Subject:
Title
Intent To Adopt Zoning and Subdivision Code Updates
Body
On Feb. 23, 2026, the Town Council voted to approve a set of amendments to Chapter 18 of the Town Code, covering zoning and subdivision, which had been under consideration since Sept. 29, 2025, and directed the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt. On March 23, 2026, the Town Council has the opportunity to adopt these amendments.
If adopted, the amendments to Chapter 18 will be in Sections 18-213, 18-304, 18-305, 18-323, 18-340, 18-606, 18-607, 18-608, 18-611, 18-617, 18-619, 18-620, 18-804, 18-805, 18-806, 18-812, 18-816, 18-817, 18-822, 18-823, 18-830, 18-836, 18-843, 18-845, and 18-846. The amendments would:
• Clarify the Town’s policies regarding the features considered as lot coverage and codify exceptions from lot coverage;
• Expand principal and accessory uses permitted within multiple zoning districts;
• Remove the prohibition on drive-through facilities in the front of buildings in some zoning districts, allow more than one drive-through lane per property, and permit the zoning administrator to waive some application requirements for drive-through facility applications;
• Permit non-profit and community service organizations to utilize space within religious assembly structures; and
• Revise processes to comply with Virginia HB2660 2025 and SB974 2025, including removing the Planning Commission and Town Council from the approval processes for by-right subdivision and site plan approvals, and updating the application requirements for some processes.
The specific amendments are detailed in Attachments 01-06 of this report.
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Sept. 29, 2025 and Feb. 23, 2026
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Town Council has already voted to approve this set of amendments to Chapter 18 of the Town Code and directed the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt. The next step is for the Town Council to adopt the amendments and direct the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Adoption. Per State Code, the amendments will be effective ten days after the notice of adoption is posted in the newspaper.
Departmental Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Town Council vote to adopt the amendments to Chapter 18 and to direct the Town Clerk to advertise the adoption of the amendments.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council has received recommendations from the Planning Commission and conducted a public hearing to receive public input. The Town Council may adopt the proposed amendments to Chapter 18 of the Town Code in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council adopt changes to the Town of Vienna Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to adopt changes as presented in Attachments 01-06 to Town of Vienna Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Sections 18-213, 18-304, 18-305, 18-323, 18-340, 18-606, 18-607, 18-608, 18-611, 18-617, 18-619, 18-620, 18-804, 18-805, 18-806, 18-812, 18-816, 18-817, 18-822, 18-823, 18-830, 18-836, 18-843, 18-845, and 18-846; and to direct the Town Clerk to advertise the adoption.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.