Subject:
Title
Public Hearing On Proposed Amendments to Chapter 18 - Zoning and Subdivision
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Sept. 29, 2025
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
On Oct. 23, 2023, at the culmination of the Code Create Vienna project, the Vienna Town Council approved updated Zoning and Subdivision regulations, which were adopted as a new Chapter 18 of the Town Code and became effective on Jan. 1, 2024.
During the code update process, certain topics were identified as "pinned" items that, for various reasons, were deferred for consideration following adoption of the updated Chapter 18. The Town Council and staff also recognized that the zoning and subdivision ordinance is a dynamic document, subject to regular reviews and periodic updates.
The purposes of the proposed text amendments included in this agenda item are to:
1) address new requirements from the updated state code,
2) provide additional clarification and technical corrections, and
3) establish appropriate regulations for new and existing uses.
On Sept. 29, 2025, the Town Council reviewed the proposed text amendments included in this packet, suggested additional items for consideration, and voted to refer these items to the Planning Commission for review in accordance with Section 18-835. - Rezonings, Text Amendments, and Map Amendments.
On Oct. 8, 2025, the Planning Commission held a meeting to review the proposed changes and provide initial feedback to staff. Following discussion, the Planning Commission voted to schedule its public hearing for Dec. 10, 2025.
A series of attachments support this agenda item, as listed below:
Attachments:
1. Staff Memorandum - Summary of Proposed Amendments
2. Article 2 - Sec. 18-213. Lot coverage - provides two options for formatting
3. Article 3 - Sec. 18-304. Principal Uses Table.
4. Article 3 - Sec. 18-323. Drive Through Facilities
5. Article 3 - Sec. 18-340. Religious Assembly
6. Article 6 - Subdivision, Lot Line Adjustment and Lot Consolidation
7. Article 8 - Administration, Procedures, And Enforcement
8. House Bill 2660 2025
9. Senate Bill 974 2025
10. Planning Commission Recommendation on Zoning Code Updates, December 10, 2025
11. PowerPoint Presentation, Jan. 26, 2026
12. Regulatory Requirements for Council Actions
13. Zoning Code Update Legal Notice
Departmental Recommendation: The Department of Planning and Zoning recommends that the Town Council conduct the public hearing, review comments received from the public and the Planning Commission, and take action on each proposed amendment to Chapter 18.
Finance Recommendation: N/A
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council referred a number of proposed amendments to Chapter to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation. The Town Council may conduct a public hearing to receive public input, as well as the Planning Commissions recommendations in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance as well as direct the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
Option 1 - Adoption as Presented:
I move to adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, Chapter 18 of the Town of Vienna Code, as shown in Attachments 02 [Council chooses Option A or B] through 07.
I further move to direct the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt for the Regular Town Council meeting of __________, 2026.
Option 2 - Adoption with amendments by Council
I move to adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, Chapter 18 of the Town of Vienna Code, as shown in Attachments 02 [Council chooses Option A or B] through 07, with the following changes:
[Council to list proposed changes to the code language as presented]
I further move to direct the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt for the Regular Town Council meeting of __________, 2026.
Option 3 - Alternative Action:
Other action deemed necessary by Town Council.