Newport News Update
The Newport News Regulations Committee, which is a subgroup of the Newport News Planning Commission, and the CAO is a Committee member, met in late August to discuss parking amendments throughout the City, which have been long-reviewed and debated regarding how best to regulate parking without impacting the availability of land (its highest and best use), without creating additional surfaces for stormwater runoff and environmental impacts, without creating neighborhood issues, etc. Throughout the country, localities are re-assessing the traditional view of parking and instead are reducing parking requirements, especially in new developments, so that more housing units could be developed, costs could be reduced, regulatory red tape could be lowered, and environmental impacts could be better mitigated. After reviewing the City’s off-street parking and loading regulations last week, in detail, the Committee agreed that the City should amend its parking regulations to provide more flexibility to developers and builders, and to property owners, and to provide greater opportunities for stormwater mitigation. The issue now will go to the Planning Commission.
The Regulations Committee also reviewed language to establish the Chestnut Avenue Corridor Overlay District that will encourage uses in this historic area of Newport News around conservation and preservation of buildings and homes. (The Overlay District would not be an Historic District, to note.) The District also would promote well-planned and designed mixed-use development along the Chestnut Corridor, which was a prime historic area for decades. The City is trying to restore the vibrancy of this region, including bringing back more housing in the area. This will promote infill development in portions of the corridor that have narrow, shallow lots. Housing types would include townhomes, housing for older persons, multi-family, and mixed-use buildings that have a combination of residential, commercial and/or office uses. The Committee voted to approve this new language and will send the proposal to the Planning Commission for consideration.
The Newport News Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a new City policy that would allow Accessory Delling Units (ADUs) as a by-right use within all zoning districts were single-family dwellings are permitted. ADUs are living spaces independent from single family units. ADUs have their own living, kitchen, and bathroom spaces and can be part of a detached structure on the same lot as the single-family primary residence or attached to the side or rear of the principal structure with a separate entrance. However, If the second living unit is put up for rent, the lease must be longer than 30 days. The City is trying to enhance its housing stock and increase inventory so that more housing options are available, bringing more people to the City. The issue likely will be heard by the City Council in September.