Planning Commission

Summary

The Hampton Planning Commission met on December 18, 2025, for both a work session and a regular meeting. Key discussions and actions included:

Work Session Items:

• Minutes Approval: Minor amendments were proposed for the November 20, 2025, meeting minutes.
• Bylaws Update: Draft bylaws are being prepared, aiming to standardize attendance policies with a 75% requirement.
• Chair Election: Elections for a new Chair will be held due to Michael Harris's departure.
• 2026 Calendar: The proposed 2026 meeting calendar was reviewed, with adjustments made to January and October meetings.
• New Staff: Zoning Administrator Melvion Fulgham was introduced.

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing:

• Vape Shop Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 25-0337): The commission recommended approval to City Council for amendments to the zoning ordinance. These amendments define "Smoke or Vape Shop," add it to the table of uses, establish additional standards, and specify parking requirements. A key discussion point was the buffer distance, with Commissioner Mugler advocating for a 1-mile separation between such shops, while state statute mandates a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and daycares. The approved resolution suggests increasing the distance between vape shops from 0.5 miles to 1.0 mile.
• Youth Planner Report: The December report for the Hampton Youth Commission was presented.
• Resolution for Michael A. Harris: A resolution was presented commending Michael A. Harris for his service on the Planning Commission (2023-2025) and previously on the Board of Zoning Appeals (2021-2023), highlighting his contributions to various zoning amendments and community initiatives before his departure to become Commissioner of the Revenue.

Citizen Impact

Residents will see new regulations for smoke and vape shops, potentially including increased separation distances between them, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The minutes also reflect administrative updates and commendations for departing officials.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report from the Senior Youth Planner, Henry Godfrey, details the activities of the Hampton Youth Commission during January and February 2026. Key activities included following up with grant recipients, preparing for recruitment season, holding their first meetings of the year, and reviewing surveys for the Youth Master Plan.

January highlights involved grant recipient follow-ups, recruitment preparation, and a meeting focused on the Youth Climate Action Fund.

February activities included establishing new bylaws, continuing to review survey questions for the Youth Master Plan, actively recruiting new members, and planning for an upcoming town hall. The commission is focused on equipping youth with climate literacy, fostering leadership, and developing youth-led solutions.

Citizen Impact

The Youth Commission's activities, including grant disbursements and town hall planning, directly support youth-led initiatives and community engagement, fostering leadership and addressing local issues like climate action.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item approves Rezoning Application No. 26-0037 and Use Permit No. 26-0038 by Woda Cooper Companies, LLC, to rezone +/- 1.69 acres at 2601 Cunningham Drive (LRSN 4002376) from General Commercial (C-3) District to Multifamily Residential (MD-4) District. The approval is subject to 20 proffered conditions for a new affordable multifamily development named Johnson Lofts.

Key Development Details:

• A 4-story building will house 44 dwelling units (6 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, 11 three-bedroom).
• Units will be affordable for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
• The development includes 57 parking spaces (7 ADA accessible) and 12 bike racks, with vehicular access from Build America Drive.
• Community amenities will feature a playground, community room, and picnic area with a grill.

Design & Environmental Features:

• Buildings will meet 115-mph wind load design and include EnergyStar-certified appliances and EnergyStar Multifamily New Construction features (LED lighting, 15 SEER-rated heat pumps, programmable thermostats).
• Two (2) Level II electric vehicle charging stations will be provided.
• A 20-foot-wide landscaped buffer will be installed along the adjacent church parcel, and other green areas will have enhanced landscaping.
• Building materials include brick, stone veneer, and fiber cement siding, adhering to the City of Hampton Coliseum Central Design Standards.

This project aligns with the Hampton Community Plan's recommendation for mixed-use development and the Coliseum Central Master Plan's call for increased residential units.

Citizen Impact

This rezoning will bring 44 new affordable housing units to the city, providing much-needed options for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The development includes green building features and EV charging stations, contributing to environmental sustainability, and will transform an underutilized commercial parcel into a residential community.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns Use Permit Application No. 26-0038 by Woda Cooper Companies, LLC, for the development of multifamily dwellings at 2601 Cunningham Drive. This application is being processed in conjunction with Rezoning Application No. 26-0037. The proposal involves constructing a 4-story apartment building with a total of 44 rental units, which will be priced at or below 80% of the area median income. The unit mix includes six 1-bedroom, 27 2-bedroom, and 11 3-bedroom units. The project will also feature amenities such as a community room, picnic area, playground, and grill. The site is currently vacant land and is recommended for mixed-use development by the Hampton Community Plan. The project aligns with the Coliseum Central Master Plan's call for increased residential density to support local businesses and encourages pedestrian and transit-friendly development. Staff recommends approval, subject to conditions.

Citizen Impact

This project will add 44 affordable rental housing units to the city, serving households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Residents will benefit from new community amenities and improved utilization of a currently vacant lot.

Confidence

high

Summary

Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge, located at 2163 & 2165 Cunningham Dr, sought to amend its existing Restaurant 3 Use Permit (No. 25-0285) to extend operational hours and modify security requirements. The previous permit, approved December 10, 2025, allowed operations until 12:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 2:00 AM Friday-Saturday and holidays.

The applicant requested to extend general operating hours to 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM daily (Monday-Sunday) and to adjust security staffing based on whether the attached Access 2.0 Banquet Hall (event space) was in use. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended denying these amendments, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on nearby residential areas from daily late-night operations and recommending upholding the more restrictive previous conditions.

Despite staff and Planning Commission recommendations, the City Council approved the amended Use Permit (No. 26-0039) on March 11, 2026, with the following key changes:

• Extended Hours: The restaurant is now permitted to operate from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Sunday through Saturday.
• Tiered Security:
  • When the EVENT AREA is closed, the restaurant must have 3 interior security officers and 2 parking lot officers from 10:30 PM until 30 minutes after closing.
  • When the EVENT AREA is open, additional interior security is required for that space, with a total of 2 parking lot officers.
  • Two extra duty Hampton Police Department officers are still required from 10:30 PM until 30 minutes after closing on any night the restaurant is open past 12:00 AM.
  • The restaurant must provide 7 days advance written notice to the Chief of Police before using the EVENT AREA.

All security personnel must be VDCJS certified, and existing requirements for video surveillance (connected to HPD RTIC) and ID scanning remain.

Citizen Impact

Residents in surrounding areas may experience increased noise and activity due to the restaurant's extended operating hours until 2:00 AM every night. The amended security plan aims to maintain public safety with tiered staffing and continued police presence, but also requires 7 days advance notice for event space use, which could help manage larger events.

Confidence

high