Kalona Shipyard Incorporated requested a conditional rezoning of properties at 344 West Indian River Road and 335 Emmett Place to conditional IDW (industrial waterfront) to allow future shipbuilding operations; planning staff described a history of prior residential or multifamily designations and recommended approval subject to applicant proffers addressing on‑site violations.
Staff said the subject parcels were designated multifamily or single‑family in Plan Norfolk 2030 after a 2015–16 residential proposal fell through; repurposing them to industrial was presented as appropriate given surrounding industrial and commercial uses. Staff noted a prior erosion and sediment control violation and said the applicant submitted proffers requiring a site plan within 120 days of rezoning approval, implementation of corrective measures within 120 days after plan approval, and removal of a dilapidated barge on the north side of the property. The city’s environmental services manager met the applicant on‑site and staff said those proffers addressed outstanding environmental concerns.
Commissioners asked about the effect of rezoning on neighboring redevelopment efforts and whether leasing arrangements with third parties would guarantee compliant operations; staff said leases are a civil matter between property owner and lessees and that any future industrial uses on the site would be subject to the city’s site‑plan and environmental review. Two letters requesting continuance were received the day before and the morning of the meeting; staff said both letters would be made available to the public. Staff described the potential for zoning violations and legal action if the proffered compliance steps were not carried out within the stated timeframe.
No vote outcome was recorded in the staff presentation; staff recommended approval subject to the applicant’s proffers and to compliance with the Chesapeake Bay preservation and sediment control requirements identified in the proffers.