The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 30 to initiate consideration of zoning-ordinance amendments concerning inpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities, hospitals and related definitions, following a staff request to correct a procedural requirement under state law.

Ton Ding, deputy director of Community Development, told the commission staff had previously presented draft amendments at the Planning Commission’s Oct. 8 meeting and received unanimous approval. After a building-permit application was filed for an inpatient SUD facility on property zoned R-3, the property owner’s attorney informed staff of a procedural requirement in state law that zoning-ordinance amendments must be initiated either by City Council resolution or by a motion of the Planning Commission, referencing Virginia Code § 15.2-2286. Ding said staff wants the commission to authorize re-advertisement and asked the commission to direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance for public hearing.

"We are asking you all this evening to consider a motion then to allow staff to re-advertise and bring this back to you all," Ton Ding said.

A commissioner who spoke at the Oct. 8 meeting said the decision to re-start the process was appropriate and urged further vetting of these facilities. That commissioner said they were particularly concerned about discharge and disposal protocols and potential community impacts, and indicated support for moving the ordinance forward.

Commissioners also discussed process and timing. Ding outlined a likely schedule: staff will present the material at the Nov. 13 Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing would follow in December, and the item would then go to City Council for consideration. Ding told commissioners that staff reviewed other recent zoning amendments and determined the 30-day appeal periods for those items had passed.

Vice Chair Porter moved the staff-suggested motion, which reads in part that the planning commission "initiate consideration of a zoning ordinance amendment to the City of Harrisonburg zoning ordinance to amend provisions related to inpatient substance abuse disorder treatment facilities, hospitals, and other related items," and directs staff to prepare a draft ordinance for public hearing in accordance with state code. Council Member Tent seconded the motion.

Roll call votes recorded Council Member Tent (Aye), Commissioner Desigo (Aye), Commissioner Sykes (Aye), Vice Chair Porter (Aye) and Chair Vaughn (Aye). The motion passed unanimously.

Ton Ding told the commission staff will re-advertise the item and return a draft ordinance on the Nov. 13 agenda. Commissioners noted Chair Vaughn will be absent that meeting but expected a quorum. The commission did not hold a site tour; staff will follow the advertised public-notice process.

The action initiates a formal zoning-ordinance amendment process rather than approving substantive changes. The amendment’s specific regulatory changes, any proposed use standards or location restrictions, and the timetable for a public hearing and Council consideration will be determined in the draft ordinance staff prepares and presents at future meetings.