Planning commission forwards three infill special exceptions to Board of Zoning Appeals

The Newport News City Planning Commission on May 21 voted unanimously to recommend three special exceptions to the Board of Zoning Appeals allowing two‑story single‑family detached dwellings on nonconforming lots that have less than 50 feet of frontage.

Staff presentations (planner Eli Zarkar) explained these are standard requests under the zoning ordinance provision that permits single‑family infill on nonconforming lots when the proposed dwellings meet size, setback and design criteria. For each parcel staff said the proposed homes would be two stories, include a covered front porch, meet minimum side yard setbacks (shown in the submittal as 5–6.3 feet depending on the lot), provide an attached one‑car garage recessed 18 feet from the front, and use prevailing materials with a brick veneer base for the first‑floor facade and brick steps. Staff recommended conditions that require submission of building elevations and exterior materials for review and Director of Planning approval prior to building permits.

SE2025Tech0007 (1243‑20 Sixth Street): Applicants Abadon Ojaguere and James Anthony Chester requested a special exception for a 0.086‑acre parcel. Applicant James Anthony Chester confirmed proposed exterior materials would include a brick front veneer and vinyl siding. The commission voted 9–0 to recommend the request to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the BZA hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025.

SE2025Tech0008 (1129‑20 Fifth Street): Similar proposal on a 0.086‑acre lot; staff noted one condition in the staff report initially listed as number 10 was removed and the final packet includes nine conditions. Commissioners discussed the block‑average front setback calculations and staff said the applicant must resubmit a corrected plot plan prior to building permit review. The commission recommended the item to the BZA (9–0).

SE2025Tech0009 (1116‑30 Second Street): Planner noted the proposed side yard setbacks of 6.3 feet and reiterated the requirement for a corrected plot plan, brick veneer skirt and front steps of brick. During public comment resident Bonita Brown (1114‑30 Second Street) expressed concerns that a house sited close to her property would reduce privacy and increase noise. Applicant representative Steven Hardy said the developer is open to design choices and higher‑grade siding to address neighbor concerns; commissioners encouraged matching block character and suggested features such as shutters. The commission voted 9–0 to recommend approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the BZA hearing was set for June 17, 2025.

All three recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeals were unanimous; required conditions include Director of Planning review and approval of elevations and exterior materials and corrected site/plot plans before permits are issued. Several commissioners noted the city’s strategic housing planning effort will consider neighborhood questions about infill patterns and materials.