May 14, 2026 Norfolk Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The May 14, 2026 Norfolk Planning Commission Regular Meeting focused extensively on zoning and land use issues, with a significant portion dedicated to discussions about short term rental (STR) regulations, particularly in the Willoughby area. Staff presented data on STR density, complaints, and violations, comparing local conditions to Hampton's STR ordinance, which includes a 1% cap and spacing requirements. The commission discussed enforcement challenges, community impacts, and potential policy options including caps, buffers, and conditional use permits. Other agenda items included design review for vendor parks, conditional rezonings for medical offices, mixed-use developments, commercial uses, and conditional use permits for restaurants, tattoo parlors, and short term rentals. The meeting also covered a proposal for solar canopies at a historic church parking lot and a car wash redevelopment. Several motions and recommendations were made regarding zoning text amendments, conditional use permits, and development certificates, with staff tasked to provide further data on enforcement and buffer impacts for future deliberations.