Planning

The Planning Department assists the Planning Commission and City Council in all aspects of current and comprehensive planning in Newport News. This includes development of the comprehensive plan and action taken on applications for use permits and change of zoning. The Department staffs various boards, commissions, and committees including the Planning Commission, Hilton Village Architectural Review Board, and North End Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board.

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Our Mission

To analyze, prioritize and plan for the balanced and sustainable use of the city's land and other resources to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.

Current Planning Division

The Current Planning Division’s mission is to provide professional planning advice and design expertise and support to the citizens of Newport News, the City Planning Commission, City Council, city staff and other city committees and commissions. The Division continues to focus on the highest quality plans, implementation strategies and development review to allow Newport News to develop and redevelop in a manner consistent with City Council’s strategic priorities and the goals adopted in the comprehensive plan.

The Current Planning Division is responsible for providing professional assistance and advice to the public for zoning, land use and development throughout Newport News. Staff receives, reviews, analyzes and processes applications for Special Exceptions, Conditional Use Permits, and Change of Zoning requests. Key responsibilities include Site Plan Review, Subdivision Review, updates to the Zoning Ordinance, Site Plan Regulations, Sign Ordinance, and special projects. Division staff prepares information packages and staffs the Planning Commission, City Council, Historic Hilton Village Architectural Review Board (ARB), North End Huntington Heights ARB, Regional Business District Design Review Committee and Lee Hall Corridor Overlay District Design Review Committee.

Comprehensive Planning Division

The Comprehensive Planning Division is dedicated to developing, refining, and facilitating implementation of a comprehensive planning vision for Newport News that promotes an equitable, healthy, and sustainable community.

The Division’s goals are to:

  • Preserve the integrity of the city’s unique history and heritage
  • Enhance the quality and diversity of our urban setting
  • Promote equitable development citywide
  • Promote public engagement in the comprehensive planning process

The Comprehensive Planning Division’s primary responsibility is to prepare, update, maintain and implement the City’s comprehensive plan. The Division focuses on long-range, comprehensive planning, providing a variety of services and products including annual reports (including the Statistical Profile), area and neighborhood plans, special projects and studies, and coordination on regional planning initiatives. Staff also leads or partners on grant writing, conducts population and socioeconomic research for other departments, and supports various citywide policy efforts.

Zoning Ordinance

The Code of Ordinances for the City of Newport News