Happy New Year from the City of Norfolk Department of City Planning!  In this edition of the Development Notice we are highlighting two code changes from a recent City Council meeting and one process change that should make it easier when applying for planning applications with the City.

Conditional Use Permit Updates

City Council adopted an ordinance on January 13 that would prohibit the re-application of a substantially similar Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application within a year of denial by Council.  This text amendment was initiated at the request of Council, who raised concerns over receiving substantially similar CUP applications that had been denied months prior.   This restriction mirrors the waiting period for re-applications that request a rezoning that has been denied.  This amendment would not preclude an applicant who has been denied from making changes to their application and re-applying for a CUP.  

Zoning Ordinance Update for Houseboats at Marinas

City Council approved a Zoning Text Amendment on January 13 allowing marinas to offer houseboat rentals, provided they meet strict performance standards. Marinas must ensure all houseboats comply with local, state, and federal regulations; are kept in good repair; and do not discharge sewage into waterways. They must also submit annual documentation to the Department of Planning about their rental plans, maintain detailed guest records, and allow authorized officials to inspect houseboats as needed. 

Unless modified through a Conditional Use Permit, additional rules require that houseboats be owned and operated by the marina, the marina contain at least 50 slips, no more than 5% of slips be used for rental houseboats, and a qualified employee remain on-site during all rental periods.   A more detailed description of the changes can be found here: Planning and Development Updates | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website

New Option to Pay Planning Application Fees Online

Our online permit and application portal can now accept the payment of fees for the majority of our planning department applications.   Once we receive a completed application, planning staff will work with the applicant or agent on the process and options to pay the fee.  For questions or general assistance, please call 757-664-4752.    Guidance on setting up a portal account and paying the fee on the poral can be found at our Applications and Form page: Land Use Applications & Forms | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website

Upcoming Calendar Dates

The Planning Department supports the following City Boards and Commissions: Architectural Review Board, Board of Building Code Appeals, Board of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Wetlands Board.

Agendas, Blank Applications, Meeting Schedules, and Application Deadlines for those groups can be found here:  Boards & Commissions | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website