Planning commission approves broad zoning code updates to align with state law

The Winchester City Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 15 to recommend approval of TA‑266, a consolidated set of zoning ordinance updates to align local code with Virginia state law and to perform municipal cleanups.

Planning staff split the package into state‑code updates and city‑sponsored updates for clarity and walked commissioners through a long list of changes: definitions for new uses (private event venues, commercial recreation complex, motion picture/media production), state code updates for solar and battery storage, allowing manufactured homes where single‑family housing is permitted, a one‑year expiration for nonresidential Conditional Use Permits (with residential CUPs protected for three years per state code), a process to toll CUP expiration for government action, a 20% maximum waiver for minimum off‑street parking tied to meeting green‑space requirements, site‑plan vesting protections and a new lot‑grading section to enforce setbacks.

Staff emphasized conforming local language to Virginia code and included clarifying graphics for technical items. After questions about CUP commencement and private event enforcement, a commissioner moved to approve TA‑266 as reflective of good planning practice and the commission voted in favor without opposition.