Suffolk Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting (4-14-26)

The City of Suffolk Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on April 14, 2026, addressing two main agenda items related to zoning and land use. The first item involved an appeal by property owner Jeremy Crafts regarding a notice of violation for using a vacant B2 general business district lot on Carolina Road for commercial vehicle parking without a conditional use permit. After discussion, the board voted 3-1 to uphold the zoning administrator's determination that the lot was being used as a commercial parking lot requiring a permit, emphasizing the need for the property owner to apply for the appropriate permits and business license to regularize the use. The second item was a variance request by Arnold and Monnique Manag to reduce the required side yard setback from 25 feet to 6 feet to construct a 6-foot privacy fence for safety reasons. Despite staff recommending denial due to ordinance intent and setback requirements, the board unanimously approved the variance, citing the applicants' safety concerns and unique circumstances. No direct contract awards, RFPs, or procurement actions were discussed, but the meeting focused on zoning enforcement and variance approvals affecting property use and compliance.