June 29, 2026 New Kent County Board of Supervisors Work Session (with Planning Commission)

The New Kent County Board of Supervisors held a joint work session with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals on June 29, 2026, focusing primarily on the comprehensive update of the county's zoning and subdivision ordinances. Berkeley Group, the consulting firm selected for this project, presented findings from the initial investigation phase, highlighting the need to modernize the ordinances for legal compliance, clarity, and alignment with the county's comprehensive plan. The update process will proceed through ordinance drafting, community engagement, and public review phases, with a goal to improve usability and incorporate recent state code changes. Additionally, the Board reviewed procurement for architectural and engineering services for Fire Station Number Two, awarding a contract to RRMM Architects PC with a not-to-exceed cost of $736,943, funded by Colonial Downs revenues and bond money. The Board also discussed the allocation of approximately $8.7 million in photo speed enforcement funds, proposing to obligate $1.9 million for a real estate tax rebate, $1.3 million for a fire engine purchase, and other amounts for sheriff's department capital needs. The Board emphasized that these obligations do not authorize immediate spending, which will require future appropriation approvals. The meeting included robust discussion on the appropriate use of photo enforcement funds, balancing public safety needs with community rebate preferences, and consideration of a potential 1% sales and use tax to fund infrastructure and school projects.