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Council approves rezoning for eight single‑family homes on Commerce/Dunlop with proffers
Summary
City planning staff and the applicant said the proposed R‑2 rezoning will allow construction of eight market‑rate single‑family homes on several Commerce/Dunlop parcels; the Planning Commission recommended approval and council adopted the rezoning with voluntary conditions limiting design repetition and total house count.
PETERSBURG, Va. — The City Council on March 18 approved a rezoning requested by Capital City Homes LLC to allow construction of eight single‑family detached homes on multiple parcels along Commerce Street and North Dunlop Street.
Planning Director Naomi Sayadmock told council the parcels — currently zoned B‑2 General Commercial and M‑1 Light Industrial — were consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan designation for “historic core neighborhood,” which calls for smaller lots, a mix of residential types and infill that fits existing neighborhood scale. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a 6‑0 vote.
Why it matters: The rezoning converts underused commercial/industrial parcels to residential use and is intended to add market‑rate, for‑sale housing in an area near downtown. Planning staff said the proposal includes voluntary proffers to limit the project to eight homes and to vary facades so adjacent houses will not have the same elevation.
Applicant commitments and neighborhood questions The applicant proffered three design models, two‑story houses of about 1,500 square feet, paved parking and a pattern intended to avoid identical facades on adjacent houses. At the public hearing residents and councilors asked whether the houses would be for sale or rental (applicant confirmed they will be for sale at market rates), whether developers will install sidewalks and whether the project could be marketed to city workers to support workforce housing.
Council comment and vote Council members expressed support for the infill, with several noting potential neighborhood synergy and connection to nearby redevelopment. The rezoning passed on a roll call vote; staff will record the proffers and manage permitting and site plan review.
Quote "I fully support it. I'm just glad that you changed it to market rate that you're selling and you're not trying to be a renter," Vice Mayor Hill said during discussion, urging the move toward homeownership in the area.
Next steps: Planning staff will record the proffers and process permits and the developer indicated it will work with staff on sidewalk installation and site design to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
