Planning Commission forwards three special-exception requests for single-family infill to Board of Zoning Appeals

The Newport News Planning Commission on May 21 voted unanimously (9–0) to recommend that three special-exception applications be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Each application seeks permission to construct a two-story single-family dwelling on a nonconforming lot of record with less than 50 feet of frontage, under the special-exception provisions of the city zoning ordinance.

What the requests propose: Staff presentations (by planner Eli) explained that each application seeks relief under Section 45.32.0.4 E.0.2 of the zoning ordinance, which allows the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant a special exception to place a single-family dwelling on a lot with less than 50 feet of frontage if the proposal meets listed criteria (two stories or similar design to adjacent structures, a front-yard setback equal to the block average but not less than 10 feet, side-yard minimums of 5 feet, and an attached or detached garage meeting placement rules). Staff recommended the Planning Commission forward each case to the Board of Zoning Appeals with conditions requiring submission of building elevations and exterior-material approvals to the Director of Planning prior to issuance of a building permit.

Individual items and action taken: - SE2025-0007 (124320 Sixth Street): Planning staff recommended approval and the commission voted to forward the matter to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The motion to recommend approval carried unanimously and the matter is scheduled for the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on June 17, 2025.

- SE2025-0008 (112920 Fifth Street): Staff concluded the proposed two-story dwelling met the zoning criteria with conditions for materials and elevations; the commission moved the recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals by a unanimous vote. The Board of Zoning Appeals hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025.

- SE2025-0009 (111630 Second Street): Staff recommended forwarding the application with nine standard conditions (including requirement for brick veneer skirt and brick front steps, and Director of Planning approval of elevations). During the public hearing on SE2025-0009 one nearby resident, Bonita Brown (111430 Second Street), said she is concerned that placing a house close to her property would reduce privacy and increase noise because she purchased her house for the open space next to it. Applicant representative Steven Hardy responded that the builder will orient the garage and house to reduce impacts, will consider higher-quality siding (Hardie plank) and shutters to match the block, and agreed to follow up with neighbors about concerns. The commission voted unanimously to forward SE2025-0009 to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the BZA hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff noted an increase in infill development on nonconforming lots in older neighborhoods and said those issues will be considered in a forthcoming strategic housing plan for the city. Several commissioners encouraged higher-quality exterior materials and careful orientation of houses to reduce noise and privacy impacts for adjacent residents.

Next steps: All three matters were recorded as unanimous motions to recommend approval (9–0) and will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on June 17, 2025. The Planning Commission’s staff report for each file contains the specific conditions to be applied if the BZA grants the special exceptions.