Commission recommends special exception for two-story house at 2810 Roanoke Avenue

The Newport News Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of Special Exception SE2025-0001, allowing construction of a two-story single-family detached residence on a nonconforming lot at 2810 Roanoke Avenue.

City planner Saul Garcia presented the application by NCR Homes and Construction LLC. Garcia said the subject parcel is approximately 0.086 acres with less than 50 feet of frontage and is zoned R-4 (single-family dwelling). He cited Section 45-3204 of the zoning ordinance, which allows the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant a special exception for a single-family dwelling on a nonconforming lot provided specified design and setback criteria are met.

Garcia said the proposed two-story residence will include a covered front porch and an attached one-car garage recessed 18 feet from the front facade. Staff reported a front-yard setback of about 13.4 feet to the covered porch, side-yard setbacks of about 5.1 feet, and a requirement that the first-floor front facade and base of the structure have brick veneer; front steps are to be brick. Staff recommended approval with 10 conditions, including submission of building plans and elevations to the Department of Planning for director review prior to a building permit.

The applicant was present but did not speak. The commission opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public speaking on the item. Chairperson Taylor called for a motion and commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of the recommendation. Garcia said the matter will be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals in March 2025.