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Planning commission approves special exception for 1025 Hampton Ave.; siding requirement debated
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Summary
The Newport News Planning Commission approved a special exception to allow a two-story home on a nonconforming 40-foot lot at 1025 Hampton Avenue with nine staff conditions. Commissioners debated whether to require cementitious siding — the applicant said switching from vinyl would add about $7,500 to the home price. Case goes to the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 19, 2026.
The Newport News Planning Commission on April 15 voted unanimously to approve a special-exception request allowing construction of a two-story single-family detached dwelling on a nonconforming 40-foot-wide lot at 1025 Hampton Avenue.
Planning staff presented application SE2026 (owners: Superior Pride Incorporated and Joseph Beck), saying the proposed 2-story home meets the ordinance criteria for a special exception for a lot with less than 50 feet of frontage and recommended approval with nine conditions, including submission of building elevations, specification of exterior materials and colors, and a brick foundation. Staff noted the lot contains about 0.089 acres and the proposed front porch setback is 15 feet with side yards of about 5.25 feet.
The vote followed public comment by the applicant’s representative, Devin Gibson, and nearby resident Mary Anne Harris. Gibson, who identified himself as the project manager, told the commission the builder planned to use vinyl siding but said they could install a cementitious siding product instead, and that a switch would add roughly $7,500 to the cost of the home: “it would be $7,500 more for Hardee Plank,” Gibson said. Gibson offered that the builder could use a cementitious material (for example, products commonly sold as HardiePlank) but that their current plan was vinyl.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on two linked issues: durability and precedent. Staff recommended a heavier-gauge siding than the thinner vinyl often used in the neighborhood, saying lighter-grade vinyl “does not age well” and recommending a more durable exterior material. Several commissioners said they did not want to use brand-specific language in a condition and urged the commission to describe materials generically (for example, “cementitious or other medium- to higher-end siding products”) so the rule would not reference a single manufacturer.
Members also voiced concern about price impacts for buyers. One commissioner asked whether requiring cementitious siding would substantially raise the sale price and make the homes less suitable as starter housing; the applicant’s representative confirmed a cost increase near $7,500 if the builder installed cementitious siding instead of the vinyl they planned.
After discussion, Commissioner Taylor moved to approve the special exception with the nine staff conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous roll call (8–0). Planning staff said the case will be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 19, 2026.
The commission’s approval includes the staff conditions laid out in the report: submission of final elevations and materials for planning review, a brick foundation requirement, minimum vinyl thickness if vinyl is used, and other standard zoning conditions. Nearby resident Mary Anne Harris asked about lot dimensions and the appeal process during public comment; staff confirmed the lot measures about 40 by 100 feet and explained appeal procedures.
The commission’s debate focused on balancing neighborhood character and durability against affordability and concern about setting a citywide precedent. Commissioners asked staff to consider phrasing that would allow a range of acceptable medium- to higher-grade siding products rather than mandating a single brand.
The case record and staff report will accompany the matter to the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 19. The Planning Commission’s action authorizes the special-exception recommendation and records the conditions under which the Planning Department will approve building elevations and materials.
