Norfolk Planning Commission Public Hearing - March 26, 2026

The Norfolk Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 26, 2026, addressing multiple zoning and conditional use permit (CUP) applications primarily related to commercial and residential development projects. Key procurement-related discussions included approval recommendations for conditional use permits for new businesses such as an automobile tow lot at 5595 Raby Road, a car wash and drive-through coffee shop at 8305 Hampton Boulevard, and several restaurants with live entertainment and alcohol sales in downtown Norfolk and other neighborhoods. The commission also reviewed requests to develop single-family homes on nonconforming lots, with detailed presentations on neighborhood compatibility, parking, and environmental considerations. Additionally, the commission initiated zoning ordinance text amendments to allow kennels by CUP in certain overlay districts, improve development standards, and create an overlay district to restrict new short-term rental units in the Willoughby area. Motions to recommend approval or initiation of these items were passed by majority votes, with some conditions added, such as prohibiting recorded music in outdoor dining areas and preserving mature trees during development. The meeting included public comments both in support and opposition to various projects, with staff and applicants addressing concerns related to neighborhood character, traffic, and noise.