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Virginia Beach planning commission defers decision on removing Nimmo Church historic overlay
Summary
The planning commission voted 10–0 on Dec. 10 to defer for 30 days consideration of an ordinance that would remove the historic and cultural district overlay for the Nimmo United Methodist Church and adjacent parcel. Staff and preservation boards had recommended retaining protections; no church representative spoke at the hearing.
The Virginia Beach Planning Commission on Dec. 10 deferred for 30 days a city proposal to remove a historic and cultural zoning overlay that covers the Nimmo United Methodist Church and a neighboring parcel.
Mark Reid, the city’s historic preservation planner, told commissioners the overlay covers about 11 acres at the General Booth Boulevard and Princess Anne Road intersection and includes the Nimmo United Methodist Church, which Reid said was originally constructed in 1791 and has an extensive cemetery and open space. Reid told the commission that removal of the two parcels “would remove the entire district” and warned it “could impact the integrity of the city's preservation program.” He said the Historic Preservation Commission and the Historical Review Board sent letters opposing removal.
Commissioners pressed staff on the documentary record and whether the church itself had sought the change. Several commissioners said they did not feel the commission had a complete factual record: there was no church representative at the hearing, and staff said it did not have a full set of historic materials or a clear statement from the property trustees. Commissioner Cromwell moved to defer the ordinance for 30 days to allow staff to gather additional documentation and to give the church an opportunity to present its position. The motion carried by a recorded vote of 10–0.
Why it matters: The existing overlay subjects alterations and new construction to design review and to the city’s historic protections. Removing the overlay would eliminate those local design-review checks for the parcels in question and — according to preservation boards — could set a precedent for other districts.
What happens next: The matter was continued for 30 days to allow staff to assemble a fuller record and to solicit any direct input from the church or other stakeholders before the commission makes a recommendation to city council.
Reporting note: Quotes and attributions are drawn from remarks in the Dec. 10, 2025 hearing record. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the final decision rests with the Virginia Beach City Council.
