Fredericksburg Planning Commission Public Hearing: Oct 8, 2025 — What’s on the Agenda & How to Weigh In

At-a-glance:

• When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 6:30 PM
• Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA
• Why it matters: Decisions on Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District (CBPOD) updates, a drive-through request at Cowan Station, and a rezoning at 98 Caroline St could affect water-quality protections, traffic/land use, and neighborhood housing options. (Fredericksburg VA)

What’s being considered

1) Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District (CBPOD) — Ordinance & Map Updates

Items:

• UDO Text Amendment (UDOTAFY25-02) to update §72-34.5 “Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District” and §72-84 “Definitions.”
• Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA2509-0012) to revise the official CBPOD map based on site-specific perennial stream evaluations since the 1996 map.
• Scope: The area subject to the map amendment covers most land within the City boundary.
• Why it matters: The CBPOD program implements Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act—aimed at improving water quality by aligning land-use decisions with environmental protections. The City proposes updates to match recent state code changes and clarify administration and enforcement. CBPOD designations often include Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) and Resource Management Areas (RMAs)—sensitive lands closest to waterways or areas that require careful management to reduce nonpoint-source pollution.

2) Cowan Station Drive-Through — Special Use Permit (SUP2508-0014)

• Applicant: Jarrell Properties Inc.
• Request: Special Use Permit for a drive-through coffee shop at the northernmost portion of Cowan Station, adjacent to U.S. Route 1 and Rappahannock Ave (approx. 1.14 acres, GPIN 7779-53-2487).
• Zoning: Commercial-Highway (CH).

What to consider: Traffic patterns (queueing/ingress/egress), pedestrian safety, noise, and consistency with corridor plans and CH district intent.

3) 98 Caroline Street — Rezoning (ZMA2508-0011)

• Applicant: Hughes Home Properties I, LLC
• Request: Rezone ~0.24 acres at 98 Caroline St (GPIN 7789-31-3440) from R-16 to R-4 to renovate and use the existing structure as a single-family detached dwelling.

What to consider: Fit with the surrounding block pattern and lot sizes, building form and character, and alignment with the Comprehensive Plan and the purpose statements of R-16 vs. R-4.

How to comment (deadline, format, accessibility)

• Written comments deadline: By 2:30 PM on Oct 8, 2025 (the day of the meeting).
• Include: Name and full mailing address (with ZIP); comments should be short enough to be read aloud in ≤ 5 minutes.
• Send to: Planning@FredericksburgVA.gov or deliver to 601 Caroline St, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
• Attend & speak: In-person at City Hall Council Chambers at 6:30 PM.
• ADA/Language access: For accommodations, call Planning Services: 540-372-1179 (5 days prior recommended).

Background: What is the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (and CBPOD)?

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act links land-use planning with water-quality protection, recognizing that balanced economic development and a healthy Bay go together. Localities implement the Act by regulating land use within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, typically RPAs (the most sensitive, often near tidal shores, streams, and wetlands) and RMAs (areas that can affect water quality without proper management). The City’s proposed updates align with state code (§9VAC25-830) and the DEQ model ordinance released in late 2024.

Key dates

• Public Hearing: Wed, Oct 8, 2025 @ 6:30 PM — City Hall Council Chambers.
• Submit written comments by: 2:30 PM on Oct 8, 2025 (include name + full address + ZIP; ≤ 5 minutes if read aloud).
• ADA accommodations (5 days prior): 540-372-1179.