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Commission votes to forward second narrow‑lot special exception at 1116?30 Second Street to Board of Zoning Appeals
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously forwarded special exception SE2025‑0010, a staff‑recommended approval for a two‑story single‑family dwelling on a sub‑50‑foot lot at the Second Street address given in the packet; commissioners questioned garage placement driven by narrow lot design.
On Aug. 20 the Newport News Planning Commission voted unanimously, 8–0, to forward special exception SE2025‑0010 to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Planner Okiki presented the application by Judea/Jodia Brown (transcript shows variant spellings) to construct a two‑story single‑family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot (reported acreage 0.072 acres) at the address listed in the staff report. Staff recommended forwarding the case to the BZA subject to eight conditions and standard plan‑review requirements.
Okiki described the site context — adjacent single‑family homes, vacant parcels and Messiah Baptist Church to the south — and said the proposal meets the ordinance’s requirements for nonconforming lots: two‑story design, adherence to front‑yard setback averaging (proposed 15.14 feet to the covered porch, meeting the 10‑foot minimum), and side setbacks that meet the minimum. The plan includes a detached one‑car garage in the rear, angled to reduce visibility from the street.
During public comment, attendees asked why the garage was angled and whether other adjacent lots had been combined; the applicant and others said the angle was dictated by the narrow lot geometry and architect design, and that some lots were historically sold as separate parcels rather than being combined. A nearby property owner, who identified himself as Donnieel Payne, said he attended to "check out" the project because he owns property nearby. Commissioners noted that although staff found the proposal met ordinance tests, the lot is narrow and they "would not necessarily recommend developing" similar parcels.
A motion to approve and forward SE2025‑0010 with the staff‑recommended conditions passed 8–0 on roll call. Chairperson Taylor announced this matter will also proceed to the Board of Zoning Appeals for final action.
