Planning Commission backs special exception for two-story home on nonconforming Newport News lot

The Newport News Planning Commission on an unanimo us vote recommended approval of Special Exception SE2025‑12, a request by Yuri’s Investments LLC and owner Steven Hardy to construct a two‑story single‑family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot with less than 50 feet of frontage.

Planner Miss Okiki told commissioners the property, recorded in the transcript as “113820 Eighth Street,” is 0.086 acres and is zoned R‑4 (single‑family dwelling). Staff said the proposal meets the ordinance’s criteria for a nonconforming lot exception and recommended forwarding a approval recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals subject to 10 conditions, including submission of building elevations showing exterior materials and colors for director review and approval, and a property line vacation plat prior to issuance of a building permit.

During the presentation Miss Okiki summarized applicable law and ordinance provisions cited in the record: the Code of Virginia section referenced in the transcript and Zoning Ordinance language (transcript cites Section 45‑3‑204(e)(2)) allowing a special exception to improve nonconforming lots with a single‑family dwelling subject to design and setback criteria.

Applicant Steven Hardy, the sole public speaker, confirmed details about exterior materials during the hearing: he said the porch columns and railings at the front of the house will be PVC, the front door is a "fiberglass composite," and the garage door is metal/aluminum with a wood‑grain finish. He also said the rear decking and railings will be pressure‑treated wood rather than PVC. Planner Okiki noted as a condition that the first‑floor elevation and porch foundation shall be brick.

Commissioners questioned material quality and durability. "We're not building things that will last past 30 years, 40 years," Commissioner Stancio said, urging sensitivity to the Southeast community’s existing material character and longevity. Other commissioners echoed concerns about variability in quality among vinyl/PVC products and asked staff to work with applicants on durable materials and clearer specifications where appropriate.

After discussion Commissioner Jefferson Taylor moved to recommend approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call, 6–0 (Commissioners Michelle, Shook, Stachill, Dias, Black and Taylor voting yes). Chair Taylor announced the Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the case on Oct. 21, 2025.

The commission’s recommendation included the staff conditions noted in the record; the Board of Zoning Appeals will make the final decision and apply or modify those conditions as allowed by law.