Planning commission backs special exception for two-story home at 824 31st Street

The Newport News Planning Commission voted 8–0 on Aug. 20 to forward staff’s recommendation that the Board of Zoning Appeals grant special exception SE2025-11, allowing construction of a two-story single-family detached dwelling on a nonconforming lot at 824 31st Street.

Planner Okiki told commissioners the 0.0861-acre property is zoned R-4 and has been subject to the citywide comprehensive rezoning that took effect Aug. 1, 1997. Okiki cited Section 45-3-204(e)(2) of the zoning ordinance, which permits the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant an exception for single-family dwellings on lots with less than 50 feet of frontage when specified criteria are met. Okiki said staff recommends forwarding approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, and stated that the proposed house would be two stories, have a covered front porch and a one-car garage recessed 18 feet.

A commissioner asked about the number of conditions in the staff recommendation; Okiki initially recited the number shown in the report and then confirmed, on the record, that eight conditions apply. Applicant Gershon Bempar answered questions from the commission about exterior materials, confirming that the first floor would be brick and the upper floor would use vinyl siding: “Yes. That’s vinyl siding,” Bempar said.

Commissioners moved to accept the Planning Department recommendation and called the roll. Miss Brown recorded the roll call and the motion passed unanimously, 8–0. Chairperson Taylor said the case will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 16, 2025.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Zoning Appeals will make the final decision on the special exception.

The commission adjourned after administrative reports and committee updates.