Planning Commission recommends special exception for two-story home on nonconforming lot, 5-2

The Newport News Planning Commission on Jan. 15 recommended approval, by a 5-2 vote, of Special Exception SE2024-0006 to permit construction of a two-story single-family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot at 6065 Scufflefield Road.

Staff presenter (recorded as Ms. Zarka) told the commission the subject parcel is approximately 0.2 acres and has less than 50 feet of frontage; all surrounding parcels are zoned R-3 (single-family). Staff cited the zoning ordinance provisions that allow the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant a special exception for lots of record with frontage under 50 feet when specified criteria are met. Staff explained the proposed dwelling would be two stories, use vinyl siding and stone veneer accents, include narrow vertical windows and a recessed two-car garage, and that the front-yard setback proposed is 30 feet while side-yard setbacks meet the 5-foot minimum.

Staff recommended the commission forward the matter to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with 10 conditions. Conditions described in the staff report include submission of a water-quality assessment with field verification of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area boundaries to the Department of Engineering before a land-disturbance permit is issued, a 10-foot buffer between the structure and resource-protection area, and a land-disturbance permit requirement prior to issuance of a building permit.

Commissioners asked whether the recessed-garage requirement was met given elevation drawings that emphasize the garage facade; staff said that, while the flat elevation shows the garage prominently, the three-dimensional design shows the second floor is recessed over a supporting column and the garage meets the recessed requirement. Commissioners also confirmed the lot was an original platted parcel predating the Chesapeake Bay Act and thus considered a lot of record.

No members of the public spoke on the item. Chair Michael Taylor called for the motion to approve the special exception with staff-recommended conditions; the motion passed on roll call, 5 in favor, 2 opposed. The commission recorded the motion as approved and noted the matter will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 18, 2025.

The commission—s recommendation is advisory to the BZA, which will make the final decision on the special exception and any conditions attached to approval.