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Planning commission recommends approval of multiple conditional use permits, from car wash and cafés to downtown restaurant and zoo alcohol expansion
Summary
The Norfolk Planning Commission recommended approval to City Council for a slate of conditional use permits on projects across the city, including a tow lot, two parcels at 8305 Hampton Boulevard (Green Clean car wash and 7 Brew drive‑thru), Black Eyed Peas restaurant at 241 Granby, expanded alcohol sales at the Virginia Zoo, and several short‑lot housing proposals. Commissioners also initiated zoning text amendments.
The City of Norfolk Planning Commission on a March hearing recommended approval of a series of conditional use permits covering commercial and residential projects across the city.
Among the commercial approvals, the commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for Route 64 Towing Recovery to operate a tow lot at 5595 Raby Road. Planner presentation described the site as a light‑industrial warehouse parcel to be used primarily for wrecked‑vehicle pickups for local law enforcement; applicant Will Torres told the commission the lot holds about 20 vehicles and that vehicles would be stored no more than three days before transfer or return to owners.
The commission recommended approval of two separate applications at 8305 Hampton Boulevard: Green Clean Auto Wash proposed an automated tunnel car wash on the northern parcel and 7 Brew proposed a drive‑thru coffee shop on the southern parcel. Attorney Tyler Rose said the applicants provided a trip‑generation analysis showing a small net daily trip reduction and only a modest PM peak increase; staff recommended approval subject to standard site‑plan review.
In downtown Norfolk, the commission recommended approval of conditional use permits for Black Eyed Peas at 241 Granby Street to allow a restaurant with live entertainment and on‑premise alcohol. Applicant Cynthia Terry described the business as community‑oriented and pledged to follow noise and security rules; staff said the use conforms to Norfolk 2050 and the site lies in a downtown mixed‑use and historic overlay district.
The Virginia Zoological Society won a recommendation to expand its ABC permit to include mixed beverages and broadened entertainment options at 3500 Granby Street. Marcus Jordan, representing the zoo, said the change is an amendment to the zoo’s ABC license; staff noted the zoo has existing security and that Norfolk Police and the sheriff assist at larger events.
The commission also advanced multiple nonconforming‑lot conditional use permit requests that would enable new single‑family homes in established neighborhoods; commissioners frequently weighed the city’s housing goals in Norfolk 2050 against neighborhood character and parking impacts before voting.
On policy matters, commissioners initiated several zoning text amendments, including a phased cleanup of Article 5 (development standards), a PCO amendment to allow kennels by conditional use permit in a specified overlay, and an overlay for the Willoughby area intended to prohibit future full‑home short‑term rentals while allowing renewals of existing licensed units. Staff scheduled public engagement on the Willoughby proposal for May 4 at the Pratt Library.
Most recommendations were unanimous; where abstentions occurred, commissioners recorded conflicts (for example, one commissioner abstained from voting on a music‑related condition because of a declared financial interest). The commission’s recommendations will go to City Council for final action or will be subject to subsequent site‑plan review where required.
The commission adjourned after completing the agenda and initiating the zoning amendments.
