Council rezones 310 West View Street to R‑8 to allow homeowner addition

Harrisonburg City Council on July 8 voted to rezone 310 West View Street from R‑1 to R‑8 (small‑lot residential) to allow a homeowner to use R‑8’s reduced setback standards for a proposed addition while keeping the parcel limited to a single dwelling.

Adam Fletcher, director of community development, told council the parcel is roughly 3,000 square feet in Old Town along West View and that the applicant seeks the R‑8 setback allowances to add onto the home where R‑1 regulations would not accommodate the desired addition. The applicant proffered a restriction limiting the property to the uses permitted by right in the R‑8 district but expressly allowing no more than one dwelling unit, effectively preserving the existing single‑family occupancy.

Staff and the Planning Commission both recommended approval; the Planning Commission unanimously forwarded a favorable recommendation. Fletcher explained that, while a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals is an alternate path to reduce setbacks, the variance standard is narrow under state law and the R‑8 rezoning has in recent years been a clearer route for homeowners seeking reduced setbacks. The applicant Stacy (Stacy Rose on the call) participated remotely and said she was available to answer questions; no substantive questions remained from staff.

Council voted to approve the rezoning by roll call. Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Al Saddoon, Councilmember Dent and Vice Mayor Fleming voted aye. The motion carried 5-0.