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Hampton Planning Commission backs update to Chesapeake Bay overlay to add tree protections and resilience measures
Summary
The Planning Commission on March 19 recommended City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 26-0047, updating the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay to reflect State Water Control Board regulations on mature tree preservation, tree planting and coastal resilience; staff will aid applicants with a new resiliency assessment process.
The Hampton Planning Commission on March 19 recommended that City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 26-0047, a package of changes intended to bring the citys Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay into compliance with recent amendments to state rules.
Secretary and Interim Director Kim Mikel said the amendment updates Chapter 2 (Definitions) and Chapter 9 (O-CBP District) of the zoning code to "improve clarity and align language with current regulatory practices and state guidance," and to comply with Virginia Code and State Water Control Board regulations regarding trees and coastal resilience. Staff recommended the Commission forward the amendment to City Council.
The amendments respond to statutory changes the General Assembly enacted in 2020 and subsequent State Water Control Board rulemaking that encourage preservation of mature trees, planting of new trees, and measures to promote coastal resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise. The Planning Commissions resolution notes the local ordinance changes refine language for clarity and incorporate new definitions required to implement the CBPD revisions.
Valerie Taylor, city planner, presented the staff report and recommended approval; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioners discussed implementation logistics; Secretary Mikel told the Commission that because the resiliency assessment process is new, staff will work closely with applicants to ensure completion but will not design private projects. "Staff will provide guidance based on state regulations, along with any additional recommendations as appropriate," she said.
On a motion by Commissioner Trina Coleman, seconded by Commissioner Tracy Brooks, the Commission voted to recommend approval. The roll call vote was: AYES: Keisha Samuels, Joe Griffith, Tracy Brooks, Trina Coleman, Martha Mugler, Kathy Rogers; ABSENT: Brian DeProfio. The recommendation will go to the City Council for final action.
The ordinance amendments next procedural step is consideration by City Council; the Planning Commission record notes no public opposition during the hearing.
