‑track the change so it can be in place before July 1, when new state deadlines take effect.
Staff explained the General Assembly enacted House Bill 2660, which amends Va. Code §§ 15.2‑2259 and 15.2‑2260 and shortens the maximum number of days localities have to act on plats and site plans and prescribes methods staff must use to identify deficiencies. The proposed local amendment removes hard‑coded time limits from City Unified Development Ordinance section 31‑5‑06 so the UDO references the state code sections instead of duplicating the timing language; the staff presentation emphasized keeping the table that identifies which approval authority handles each application while removing the specific day counts and related notes.
Staff noted the change is not optional if the city is to remain consistent with state law and that the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to City Council the next day for expedited consideration. The commission approved the amendment unanimously; staff said it will be presented to City Council the following day so the city’s UDO aligns with state law effective July 1.
