Council approves rezoning of Ivy Park to PUD residential with waivers; applicant adds sound barrier

The governing body voted to rezone the subject properties (RZ2025‑01) from I‑1 Industrial/PUD to PUD residential, approving the third submission of the master development plan (revised through 07/17/2025) and related waivers and public‑facility manual exceptions.

Applicant representative Janelle Cameron (participating remotely) described minor changes since the public hearing — a cleanup to the master plan date and clarifications about overhead utility easements. In response to council questions about buffer and noise mitigation, the applicant committed to a minimum 8‑foot fence along the northern property line adjacent to the city's industrial parcel and to a minimum rating of STC 23 for the wall; staff said STC 23 is the VDOT minimum for highway‑adjacent barriers and that moving the buffer would reduce unit count by approximately four.

Council members debated the adequacy of an STC 23 rating for residential buffering, with one member noting STC 23 is comparable to a hollow‑core interior door and expressing preference for a higher rating if possible. Other members said the proposed wall and revised plan addressed earlier concerns and supported approval. Staff confirmed the buffer reduction resulted in the loss of about four units compared with the earlier plan.

By roll call the rezoning and associated waivers passed with four yes votes, two no votes and one abstention. The governing body approved the master plan as revised and authorized public‑facility manual waivers specified in the motion. Staff will finalize proffers and record the zoning decision.