Subject:
Title
Request To Set a Public Hearing for May 4, 2026, Regarding the 2026 Comprehensive Plan (5 mins.)
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Oct. 5, 2020 - Last update approved to the current Comprehensive Plan.
April 20, 2026 - Town Council Work Session (anticipated)
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Comprehensive Plan serves as the Town’s long-range policy guide for land use, transportation, economic development, housing, parks and recreation, environment, public infrastructure, public facilities, and other areas. The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted as complete update on May 23, 2016, with minor modifications approved on Feb. 3, 2020, and Oct. 5, 2020.
In accordance with Virginia law, the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan starts with the Planning Commission. The Commission has now completed its work and developed its recommended Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update. The process has included extensive engagement through community meetings, stakeholder outreach, and review by Town boards and commissions. The Planning Commission considered all input through a series of work sessions and deliberations in preparing its recommended draft.
The next phase of the process is review by the Town Council. At the request of the Town Council, a joint work session with the Planning Commission has been scheduled for April 20, to provide an overview of the draft and highlight key updates.
The Planning Commission Recommended Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan is available for viewing or downloading on the Town’s website, at
www.viennava.gov/planupdate <http://www.viennava.gov/planupdate>.
The document can be downloaded as a whole document or by individual chapter. Printed copies will also be provided to the Town Council at the April 6 meeting.
In accordance with state law, the Town Council is required to hold a public hearing prior to adopting a Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing will provide Vienna residents, business owners, employees, and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed update.
Staff anticipates that the Town Council will, after holding the public hearing, hold work sessions and meetings to finalize the Comprehensive Plan for adoption. Such meeting dates are reserved in the Town Manager’s upcoming meeting projections.
Departmental Recommendation: The Department of Planning and Zoning recommends that the Town Council set a public hearing on the Planning Commission’s Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update, with May 4 being the proposed date.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Attorney recommends setting a public hearing to consider the review of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council set a public hearing for May 4, 2026, regarding the Planning Commission’s Recommended 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to set a public hearing for May 4, 2026, regarding the Planning Commission’s Recommended 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update. I further move that the Town Clerk advertise a Notice of Public Hearing.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.