Changes to Charlottesville’s Development Code are now in effect

We are now in the third year of implementation of Charlottesville’s Development Code, a new set of building rules created after a process called Cville Plans Together. The idea was to make it easier for developers to get approval for new buildings by increasing allowable residential density and larger buildings.

The new zoning has survived a legal challenge with the City Council agreeing in October 2025 to conduct a transportation study that a group of homeowners argued is required by Virginia law. That study will kick off later this year as I reported earlier this month.

One function of my reporting is to provide updates on projects that are moving through a system where staff in the Department of Neighborhood Development services plays the primary role in processing land use applications.

For instance, in February I reported for C-Ville Weekly that Abundant Life Ministries had filed for a major development plan for a proposal to construct a 10,370 square foot community building behind an existing structure on Prospect Avenue.

On March 23, staff in the Department of Neighborhood Development Services has denied a first submission because it did not meet all of the technical requirements. This is a routine part of the process and allows for feedback on the project.

This letter, however, also provided an update on how the Development Code will now be administered following a vote by the City Council in February on dozens of minor changes that went into effect on March 23.

“One of the primary updates involves revisions to development-related application types,” reads the letter from city planner Carrie Rainey.

From now on, there is no longer a distinction between a major development plan and a minor development plan. There’s just a Development Plan which is how the city determines if a proposal is consistent with zoning.

“Approval of a Development Plan vests a project for five years under the current zoning,” Rainey continues. “However, it cannot be used for construction.”

A proposal needs a final site plan to go through construction and these are divided into minor and major. A minor plan does not involve any improvements to the public realm. A major plan does involve improvements and would also need to be reviewed for compliance with the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program.

These rules are codified in a new manual that was also updated on March 23.

NDS staff have also recently approved a final site plan for the First Baptist Church at 735 Park Street to modify breezeways. All of the materials can be seen in the permit portal under PL-26-0025.

The portal can be used to observe applications as they make their way through the process. For instance, PL-26-0018 is to expand 915 West Main Street at the rear for an ice cream shop. NDS staff denied an initial submission on March 10 and are awaiting a new version.

However, the city’s preservation planner has approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes because the scope falls under the Minor Historic Review category. The Board of Architectural Review must grant permission for a major review.

Here is a look at several site plans currently pending.

• A final site plan application has been filed to install a pre-fabricated pedestrian bridge across Pollocks Branch at the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s South First Street. (PL-26-0052)
• The city is also reviewing a final site plan for the second phase of the Central Water Line. The description reads “installation of approx. 6,315 [linear feet] 24” water main owned by [Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority], approx. 1,450 LF 12” water main owned by the City, & approx. 715 LF 18”water main owned by [Albemarle County Service Authority].” (PL-26-0046).
• The city is also reviewing a final site plan for exterior renovations at 300 Court Square Tavern for a small hotel. (PL-26-0040)
• There is also a proposal to reconfigure the entranceway to the Ridge Street fire station to have it become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (PL-26-0033)
• Conmole Group LLC, operators of the Conmole restaurant at 816 Hinton Avenue, have filed for a final site plan to replace an existing pergola. (PL-26-0027)
• Jaunt has filed for a site plan to reorient their parking lot at 104 Keystone Place. Staff issued a denial letter on February 23. (PL-26-0005)
• Finally for this story, Charlottesville Area Transit has filed a site plan for a new bus stop at 325 Riverside Avenue. This is still under review. (PL-26-0001)

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