Chesapeake planning director says comp plan near final; public hearing set for Jan. 20, 2026

Jimmy McNamara, the city's planning director, gave council an update on the long-range comprehensive plan during the Dec. 9 work session, saying the department is "coming close to the end" of a process that has included two years of outreach, dozens of events, surveys and focus groups. McNamara said staff made largely typographical and consistency edits after the Planning Commission review, added several lakes to maps (including Oak Grove Lake Park and Lake Thrasher), clarified language in overlay policies to use action-oriented verbs, and updated the master transportation plan map to incorporate small-area planning and ensure connectivity.

McNamara noted the Planning Commission recommended the plan unanimously (9-0) on Oct. 8 and staff has prepared a detailed handout showing all changes since that meeting. He told council the next formal step is a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026, and offered to meet with any council members in advance to walk through chapters or specific requests.

Council members and members of the public later used the meeting's public comment period to urge minor additions — including stronger conservation landscaping language and additional detail on transportation changes — and staff indicated willingness to consider those suggestions before the public hearing.

Next steps: staff will provide the public hearing materials and remain available to meet with council members before Jan. 20, 2026.