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Planning Commission recommends banquet hall permit at 14700 Warwick Boulevard
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 8to0 on June 3 to recommend approval of CU20260004 to convert a vacant restaurant at 14700 Warwick Boulevard into a banquet function hall with conditions including a 220-person occupancy limit, landscaping and site-plan review; the case goes to City Council on June 23, 2026.
The Newport News Planning Commission on June 3 unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to convert a vacant restaurant at 14700 Warwick Boulevard into a banquet function hall, forwarding CU20260004 to City Council on June 23, 2026.
Staff presented the application for Ganeshai LLC, describing the 1.07-acre site and surrounding commercial and multifamily uses. Staff said the reuse is consistent with the future land-use designation and recommended 14 conditions: submission of a Class 2 site plan, a landscape plan meeting ordinance requirements, review and approval of building and freestanding signs (freestanding signs limited to 7 feet), a maximum occupancy of 220 people, and a requirement that events end by 11:00 p.m. with an additional hour allowed for cleanup.
Staff and commissioners discussed engineering recommendations that had been worded as "should" in the regulatory review; staff clarified that many items would be required and enforced at the site-plan stage. The Department of Engineering also recommended closing one of the nonconforming driveway entrances; staff said the entrance closest to Ward Boulevard is recommended for closure for safety reasons and that required improvements would be enforced during site-plan review.
Applicant Japan Joshi addressed the commission, describing his ownership of the site and saying he intends to implement staff recommendations, including revised entrance plans, striping, landscaping and security cameras. Joshi said he and his business operate multiple properties in the region and plan to secure the site and comply with the permit conditions.
After public comment (the applicant and one associate) and a recommendation from the mayor on the dais, the commission voted 8to0 to recommend approval; the case will be before City Council on June 23, 2026 for final action.
