The City Council has approved several amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during its regular legislative session on Wednesday evening. ADUs are defined as smaller, secondary housing units located on a one-family lot, either attached or detached from the main residence. The city aims to use these policy changes to expand housing options in Hampton’s established neighborhoods.
Among the changes, ADUs will now be permitted in all one-family residential properties, provided they meet certain standards and requirements. The council also clarified the definition of an accessory dwelling unit and made language about principal dwelling units consistent across all residential districts. Parking requirements were adjusted as well: for areas with on-street parking, new rules apply, while properties without such parking must provide additional off-street spaces.
Another amendment now requires community meetings in most cases where previously such meetings were only requested under the ordinance.
During the same session, council members heard a presentation for a use permit from the Margaret Lefranc Art Foundation. The foundation seeks to establish a museum dedicated to Margaret Lefranc’s work at the 1600 block of Aberdeen Road. Lefranc was an American modernist painter who died in 1998; her business manager and co-founder of the foundation lives in Hampton. A decision on this permit was postponed until January 28 so that concerns about access and drainage can be addressed.
Earlier that day, during a work session, updates were given on the city’s legislative priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond and ongoing projects by the Department of Community Development.
Minutes and video recordings of both sessions will be made available online. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for December 10.
