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Staff: Winchester has multiple residential projects under way; city growth outpaces much of Virginia
Summary
City planning staff reported seven residential projects under construction, several with permits under review or site work started, and cited UVA Weldon Cooper Center estimates that Winchester City grew 4.2% (about 1,100 people) from 2020–2024, making it one of the faster-growing Virginia cities.
Planning staff provided the commission with an update on the city’s residential development pipeline during the April 15 meeting.
Staff reported seven residential projects currently under construction, including Harrison Plaza Phase 2 (multiple buildings already above grade). Several other projects are progressing: five projects have active site work (grading) but no building construction yet; six projects have approved site plans but have not started site or building work; and nine projects remain in planning stages. Staff said building permits for Winchester Commons (off Lake Boulevard) were withdrawn after more than a year of applicant inactivity.
On population, staff cited the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia as the source for 2024 population estimates used by the state. According to the figures staff presented, Winchester City’s population grew about 4.2% between 2020 and 2024 — an increase of over 1,100 people — and Winchester is among the faster‑growing cities in Virginia. Staff added that the Winchester metropolitan area — which includes Frederick County and nearby counties — is one of the faster‑growing metropolitan areas in the state.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about which pending projects have active site plans and the status of specific proposals such as Winchester Grove; staff said pending approvals indicate active site plans and that Winchester Grove remains under review with potential applicant changes. Staff also confirmed that CUP approvals generally do not automatically expire, though some existing CUPs in the record carry expiration dates; practices vary and staff said one year is a common condition if a development agreement or PD includes time limits.
