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Planning commission recommends ordinance change to widen road setback map to reserve future right‑of‑way
Summary
The commission voted 7‑0 to forward a zoning text amendment to City Council that updates setback requirements along specified roadways to preserve right‑of‑way for future widening, sidewalks and bicycle facilities.
The Newport News Planning Commission unanimously recommended April 2 that City Council adopt zoning text amendment ZT20250001 to update building setbacks along certain arterial and collector streets to reserve space for future transportation projects.
Planning staff presenter Nioka Hall said the amendment updates Article 28 (section cited in staff packet) to add new roadway segments and increase right‑of‑way widths where future widening, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and lighting are planned. Hall said the update removes a CSX corridor that was previously reserved as a guideway transit project that is no longer feasible and adds segments such as portions of Chestnut Avenue and Denbigh Boulevard to the setback table.
Hall told the commission the regulations committee reviewed and recommended the amendment on March 19 and staff also recommends forwarding the text change to council. Commissioners asked no public speakers appeared on the amendment and the commission moved, seconded and approved forwarding the ordinance amendment by a 7‑0 vote.
The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council; staff said the amendment is intended to keep the zoning text current with planned transportation improvements so future right‑of‑way acquisition and street projects are not constrained by nearby development.
