October 13, 2025

Virginia Beach Considers Land Protection Amendment

News Summary

Virginia Beach is reviewing a proposed city charter amendment aimed at protecting agricultural land from industrial development. The initiative seeks to increase the supermajority requirement for land use approvals south of the Blue Line, reflecting efforts to preserve farmland amid ongoing urban expansion. Public hearings have been held, and city officials are debating environmental impacts and regional growth approaches. The measure aligns with broader plans for industrial growth, recreation expansion, and supporting local agriculture, including events like the Strawberry Fest and increased visitors at farmers markets. The amendment’s passage is scheduled for October 21, marking a significant step in regional land use policies.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Delegate Barry Knight has proposed a city charter amendment aimed at safeguarding the area’s agricultural land from industrial development. This initiative comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the potential rezoning of agricultural land for industrial uses.

Under the current city law, a minimum of six affirmative votes from the 11-member City Council is required to approve intense land use applications in rural areas south of the designated “Blue Line.” Knight’s proposed amendment seeks to increase this requirement to a supermajority of nine council members for such approvals, thereby providing greater protection for agricultural interests.

Knight, a retired hog farmer himself, has voiced apprehension about the level of support farmers might receive from the City Council under the current district-based election system. He emphasizes the need for strong measures to preserve the agricultural industry, especially as the city looks into developing industrial projects south of the Green Line.

The “Blue Line,” established by the city’s public utilities department in 2004, delineates areas eligible for city water and sewer services. It runs from North Landing Road to Indian River Road, extends east to New Bridge Road, and then follows the southern boundaries to the Atlantic Ocean. The proposed charter amendment will aim to define this boundary more clearly while mandating a supermajority vote on land use applications within its parameters.

A public hearing regarding the proposed amendment was conducted on October 7. Although support was expressed from the Virginia Beach Farm Bureau, no public speakers addressed the issue. A vote by the City Council on the amendment is scheduled for October 21, where a supermajority of nine votes will be necessary for it to pass.

In addition to Knight’s efforts, Council Member Barbara Henley has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed charter amendment. There is a growing dialogue within the City Council about balancing tourism, agriculture, and economic development in Virginia Beach as the city explores options to expand its industrial zones, particularly in light of limited available land in Innovation Park.

The intent of these discussions aligns with an ongoing effort by Virginia Beach to develop industrial land located south of the Green Line. Concurrently, the city’s Parks & Recreation Department is working on expanding athletic facilities, which aim to attract more visitors to the area. Recently, the Old Beach Farmers Market relocated and has since seen a significant increase in foot traffic, further contributing to local agriculture and business viability.

Additionally, an inaugural Strawberry Fest at the Beach is set to showcase local produce, inviting various vendors and agricultural partners, focusing on promoting Virginia Beach’s agricultural strengths.

As Knight pursues reelection for House District 98 in a competitive race against Democrat Cheryl Smith, the proposed charter amendment will be included in the city’s legislative agenda for the upcoming 2026 General Assembly session. This initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to secure its agricultural resources while navigating the complexities of regional development pressures.

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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg

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