COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. -- Proposed zoning changes in Colonial Heights have folks on social media buzzing.
Kimberly Hall said she has seen posts about the changes from her neighbors pop up in her news feed on Facebook over the last couple of weeks.
"It has just blown up on social media. I mean it's the topic of the city," Hall said.
Colonial Heights
Some of the changes concern changing the wording of certain sections.
"The new proposed ordinance cleans up a bit of the language of the ordinance" Colonial Heights Director of Planning and Community Development Scott Davis said.
The changes came up after continued complaints about a business running out of a home. , a business that saw five or more commercial trucks parked on the street
"The proposed ordinance clearly defines types of vehicles and what is allowed and not allowed more clearly," Davis explained.
When city staff brought it to the attention of City Council, city leaders were advised the current ordinance was not able to be enforced the way it was written.
Davis said he does not consider the proposed changes drastic.
The proposal continues to ban tractor-trailers being parked in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, commercial vehicles will be limited to no more than one per lot in residential-zoned areas. Those vehicles must be parked in the side or back yard, behind the front line of the house.
A work van parked on the street in Colonial Heights.
However, Christy Archileti, who has run a towing business for 25 years, is concerned her business cannot meet the requirement since she does not have clear access to either the side of her house or the backyard.
"We've been here for 14 years and we've never been able to park in the back or on the sides," she said. "We always park in the driveway."
Citizens with concerns have two opportunities to hear about the proposed changes. First, city council members will hear and discuss the proposal during a work session on June 7. Then the council will hold a public hearing on June 14.
