Small Business Approval Changes Proposed In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria introduced zoning ordinance amendments Thursday that could speed up the approval process for permits and application costs for existing and prospective small businesses in Alexandria.

The proposal comes after City Council directed staff in early 2019 to work on potential updates to small business zoning. The proposed changes would reduce the review time for restaurants, outdoor dining areas, daycare centers, outdoor food and craft markets, health and athletic clubs, food and beverage production, amusement enterprises, convenience stores, social service uses and home occupations.

The typical approval process for a special use permit involves a review by city staff, a recommendation to the Planning Commission and recommendation to City Council. Under the proposal, restaurants would only need an administrative special use permit reviewed by staff rather than an administrative or full hearing special use permit. Amusement enterprises and social service uses would change from a full public hearing special use permit to permitted use.

A statement from the city says "either there is no longer significant potential for off-site/neighborhood impacts or because those potential impacts can be handled through an administrative review rather than a full public hearing."

Mayor Justin Wilson expressed support for the changes, citing "cost and uncertainty" of the current process has for small businesses. "Every day of delay is money for a new business," he wrote in his January newsletter. "These new changes will help our small businesses be successful in Alexandria."

The zoning amendment package will be scheduled for Planning Commission and City Council public hearings in April 2020. Residents and organizations can provide feedback at two upcoming meetings:

• Community Conversation in West Alexandria: Thursday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Avenue

• Community Conversation in East Alexandria: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street