City of Staunton Planning Commission Meeting of September 17, 2026

The City of Staunton Planning Commission held a meeting on September 17, 2026, focusing primarily on zoning and development proposals. A significant agenda item was the public hearing and consideration of a rezoning request by 2300M Project LLC entities to convert 2.269 acres from industrial to high-density residential zoning for multifamily apartment development. The commission discussed traffic impact, site plan requirements, building height concerns, and environmental and community impacts. Public comments raised issues about the scale of the proposed four-story buildings, traffic safety, and preservation of natural character. The commission also reviewed procedural aspects of site plan approval, including utility capacity, emergency services, lighting, and screening requirements. Additionally, the commission considered amendments to zoning codes to allow accessory dwelling units, child daycare centers in business districts, placement of manufactured homes on individual lots, parking requirements near public transit stations, and affordable housing developments by tax-exempt organizations. Motions were passed to approve accessory dwelling unit amendments and to authorize drafting zoning text amendments for parking and affordable housing provisions, reflecting compliance with recent state legislation.