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Planning commission backs narrow‑lot split at West 40th with conditions to preserve trees and parking
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit to develop a 25‑foot narrow lot at 1265/1267 West 40th Street subject to narrow‑lot design standards, a requirement to preserve identified large‑caliper oaks if feasible, and widening the existing driveway to provide two off‑street parking spaces.
The City of Norfolk Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit allowing LHP Holdings LLC to split a zoning lot and develop a 25‑foot wide narrow lot at 1265 and 1267 West 40th Street in the Lambert's Point neighborhood, subject to conditions intended to address parking and tree preservation.
Staff explained the request under the recently adopted narrow‑lot provisions (section 6.4.0.3) and noted the new lot would be nonconforming by size (proposed 25 feet wide, ~2,500 sq ft) but could qualify under narrow‑lot standards. Required conditions recommended to be forwarded to City Council include development according to the conceptual site plan, compliance with Section 4.3 performance standards and Section 6.4.0.3 form and design standards, widening the driveway for 1265 West 40th Street so it can accommodate two off‑street parking spaces, and if feasible preserving existing large‑caliper trees in the rear yard identified in plan attachments.
Applicant Leonard Powell said he had met with the Civic League two days earlier and that neighbors had approved the revised plan; he described design changes including adding a full front porch and moving the house back to align with neighborhood setbacks. Powell also acknowledged that a large front tree "is gonna have to go," but said interior and rear trees could be preserved.
Commissioners probed the feasibility of preserving two large oaks (a 32‑inch and a 30‑inch specimen shown in the plan) given proposed parking under their drip lines. Staff said the condition will instruct that the trees be preserved “if feasible” and that arboricultural review would occur during permitting.
The commission read the conditions into the record and voted to recommend approval; the recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for final action.
