Council adopts multiple zoning text amendments to broaden home occupations and urban overlay flexibility

Chesapeake City Council adopted several zoning text amendments unanimously (each by 9-0 vote) aimed at updating dwelling-type rules and local discretion. Staff described the text changes as targeted clarifications that allow Level 1 home occupations in all residential dwelling types, permit Level 2 home occupations conditionally, and allow the council to grant reasonable deviations in the Urban Overlay District provided certain standards are met. The staff report said existing ordinance safeguards remain and the amendments are intended to support redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization and small-business activity in residential areas.

One public commenter supported the changes, noting that the change to allow home occupations in more dwelling types was overdue. The ordinance language adopted includes guardrails intended to prevent negative impacts on residential neighborhoods and restricts the reasonable-deviation authority to the Urban Overlay District. The clerk read each adopted motion into the record and the council adopted the versions recommended by the Planning Commission.