Commissioners review issues related to community growth and development and make recommendations to the City Council on rezoning and subdivision policies and land development requests.

What is the Planning Commission?  

The Planning Commission is established by the City Code (Chapter XXII) and the Code of Virginia (15.2-2210). It consists of five Hopewell citizens appointed by the City Council. The primary purpose of the Planning Commission is to advise the City Council on matters related to long range planning and community development. Hopewell's Planning Commission also plays an important role in land use decisions for the City. Commissioners review issues related to community growth and development and make recommendations to the City Council on rezoning and subdivision policies and land development requests.

When would the Commission become involved with my property?
The Commission would only become directly involved if you request a rezoning or conditional use permit for your property.

What are the Planning Commission's Procedures?
Public hearings are held by the Planning Commission to provide citizens with the opportunity to have input on land use recommendations that are forwarded to the Hopewell City Council for final action.

Public notices of Planning Commission and Wetlands Board public hearings are displayed as classified legal advertisements in the Hopewell News prior to the public hearing date. In addition, notices are sent to adjoining property owners of property requesting rezoning or a conditional use permit.

The Commission additionally serves as the city's Wetlands Board.  The Wetlands Board reviews and either grants or denies Wetland Permits, which are required for development projects that contain environmentally sensitive lands as defined by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.