Short Term Rental Ordinance Change – Planning Commission Public Hearing – Wed. Feb. 10th at Noon

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The Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance proposed by City Council will be heard by the Planning Commission at their Wed. Feb. 10th Noon meeting.  Due to COVID restrictions, the meeting will be virtual only.  Anyone wishing to participate needs to sign up to speak by 5pm on Tuesday Feb. 9th.  You can sign up by clicking the following link https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e0aca5338abc082119d4666dda389d9a1

You can read the full meeting agenda here https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/boards-commissions-committees/Documents/PC/2021/02%20February/20210210-PLN-CUR-Agenda.pdf

The City Council proposed ordinance recommends a “by right” overlay district for East Shore Drive that covers 60% of the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood.  “By right” means if approved, all 450 homes in this overlay can apply to run STRs through the City permitting process.  More information about the ordinance can be found here https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/Pages/Short-Term-Rentals.aspx

The Shore Drive Community Coalition opposes the current ordinance change that would allow all homes to be used as short term rentals.  Unlimited creation of STRs will lead to demise of the neighborhood character that is so special along Shore Drive.

The Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association, the Bayfront Advisory Commission and the SDCC have all voted to oppose “by right” overlays for any Shore Drive neighborhood.  Vice Mayor Jim Wood has stated he will request the removal of East Shore Drive as an overlay when the ordinance comes back to City Council from Planning Commission review.  

SDCC has sent the following letter to the Planning Commission asking for the East Shore Drive overlay to be removed.  The letter is copied below with the email from Vice Mayor Jim Wood as an attachment

January 27, 2021

Subject:. Request to Remove “East Shore Drive” as an overlay district from proposed STR Ordinance Amendment

Dear Planning Commission Members,

On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition, I formally request that you recommend the removal of the East Shore Drive (ESD) “Cape Story by the Sea” Overlay District from the proposed Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance amendment sent to you by City Council on October 21, 2020.

East Shore Drive, like any neighborhood in the Shore Drive Corridor, is not compatible for the large volume “by right” proliferation of weekly rentals that this recommendation would create.  There are many specific reasons why this overlay district is a bad idea, but I am just going to list a few of the most overarching ones.

  • Vice Mayor Jim Wood, the creator of this proposed overlay, has stated he will ask for this overlay to be removed from the amendment.  Mr. Wood’s email has been attached for information.
  • The West Shore Drive overlay, originally proposed by Councilman Louis Jones, was removed prior to the amendment being finalized and sent to the Planning Commission.  All of the same reasons the West Shore Drive overlay was eliminated are the same reasons the East Shore Drive overlay is unacceptable.
  • The Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association voted unanimously to oppose the ESD overlay.
  • The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) voted unanimously to oppose the ESD overlay and any STR overlay in the Shore Drive Corridor.
  • The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) voted unanimously to oppose the ESD overlay and any STR overlay in the Shore Drive Corridor.
  • The Shore Drive Corridor Plan states, “The Shore Drive area is first and foremost a residential community, comprised primarily of residential neighborhoods…It is envisioned that this predominance as a residential community should continue to form the backbone of land use for the area.”

Thank you for your consideration of this request and I hope you see the wisdom in making the recommendation to remove the ESD overlay from the STR Ordinance Amendment.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

 

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

 

Attachment to SDCC Letter to Planning Commission dated January 27, 2021

From: James L. Wood [mailto:JLWood@vbgov.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 4:11 PM
To: emunden@aol.com; Todd Solomon <todd@sdcc.info>
Subject: Eastern shore drive overlay

I’m going to request that this area be removed from the overlay proposal.

 

Jim Wood, Vice Mayor

Virginia Beach City Council

757-366-1011 mobile & text

Sent from my mobile account

 

BAC virtual meeting today

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Agenda info:
VIRGINIA BEACH

 

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

4525 MAIN STREET, SUITE 710

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23462

PHONE (757) 385-2908

FAX (757) 385-5667

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

          January 21, 2021, 3:30 p.m

                                                     VIRTUAL MEETING

See Webex link below agenda to participate

 Join from the meeting link

https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/j.php?MTID=m6c01e33bf5b4c61ead1e26bb69cd735c   

         

Join by meeting number   

Meeting number (access code): 180 307 2808  

Meeting password:      SGA1

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 11/19/2020

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

 

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon, Faith Christie, Joe Bovee(volunteer)

Communications – Vacant

Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Charles Malbon

 

PROJECT BRIEFINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

1) 4769 Shore Dr., Presmont Construction Services, LLC(7/Eleven)

OLD BUSINESS

 

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

 

ADJOURN

 

“The City is seeking your input regarding the proposed Short Term Overlay District Ordinances currently being considered for adoption. The results will be shared with the Planning Commission prior to their January 13th meeting as well as the City Council.”

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The survey will be open through January 11, 2021.

City of VB Short Term Rental (STR) Survey

SDCC’s Short Term Rental Overlay District Opposition Letter to City Council

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Click here for a printable version of the SDCC letter – SDCC STR Opposition Letter

Additional opposition to STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea:

Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association – CSBTS_BACLetter_STR_11192020signed

Bayfront Advisory Commission – BAC STR Overlay Opposition Email

SDCC Opposes STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea and Anywhere Along Shore Drive Corridor

December 31, 2020

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), a 20 year old organization made up of local civic groups representing residents in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach, formally requests that the Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay District, randomly created by Vice Mayor Wood, for the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood (East Shore Drive) be removed immediately from the proposed STR ordinance change.

Similar to the official opposition positions taken by the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association and the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the SDCC voted unanimously at its November 23rd meeting to “Oppose the creation of a STR Overlay District in the Cape Story by the Sea (East Shore Drive) neighborhood as well as any future STR Overlay Districts in the Shore Drive Corridor.”

The Shore Drive Corridor Plan states, “The Shore Drive area is first and foremost a residential community, comprised primarily of residential neighborhoods…It is envisioned that this predominance as a residential community should continue to form the backbone of land use for the area.”

The Shore Drive Corridor, the most densely populated section of the City, consists of small lots sizes of 5000 and 7500 square feet narrow streets that don’t allow for on-street parking.  These conditions result in area that is not appropriate for the uncontrolled proliferation of “by right” STR business zoning that will be created by the overlay district that is being proposed.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

 

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

 

Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop – Thursday Jan. 7, 2021 at 6:00pm

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The City’s Planning Department will be holding a virtual workshop regarding the newly proposed ordinance to create Short Term Rental Overlay districts that will allow “by right” operation of STRs for all homes located in an overlay.  Shore Drive East (Cape Story by the Sea Neighborhood) is one of the proposed overlays.  For more information and to register for the workshop, see links below.  SDCC has also asked for an additional workshop to be scheduled since the mailer identifying the December workshop didn’t arrive in time to support that event.

City website for information on Short Term Rentals – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/Pages/Short-Term-Rentals.aspx

 

STR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2021
6PM-7PM

The next scheduled Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop is January 7th, 2021.

TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE

PRESENTATION FROM CITY STAFF — PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

 

Planning Commission sets another negative precedent expanding use of A-24 & A-36 Zoning in Shore Drive Community

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Windsong Expansion Planning Commission December 9 2020(24 page PDF)Download

“The curriculum is focused on hands-on experiments and solving real environmental problems, meant to put students in the world around them every single day, Freeman said.”

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In new environmental studies program, Virginia Beach students get a hands-on experience at Pilotonline.com.

“This isn’t a school. This is not at a school setting,” Freeman said. “It’s sort of redefining what a classroom looks like.”

To say we’re excited about this unique learning experience that we’ve been working on making happen since 2003 would be a profound understatement!

The first time the idea was written up in The Virginian-Pilot.

Marina Shores expansion presentation to BAC info

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Changes to original presentation posted at SDCC.info here.

Previous 60 unit expansion, now 49 unit that requires a Conditional Use Permit as they’re proffered at maximum units allowed right now.

New traffic light at North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive still turned down by CoVB even after more lobbying for it in spite of added minimum dozens of trips per day through that intersection from new condo & apartment development.

Pleasure House Road 7/11 presentation to BAC info

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Pleasure House Road new 7/11.

Not Greenwell Road new 7/11.

View new Pleasure House Road 7/11 plans presented to BAC.Download

SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Crime Improvement – Mon Nov. 23rd at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.23.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday November 23, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

 

Special Presentation – 

Neighborhood Crime and Improvement Survey – Officer M.R. Torrance, Virginia Beach Police Department Third Precinct will update us on neighborhood crime issues and discuss a Neighborhood Improvement Survey his precinct is currently running.  He would also like to hear any additional concerns the residents may have and discuss ways to help.

 

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Empsy Munden; President – Todd Solomon

 

Old Business-
Proposed Developments –

  • Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council and the City were officially served on Nov. 13th. They have 21 days to reply from that date.  The Go Fund Me campaign has raised $22k of the $30k goal.
  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.  This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create a STR overlay district in Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association voted on Nov. 9th to oppose any STR overlay district in its neighborhood.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. 19th meeting on a STR position for the Bayfont.  SDCC will be discussing and voting on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront.

 

New Business –

City Council Policy for Public Outreach and Engagement – City Council is proposing a new policy for civic engagement for development applications.  Council voted to indefinitely defer the approval of this policy to allow time for adequate public engagement to be held and gather citizens input.  It was suggested the Bayfront/Shore Drive be a focus area for input.  Oh the irony…

  

Next SDCC Meeting – No meeting in December.  Happy Holidays

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5 1000 19th Street November 19

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Agenda:

REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 10/15/2020

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon, Faith Christie, Joe Bovee (volunteer) Communications – Vacant

Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Charles Malbon

PROJECT BRIEFINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

1) E and R incorporated, 4600 Lookout Road, (HK on the Bay)

2) Presmont Construction Services, LLC, 4769 Shore Dr. (7-Eleven)

3) MS Virginia Beach, LLC, 2257 Willow Oaks Rd (Marina Shores Apartments.

4) MP Shore, LLC, 3829 & 3785 Shore Drive (Marlin Bay Apts.)

5) Short Term Rental Ordinance and Cape Henry District

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES ADJOURN

Thanks to Mark for the info!

CIty Council votes to defer CIvic Engagement policy indefinitely. Will discuss milestone timeline at Nov 24 City Council Workshop.

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View proposed Civic Engagement Resolution in PDF.

Civic Engagement discussion starts at about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Civic Engagement public testimony & vote starts at about 36 minutes.

“At the last general membership meeting, the OPCL voted to match Ocean Park residents’ contributions to the Stop Westminster Canterbury legal fund.”

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View info at OPCL.org

If you would like to make a matched contribution, use the link below and forward your email confirmation to the OPCL Treasurer or board member by Jan 31.

OPCL is matching up to $1,000.

Learn more about The Lawsuit & GoFundMe info here.

$19,505 has been raised so far.

Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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Email update:

Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers: 

The City of Virginia Beach’s Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  For information to join the meeting virtually, please visit the project website: http://www.vbgov.com/LakeBradford.

Due to the Covid-19 public health crisis this meeting will not be held in-person and instead we will utilize a virtual platform to host this meeting and continue providing project updates and introduce the upcoming construction projects.

As most of you know, we held an open house/public meeting in November 2019 to hear from residents in the area regarding their flooding concerns and to assist in developing a program of drainage improvements.  We received valuable input and feedback from the community and are looking forward to our continued coordination.

Since we met last November, the City and RK&K have made progress on the drainage study and develop a concept of improvements to help mitigate flooding.  This concept requires further analysis and the drainage study is anticipated to be completed by the end of next summer.

This will be an informal open house public meeting and will begin with a 30 minute presentation providing an update on the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study as well as introduce the upcoming Lake Pleasure House Outfall and Lake Bradford Dredging construction projects.  Public Works representatives from the City of Virginia Beach will be available to answer questions via the virtual platform following the presentation.

After the presentation, we request attendees complete an online survey to provide feedback on the presentation as well as any comments or concerns for the upcoming construction projects.  A link to this online survey will be provided on the project website.  Our previous survey was very successful and provided valuable input on flooding concerns in the area.

Again, we want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in some way:  attending the meeting, marking maps, taking the survey, emailing us your thoughts and comments, and all the other ways you have contributed.  We feel strongly that this can be a very successful project with your suggestions and feedback.  

Please contact us at lakebradford@vbgov.com with your comments and questions.  Also, go to our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lakebradford for updated information. 

If you have any pictures of flooding, please email them to stormpics@vbgov.com.  Please include the location, date, and time the picture was taken.

Again, thank you for your participation in this project and we look forward to continue working with all of you.  Please stay safe during this difficult time.

 

Matthew Richardson, Project Manager

Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake Drainage Study (CIP #7-053).

Public Works – Engineering

757-385 -4131

“ The council doesn’t have enough votes for this action as three of 11 council members have declared conflicts of interest and can’t vote on issues related to Westminster-Canterbury.”

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Local coverage of THE LAWSUIT against WCCB & City of Virginia Beach continues at Virginian-Pilot:

“If this decision is allowed to stand, it could set a precedent for City Council to ignore zoning regulations in any neighborhood in any part of the city,”

13NewsNow continues local press coverage of the Shore Drive community coming together to stop the precedent setting subjective approval that clearly violates the City’s Zoning Ordinance & other development guidelines of Virginia Beach.

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View story including video at 13NewsNow.com:

“hold city council accountable for what the codes, and rules and guidelines are”

Visit GoFundMe to learn more now.

VOTE!