Planning commission recommends approval of zoning text amendment ZT24-01-01 to preserve 'held harmless' language for city land acquisitions

The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of zoning text amendment ZT24-01-01 during its April 9 meeting. The amendment updates the Charlottesville development code to carry forward language that shields property owners from penalties when a property becomes nonconforming after the city acquires a portion of land (for example, for street right‑of‑way acquisition).

Planning staff explained the change is corrective: the provision existed in the previous code and should have been carried into the new code. Commissioners heard no public testimony on the text amendment and, after brief questions from members about whether the provision applies to donations of land for sidewalks, moved and seconded a recommendation to approve on the basis that the change serves public necessity, convenience and good zoning practice.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; staff indicated the item will likely be scheduled for Council consideration and a public hearing in May, following the city's advertising schedule for CDBG/HOME hearings and other routine notices.