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Planning staff previews multiple Norfolk projects; staff recommends approval except one short‑term rental
Summary
At a Planning Commission briefing, staff reviewed several land‑use items including revised Stanley Martin townhouse elevations, a Burger King drive‑thru expansion with right‑of‑way upgrades, a continuance for the Macondo restaurant after neighbor concern, and recommended denial of one short‑term rental for willful noncompliance.
At a Planning Commission briefing, a staff member outlined updates to several applications the commission will consider at public hearings, saying, "I'm going to really just focus on what the updates are since you're mid‑month." The items covered included a restaurant addition of arcade games, revised elevations for a Stanley Martin townhouse project, a Burger King site redesign with a second drive‑thru, and a continuation request from a new restaurant on Little Creek Road.
Staff said the existing restaurant seeking to add arcade games has operated more than 10 years and that staff added a condition requiring the applicant to make any on‑site games legal if relevant state or local legislation permits them; otherwise the games must be removed. The applicant obtained an encroachment permit for a picnic table and fence, which staff reported as resolved.
On the Stanley Martin Homes townhouses on Granby Street, staff said the developer submitted revised side elevations that add windows and landscaping after earlier materials showed blank side walls. Staff noted those revised drawings will be included in the slide presentation at the public hearing.
Staff described the Burger King at Tidewater Drive and Virginia Beach Boulevard as proposing a second drive‑thru and several right‑of‑way improvements: widening a very narrow sidewalk to ADA standards, narrowing an existing overly wide driveway apron, and other curb/apron fixes. Because the scope affects the public right of way and the applicant prefers to coordinate similar upgrades across locations, staff recommended giving the applicant two years to complete the work rather than the usual, shorter completion window.
Macondo, a new restaurant on Little Creek Road, requested a one‑month continuance after apartment management adjacent to the site submitted a letter of concern. Staff said the applicant wants time to meet with the apartment manager and explain planned operations; staff supported the continuance.
Staff recommended denial of the short‑term rental at 1442 West Ocean View, citing a history described in staff materials as willful noncompliance, including prior code enforcement actions and continued operation despite notice.
Commissioners asked whether the Stanley Martin project had been through architectural review; staff said the site is not located in a district that mandates architectural review and that the Housing Commission is still studying whether the city should pursue an inclusionary zoning policy. A commissioner asked whether the city can require affordable units in dense condo projects; staff said state law allows inclusionary zoning but Norfolk has not adopted an ordinance and staff therefore did not recommend adding such a condition for the current application.
The briefing also noted that the Civic League reviewed the revised Stanley Martin elevations and expressed support. Staff concluded by announcing a May 4 public comment session on proposed short‑term rental changes in the Willoughby area and explaining how the commission will accept three‑minute speaker slots at that community meeting.
The Planning Commission did not take any formal votes in this briefing; the items will proceed to public hearing where the commission and council will consider final actions.
