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Newport News council adopts zoning, building and water policy changes and approves $360,000 opioid-abatement appropriation
Summary
Council approved a conditional use permit for a family day care, moved zoning enforcement into Planning via code amendments, strengthened Water Worksdebt-coverage policy, and appropriated $360,000 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority for Operation Stop Newport News; all motions passed unanimously 7-0.
The Newport News City Council on Jan. 13 adopted a set of ordinances and resolutions to update local code and finance policies and approved a $360,000 appropriation to expand opioid-abatement programming.
Council granted a conditional use permit (CUP-2025-0010) to Courtney Solis and Acacia Phillips to operate a family day care for up to 12 children at 192 Colony Road (0.27 acres, Zone R3). Mayor introduced the item and the public hearing drew no speakers; the council closed the hearing and voted to adopt the ordinance. The motion carried 7-0.
The council also approved technical amendments to City Code intended to reflect organizational changes made in fiscal year 2024. City staff recommended and council adopted an ordinance removing zoning enforcement responsibilities from the Department of Codes Compliance and recognizing those duties within the Department of Planning. A related amendment to Chapter 13 aligned the local building-regulation article with the statewide Uniform Statewide Building Code following the same enforcement transfer. Both measures passed 7-0.
A separate resolution updated the Water Works Department fund financial policy to raise the debt service coverage ratio from 1.2 times annual debt service to 1.5 times, a change staff said would strengthen the utility's ability to meet debt obligations and maintain financial stability. Council approved the resolution 7-0.
In budget action, the council adopted a resolution appropriating $360,000 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to sustain and build Operation Stop Newport News City, a program targeting communities with high opioid-overdose death rates. The appropriation was approved by roll call, 7-0.
All recorded votes on these items were unanimous. City staff presented the proposals, recommended approval, and the council moved and adopted the ordinances and resolutions during the regular session. No amendments or recorded dissents were indicated in the transcript.
The council meeting packet references the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding source and City Code chapters amended to reflect the transfer of enforcement responsibilities; staff indicated the Water Works policy change was a financial-strengthening measure rather than a programmatic change. The council adjourned following a scheduled public comment period and member remarks.
The council provided no mover/second names in the meeting transcript for the recorded motions; vote tallies were announced as 7-0 on each item.
