Summary

City Council Public Hearing (May 17, 2025): zoning and permitting approvals, leaf blower ban, school reconstruction approved

AlexandriaMay 17, 20253 min read

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Alexandria City Council held a public hearing on May 17, 2025, and took action on multiple zoning and special-use permit items, adopted ordinances including a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers with an 18-month phase-in, authorized a five-year marina license with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, and approved a Development Special Use Permit to partially reconstruct George Mason Elementary School with amendments. The Council also received public comment on various topics and convened a closed session on investment of public funds.

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Approved Rezoning Approved Development Implementation Rezoning Virginia Housing Development Coordinated Development

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City Council Public Hearing

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EducationCommerceEnvironmentalHousing

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Key decisions

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Adopted rezoning ordinance (Ord. No. 5587) to rezone 802 and 808 North Washington Street from CD-X to CRMU-X (Implementation Rezoning No. 2024-00004).
Adopted encroachment ordinance (Ord. No. 5590) authorizing encroachments for portions of 802 and 808 North Washington Street into the public right-of-way (Encroachment No. 2024-00008).
Approved multiple Planning Commission recommendations including initiation/approval of ZTA2025-00004 (amend RMF zone to comply with VHDA lending policies) and several Special Use Permits for parking reductions and conversions (e.g., The Alante, The Oliver, Carlyle Block P, 1101 Finley Lane).
Approved a five-year License Agreement authorizing the City Manager to execute a docking/license agreement with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation for the Maritime Heritage Center I & II within the City Marina (Item 25-3060).
Approved Rezoning #2025-00001 and Development SUP #2024-10010 (Westridge Towns) to change zoning on portion of site to RA and permit construction of one single-unit dwelling and three multi-unit buildings, with associated density and parking modifications.
Approved Zoning Text Amendment #2025-00003 actions (multiple edits/clarifications across Articles III–X, EV charging, accessory units, churches as permitted uses in specified zones, mural program, etc.) per Planning Commission recommendations with specified removals and a 12-month review where noted.
Approved Special Use Permit #2025-00021 for Episcopal High School athletic field lighting with amendments: 5-year approval consistent with approved lighting plan, continued staff coordination for lighting adjacent to residences, temporary lighting allowance until permanent installation, lights ≤80' effective on SUP approval, usage ending at 10 p.m. daily, and single point of contact/one-year contact requirement with adjacent community.
Approved Development Special Use Permit #2025-10001 for partial demolition and reconstruction of George Mason Elementary School with amendments reverting one condition to staff recommendation, modifying fence placement, and adding an on-site point of contact for community concerns.
Adopted ordinance to amend Title 11, Chapter 5 (Noise Ordinance) to ban gas-powered leaf blowers with an 18-month phase-in (Ord. No. 5588).
Convened a closed executive session re: investment of public funds (Item 25-3222) and subsequently adopted the associated resolution (Res. No. 3291).
Endorsed a proclamation recognizing Older Americans Month (Item 25-3141).

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