Williamsburg Planning Commission tables text-amendment and special-use permit after parking concerns

The Williamsburg Planning Commission on Feb. 26 tabled two related items — a proposed text amendment to allow “private educational facilities” in the B-2 zoning district (PCR 24-036) and a special-use permit for 515 York Street for Bender Conservatory (PCR 24-037) — after staff said the site lacks guaranteed parking and the applicant has not provided a City Attorney–approved parking agreement.

The Commission’s action followed a staff presentation and a discussion that focused on parking capacity, the revocability of off-site parking agreements, and building occupancy limits under the Virginia Statewide Building Code. Ms. Griffin, the planning staff presenter, recommended approving the text amendment as a change to the zoning map/ordinance but recommended denying the special-use permit for 515 York Street because the site did not meet criterion 6 for special-use permits: the proposed use could discourage appropriate development of adjacent properties due to inadequate parking.

Staff told commissioners the building at 515 York Street…