Minutes 02/13/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 13, 2018 “RESOLUTION DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO PREPARE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL LOTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT THE LOTS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEREAS, from time to time the City of Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 40.1 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006), as amended) merits evaluation, and modifications should be considered whenever warranted by good zoning practice or the public necessity, convenience, or general welfare; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance should be maintained as a living document, adjusting to the needs of the community; and WHEREAS, effective May 2010 the City adopted an entirely new Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the new Zoning Ordinance established new districts and regulations which in many cases did not adequately take into account existing conditions in the areas to which they applied, resulting in the creation of numerous nonconforming uses and structures and many other difficulties; and WHEREAS, for this and other reasons on February 28, 2017 City Council adopted Resolution R-17-10 to initiate a review for the purpose of substantially amending the Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, while the overall review of the existing Zoning Ordinance is ongoing City Council has continued to adopt targeted amendments to the Ordinance for the purpose of addressing the most significant issues; and WHEREAS, the May 2010 Ordinance consolidated 13 residential zoning districts into 4 residential zoning districts and reduced the minimum lot sizes which had been previously applied in many neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, it now appears that this reduction in minimum lot sizes is having a disruptive and undesirable effect on existing neighborhoods throughout the city in that new lots are being created that are incompatible with the surroundings, existing infrastructure, and the neighborhood in general; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that City staff is hereby directed to prepare a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council for the purpose of increasing the minimum lot sizes for newly platted residential lots to a size or sizes that are more compatible with existing neighborhoods; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as part of the overall review and substantial amendment of the existing Zoning Ordinance, City staff is directed to analyze existing lot sizes throughout the City and develop recommended lot sizes and, if need be, new zoning districts and regulations that will ensure that new single family residential development is compatible with existing neighborhoods.” Ayes: Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None - New Business - 18 - 74 - Boards and Commissions Councilman Moody offered the following nominations: Economic Development Authority Aaron Kelley to be reappointed to a term ending December 31, 2021.