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CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH – OPEN-AIR MARKETS Agenda Item 14 Page 1 14 July 11, 2012 Public Hearing CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH AMENDMENT TO CITY ZONING ORDINANCE / OPEN-AIR MARKETS REQUEST: An Ordinance to Amend Sections 111, 203, 901, and 1521, Repeal Section 233.3, and Add Section 239.03 of the City Zoning Ordinance, defining the term “Open-Air Markets,” deleting the term “Flea Markets,” adding Open-Air Markets and deleting Flea Markets as Conditional Uses in the B-2, B-3, B-3A, B-4, B-4C, and RT-3 Districts and establishing off-street parking requirements for Open-Air Markets. With the advent of the Internet and innovative means of selling and buying products that in the past were typically sold and bought at Flea Market events, the concept of a Flea Market has expanded into products and services that were not common at Flea Market events of the past. Additionally, the increase in awareness of the importance of fresh, naturally grown food products, as well as the increased desire of residents to support those who provide ‘Green’ products and services, has further altered the character of the traditional Flea Market. Reflective of these changes, the proposed amendments substitute the term “Open-Air Market” for the currently used term “Flea Market.” The definitions are substantively identical, but the definition of “Open- Air Market” clarifies that sales of produce of other farm products are included within the definition. The amendments also revise and, in some cases, delete various sections of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to this change from Flea Markets to Open-Air Markets. Staff recommends approval of these amendments. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY OF AMENDMENT
