, which provides a vision for the Oceanfront Resort Area and an implementation strategy to achieve this vision. The plan revealed that, like many other "Euclidian" zoning codes throughout the nation, the City's existing zoning code does not support the urban resort vision identified for this area. The plan concluded that the best way to provide clear, concise, and responsive regulations to enable the vision of RASAP is known as Form-Based Code (FBC).
What is a Form-Based Code?
Form-Based Codes provide a different approach to zoning as a means to regulate land development. Rather than focusing on the separation of land uses, form-based codes focus on the physical form of development. They address the relationship between buildings and public space and strive to create an integrated development pattern. Unlike design guidelines, form-based codes are regulatory, not advisory. For a more detailed explanation, see
Introduction to Form-Based Codes.
Benefits of a Form-Based Code
- Focus on streetscape, public realm, pedestrian features = less driving, more walking, less traffic congestion
- Density controlled by building form, not by land area = more development options = more incentive for redevelopment/revitalization
- More flexible parking requirements = more space for highest and best use
- More efficient use of real estate = more tax revenue
Creating a Form-Based Code
Our Form-Based Code is the result of dozens of meetings, workshops and presentations with all stakeholder groups who have collaborated to create this new zoning code for the Virginia Beach resort area. This process took place over the course of close to three years. Major workshops and public meetings are listed in the timeline below:
2010 - March 2011 - City Staff and consultants gathered field data and met with various stakeholders, including property owners, business owners, residents, and the Navy to develop a draft Form-Based Code for the Oceanfront.
April 25, 2011- Public Meeting and Workshop at the Virginia Beach Convention Center - The meeting began with a presentation on the March draft of the Oceanfront Form-Based Code. The presentation was followed by a workshop in which property owners worked directly with staff to find out how the draft code applies to their property.
Marh 14, 2012 - Planning Commission Hearing - Oceanfront Form-Based Code deferred indefinitely due to the extent of the revisions necessary.
June 8, 2012 - 5th Draft Released
Download/View Full June 8, 2012 Draft
View Summary of Revisions in June 8, 2012 Draft
Download/View Redlined Sheets identifying substantive revisions to May 1, 2012 Draft
June 13, 2012 - Planning Commission Public Hearing
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the proposed Oceanfront Resort District Form-Based Code on June 13, 2012 (
see staff report) and endorse the Resolution for a Comprehensive Parking Strategy for the Oceanfront Resort Area. The role of the Planning Commission is to consider the details of the proposal and hear staff and public comments in order to make a recommendation to City Council; City Council, in turn, hears additional comments during additional public hearings and considers all factors before voting to approve or deny the proposal.
Download/View Planning Commission Presentation
June 19, 2012 - City Council Briefing
Download/View City Council Briefing Presentation
June 26, 2012 - City Council Hearing
Councilman Uhrin specified changes to the Form-Based Code and the Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP) to address some of the concerns brought forward at the June 13 Planning Commission hearing.
Download/View City Council Hearing Presentation showing Uhrin's Changes
July 3, 2012 - City Council Workshop
At the June 26 hearing, City Council requested a workshop briefing on resort parking issues, which staff presented on July 3.
Download/View City Council Workshop Presentation
July 10, 2012 - City Council Public Hearing for Vote