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City attorney outlines options to require community meetings for rezoning and use permits
Summary
City attorney Courtney Sidner and community development deputy director Stephen Lynch briefed council on options to amend the zoning code to require neighborhood/community meetings for rezoning and special use permits, with possible waivers and notice standards; Norfolk and Charlottesville examples reviewed.
City Attorney Courtney Sidner and interim Deputy Director of Community Development Stephen Lynch presented legal and procedural options for the Hampton City Council to require community meetings for rezoning and special‑use permit applications.
Sidner told council that the city currently encourages community meetings but does not require them in the zoning ordinance and that a requirement would need to be added to the ordinance: “If you were to include a community meeting requirement in the zoning ordinance, it would be part of the application process for these legislative applications,” she said.
Why it matters: Council members said they want clearer, consistent expectations so neighborhood concerns are raised early and applicants can address issues before public hearings. Requiring meetings would likely add time to some applications but councilmembers and staff discussed waiver mechanisms for limited circumstances.
Options presented
- Mandato…
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