Charlottesville has spent several years reviewing land use policies through a process known as Cville Plans Together. Council is expected to approve a new zoning code by the end of the year, completing a three-tier initiative that’s already seen adoption of an Affordable Housing Plan and a new Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission made its recommendation on the Development Code on October 18 and Council has been holding a series of work sessions. I’m still hoping to write up the November 8 and November 13 editions, but was able to write up the November 1 meeting at which there was consensus on supporting more legislative review of buildings in commercial corridors.
At 6 p.m. tonight there will be a final work session at which Councilors will offer direction on specific changes to the draft zoning map.
“The proposed zoning map responds to the policy objective of increasing the supply of housing and, over time, stabilizing the market, by increasing the opportunity for housing development
citywide,” reads the staff report. “The [Residential-B] and [Residential-C ]districts are focused near community amenities like parks, schools, and transit, to promote access to these important resources.”
I’ve not had a chance to finish my September property transactions yet, and that anecdotal research may not strictly be data. But, on September 5, a firm called Tiny Torch LLC purchased 705 Druid Avenue for $425,000. There’s a pending demolition permit for the existing structure and the purchase price is over 171 percent over the 2023 assessment of $156,800. Is it possible the property’s designation of Residential-C drove up the purchase price?
Areas to be discussed during this work session are: Plymouth Road, Davis Avenue, Jefferson Park Avenue, Rugby Avenue, Orange Street, Preston Avenue, and the intersection of Locust & Calhoun.
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