Judge Worrell to hear city’s motion to reconsider zoning voidance

One month has passed since Charlottesville Circuit Court Judge Claude Worrell granted a motion for default judgment in the case against zoning rules that have been in place since February 2024.

Last week, the City of Charlottesville filed a motion asking Circuit Court Judge Claude Worrell to reconsider his action. The plaintiffs in the case have until August 6 to file their response.

A hearing on the motion has been set for August 13, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

On July 11, the city announced they would resume accepting land use applications under what they refer to as the 2024 Development Code. Since then, there have been several new including a major development plan for 501 Hedge Street and a minor development plan for property the University of Virginia Foundation owns on Earhart Street.

Definitions of each can be found in the Development Review Procedures Manual.

“Minor Development Plans include Projects consisting of residential construction of up to two dwelling units on one lot; residential additions; site modifications; and change of use; and are subject to the discretion of the Administrator,” reads page 9 of the manual.

“Major Development Plans include Projects consisting of residential construction of three or more dwelling units on one lot; nonresidential construction; and change of use; and are subject to the discretion of the Administrator,” reads page 11. “Applicants may provide a written request for consideration to be processed as a Minor Development Plan prior to application submission.”

Staff has approved the minor development plan for 407 Earhart Street. The UVA Foundation plans to re-use an existing building for laundry facilities for the Boar’s Head Inn.

For more on the zoning code, check out a story I wrote for today’s C-Ville Weekly.

Before you go: This story was first published in the July 30, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement and then published here. One thing I really need to do is move to a content management system where it is all integrated. Will I do this thing? Stay tuned and click here to learn more about how I’m trying to get to another level.