Harrisonburg, VA

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the City's Legislative Agenda. There is no public hearing or public comment period scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion on the City's Legislative Agenda

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the City's Legislative Agenda. There is no public hearing or public comment period scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion on the City's Legislative Agenda

Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss updates on focus areas, community goals, and current city environmental initiatives. The meeting includes a review of the EAP rubric for development and the scheduling of 2027 meeting dates.

• Updates on City of Harrisonburg Environmental Initiatives
• EAP Community Goals updates
• EAP Rubric for Development
• Sustainability Success Stories
• Establishment of 2027 meeting dates

City Council

The City Council will discuss adopting the 2027 Legislative Agenda and review several zoning ordinance changes. The meeting includes requests for special event permits and a master plan amendment for Eastern Mennonite School.

• Proposed amendment to include qualifying manufactured homes in the 'Dwelling, single-family' zoning definition
• Master plan amendment request for Eastern Mennonite School at 701 and 801 Parkwood Drive and 1251 Virginia Avenue
• Proposed reduction of minimum lot width for single-family detached dwellings in the R-8 district
• Special event applications for the Veterans Parade, Winter Wonderfest & Holiday Parade, and Rocktown Turkey Trot
• Adoption of the 2027 Legislative Agenda

Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee will meet to discuss the Safe Streets Harrisonburg effort. Staff will provide updates on the development of several new safety and design plans and funded projects.

• Safe Streets Harrisonburg update regarding a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
• Roadway Safety Action Plan update
• Safe Routes to School Plan update
• Complete Streets Design Guide update
• Updates on funded projects

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority will review financial reports and strategic initiatives. The body is considering the transfer of funds for construction financing and the purchase of the Glens Fair Price Building.

• Transfer of $284,852.23 from Franklin Heights to Commerce Village II for construction financing
• Transfer of $264,583.76 to LCD for the purchase of Glens Fair Price Building
• Resolution regarding 9% and 4% Bluestone Town Center
• Closed session for legal consultation regarding potential litigation
• Updates on Lineweaver Annex Renovation and Bluestone Town Center

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the definition and parking calculations for shopping centers. The body will also consider requests for street design exceptions for a project called The Lindsey and discuss updates to commission bylaws.

• Public hearing to amend Zoning Ordinance definition and parking calculations for shopping centers
• Request from Trenton Inc. and Bernard LC for Subdivision Ordinance variations at South Main Street, South Liberty Street, and future Paul Street extended (The Lindsey)
• Discussion of draft amendments to Planning Commission Bylaws

Transportation Safety & Advisory Commission

The Transportation Safety & Advisory Commission will discuss safety recommendations and crash trends for South Main Street. Staff will also provide an update on the Safe Streets Harrisonburg Safety Action Plan.

• Road Safety Assessment summary for South Main Street between Port Republic Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Way
• Crash trends on South Main Street between Mosby Road and Stone Spring Road regarding a temporary median
• Update on the Safe Streets Harrisonburg Safety Action Plan
• Discussion of options for a virtual attendance policy
• Election of Chair

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on zoning amendments regarding manufactured homes, lot widths, and a master plan for Eastern Mennonite School. The body will also consider resolutions for street renaming and new zoning requirements for cannabis-licensed businesses.

• Proposed ordinance prohibiting the use of Automatic License Plate Recognition Systems
• Public hearing on amending the Zoning Ordinance to include qualifying manufactured homes as single-family dwellings
• Public hearing on reducing minimum lot width for single-family detached dwellings in the R-8 district
• Request from Eastern Mennonite School to amend the master plan at 701 and 801 Parkwood Drive and 1251 Virginia Avenue
• Resolution to rename sections of University Boulevard, Forest Hill Road, and Convocation Service Drive

School Board

The Harrisonburg School Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 409 South Main Street. The agenda is largely procedural, with the only substantive listed item being Policy 128: School Board Policy Manual on the consent agenda. Time is set aside for public comment on both agenda and non-agenda items, plus a closed session. The agenda does not list any action items, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Consent agenda includes Policy 128: School Board Policy Manual
• Public comment periods for agenda items and non-agenda items
• Closed session scheduled, followed by return to open session and certification
• Meeting viewable on Xfinity channel 1072 and the City of Harrisonburg website

Electoral Board

The Harrisonburg Electoral Board meets Monday, October 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 409 South Main Street. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of the agenda and past minutes, public comment, and a report from the Director of Elections. The board plans a closed session to discuss personnel matters under Section 2.2-3711(A) and election security practices under Section 24.2-410.2 of the Code of Virginia, followed by a roll-call certification of the closed session. The agenda also lists review of the Election Day schedule, new business, and unfinished business, but does not specify any particular decisions or dollar amounts.

• Closed session on personnel matters and election security practices under Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711(A) and 24.2-410.2
• Report from the Director of Elections
• Review of the Election Day schedule
• Public comment accepted in person or by email to mark.finks@harrisonburgva.gov
• Meeting viewable live on the City website and Public Education Government Channel 1072

Emergency Communications Center Administrative Board

The Emergency Communications Center Administrative Board is meeting to approve minutes, receive financial and advisory reports, and discuss old business including backup site renovations, CAD2CAD, hiring, the Microwave Project, and the PSB Space Study. New business includes the Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting is open to the public with options to attend in person, watch online, or call in.

• Approval of August 27, 2026 meeting minutes
• Financial report and advisory board update
• Discussion of backup site renovations and CAD2CAD
• Hiring/recruitment and Microwave Project updates
• Capital Improvement Plan as new business

Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee will meet to approve draft minutes, hear public comments, and receive an update on the Safe Streets Harrisonburg effort, which will lead to a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Staff will also answer questions on funded project updates. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live.

• Safe Streets Harrisonburg update leading to new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
• Approval of 2026-06 draft meeting minutes
• Public comments accepted until 6pm the day prior
• Project updates on funded projects (attachment)
• Meeting streamed live on Harrisonburg Public Works Facebook page

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee met to discuss the Safe Streets Harrisonburg plan update and various city infrastructure projects. No formal actions were taken during the meeting because the committee lacked a quorum to approve the minutes.

• Approval of minutes tabled due to lack of quorum

City Council

The Harrisonburg City Council will hold public hearings and vote on several items, including a rezoning request for properties on South Main and South Liberty Streets, a $22.1 million supplemental appropriation, and a ground lease for city property. Regular items include approving battery storage agreements, writing off utility bills, endorsing passenger rail expansion, and banning automatic license plate readers. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and a supplemental appropriation for an opioid abatement grant.

• Rezone 435-495 S. Main St. and 282-298 S. Liberty St. (Lindsey Apartments)
• Supplemental appropriation of $22.1 million for carryover, grants
• Lease of certain city real property (Harrisonburg Ground Lease)
• Resolution approving Battery Energy Storage System Agreements
• Ordinance prohibiting procurement/use of automatic license plate recognition systems

The City Council approved a lease and agreements for a new battery energy storage system at 2230 Ramblewood Road. Additionally, the Council enacted an ordinance prohibiting the city from procuring or using stationary Automatic License Plate Recognition systems. Members also approved various appropriations, including $200,000 in opioid abatement grant funding and a reallocation of ARPA funds for neighborhood paving.

• Approved battery storage lease and agreements (5-0)
• Enacted ban on stationary license plate readers (5-0)
• Approved $22.1M supplemental appropriation (5-0)
• Approved $200,000 opioid abatement grant (5-0)
• Approved Downtown Master Planting Plan (5-0)
• Approved tow fee schedule amendments (5-0)
• Authorized write-off of $37,247.62 in utility bills (5-0)
• Appointed Brian Vandenberg to CPMT Board (unanimous)

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting with public comment, minutes approval, and financial reports. The executive director will present items including a resolution on privacy policy, the 2025 audit, and the 2027 annual and 5-year plans for several properties, followed by a closed session for performance evaluation. Management reports cover voucher programs, maintenance, property utilization, and grants.

• Resolution on Privacy Policy
• 2025 Audit review
• 2027 Annual and 5-Year Plan for Franklin Heights, Commerce Village, Commerce Village II, Lineweaver Annex, JR Polly Lineweaver
• Closed session for Executive Director performance evaluation
• Management reports: Housing Choice Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency, Maintenance, property utilization, grant quarterly update

Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee

Planning Commission

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission is holding a work session to review portions of the draft Zoning Ordinance, including zoning district names, Article D (Site Development Standards), and Article H (Development Review Procedures). No public comment will be received, and the meeting will be recorded and posted online.

• Review of zoning district names
• Draft Article D: Site Development Standards
• Draft Article H: Development Review Procedures
• Feedback from HRAR (Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of Realtors?)

The Commission held a work session to discuss proposed zoning district names and draft ordinance text. No final votes were taken on the ordinance, but staff summarized several requested changes to district naming and intent statements.

• Approved Commissioner Jezior's remote participation (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Harrisonburg Electoral Board is holding a regular meeting with agenda approval, minutes, public comment, a report from the Director of Elections, policy proposals, and discussion of new state laws. The board will also enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters and election security practices, followed by a roll-call certification of that session. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Report from Director of Elections
• Policy proposals
• Discussion of new state laws
• Closed session for personnel matters and election security (Code of Virginia 2.2-3711(A), 24.2-410.2)
• Public comment available in person or by email to mark.finks@harrisonburgva.gov

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding several zoning ordinance amendments. Proposed changes include updating the definition of single-family dwellings to include certain manufactured homes and reducing minimum lot widths in the R-8 district.

• Eastern Mennonite School request for off-street parking spaces
• Eastern Mennonite School master plan amendment at 701 and 801 Parkwood Drive and 1251 Virginia Avenue
• Zoning Ordinance amendment to include qualifying manufactured homes in 'single-family' definition
• Zoning Ordinance amendment to reduce minimum lot width for single-family detached dwellings in R-8 district
• Proposed amendments to Section 10-3-110 (h) regarding refuse collection facilities

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend state-mandated zoning changes allowing qualifying manufactured homes in single-family districts and reducing the minimum lot width in R-8 districts to 30 feet. Commissioners also recommended approval of an updated campus master plan and parking requirements for Eastern Mennonite School. In addition, the body initiated amendments regulating refuse collection facilities and appointed a deputy secretary.

• Recommended approval of Eastern Mennonite School master plan amendment and parking requirements (5-0)
• Recommended zoning amendment adding qualifying manufactured homes to single-family definition (5-0)
• Recommended reducing R-8 minimum lot width from 35 to 30 feet (5-0)
• Approved initiating zoning amendments for refuse collection screening and locations (5-0)
• Appointed Nyrma Soffel as Deputy Secretary (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from August 12 and August 18, 2026 (5-0)

Planning Commission

City Council

The Harrisonburg City Council will hold public hearings on several land-use requests, including special use permits for properties on Monticello Avenue and West Wolfe/West Market Streets, a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan, a zoning ordinance amendment to define 'poultry hatchery,' and a $22.1 million supplemental appropriation for grants and prior-year encumbrances. The council will also consider a subdivision variance, set the Personal Property Tax Relief percentage for 2026, approve a mosaic design for the Spraygrounds pumphouse, and amend police tow company policies and fees. Discussions are scheduled on passenger rail, City participation in State Corporation Commission proceedings involving Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy, and drafting an ALPR ordinance.

• Special use permit request by Caitlin Denbigh at 387 Monticello Avenue
• Special use permit request by VG Harrisonburg Storage LLC at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street
• Supplemental appropriation of $22.1 million for carryover, reappropriation, and new grants
• Resolution setting Personal Property Tax Relief percentage for Tax Year 2026
• Amended Harrisonburg Police Department Policies and Equipment Requirements for Tow Companies and fee schedule

Harrisonburg City Council approved a short-term rental special use permit at 387 Monticello Avenue and a special use permit for VG Harrisonburg Storage LLC at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street, both on 5-0 votes. Council also approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan incorporating the Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan and a zoning amendment creating a definition for "poultry hatchery," each 5-0. A supplemental appropriation for carryover and new grant funds was approved 5-0; the minutes state the request was $22.1 million in the agenda title while the finance director described reappropriating $23.1 million. Council denied a subdivision ordinance variance at 704 North Liberty Street 5-0 and tabled police tow company policies to the September 22, 2026 meeting.

• Approved consent agenda including August 25, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for short-term rental at 387 Monticello Avenue with conditions (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for VG Harrisonburg Storage LLC at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street with staff conditions (5-0)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan amendment incorporating Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan (5-0)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendment creating definition for "poultry hatchery" (5-0)
• Approved supplemental appropriation for carryover, unexpended grants, and new grants (5-0)
• Denied subdivision ordinance variance for sidewalk construction at 704 North Liberty Street (5-0)
• Adopted resolution setting personal property tax relief at 18.2% for Tax Year 2026 (5-0)

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority board is meeting for a routine session that includes public comment, a report from the executive director, and a closed session to review the executive director's performance. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Closed session under Virginia code 2.2-3711 (A) (1) for executive director performance review
• Executive director report includes item on Court Square Theater Management

School Board

The School Board will hold a meeting to address the adoption of the agenda and a consent agenda item regarding Policy 408 Student Attendance. The meeting includes provisions for public comment and a closed session.

• Policy 408 Student Attendance

City Council

The Harrisonburg City Council will hold public hearings and consider several items, including a request to rezone the Lindsey Apartments properties on South Main and South Liberty Streets, a separate rezoning at 704 N Liberty Street, an amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance, and a supplemental appropriation for Public Works. The consent agenda includes minutes and the rezoning and ordinance items, which may be pulled for separate discussion.

• Rezoning request from Trenton Inc. and Bernard LC for 435-495 South Main Street and 282-298 South Liberty Street (Lindsey Apartments)
• Rezoning request from Jose Antonio Lopez Montiel for 704 N Liberty Street
• Amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance
• Supplemental appropriation for the Public Works Department
• Public comments on agenda items accepted via phone or online

City Council approved a rezoning request from Trenton Inc. and Bernard LC for the Lindsey Apartments, a proposed four-story, 180-unit multifamily development at 435-495 S. Main Street and 282-298 S. Liberty Street, on first reading by a 3-2 vote. The project includes a five-level parking garage and reduced proffers compared to earlier versions. Council also approved the consent agenda, including a rezoning at 704 N. Liberty Street and a supplemental appropriation for Public Works, and approved amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance on second reading.

• Approved rezoning for Lindsey Apartments (435-495 S. Main St., 282-298 S. Liberty St.) on first reading (3-2)
• Approved consent agenda including rezoning at 704 N. Liberty Street on second reading (5-0)
• Approved supplemental appropriation for Public Works on second reading (5-0)
• Approved Subdivision Ordinance amendments on second reading (5-0)

Planning Commission

Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including the 2027 budget, a request for proposals for Court Square Theater management, and the transfer of properties from HRHA ownership to the Lineweaver Annex Corporation and Shenandoah Housing Corporation. The board will also receive updates on strategic initiatives, including the Bluestone Town Center and Lineweaver Annex renovation, and hear public comment on the 5-Year Plan and Annual Plan.

• Public comment on 5-Year Plan, Annual Plan, Move to Work Supplement Administrative Plan, and Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plans for Commerce Village, Commerce Village II, Franklin Heights, JR Polly Lineweaver, and Lineweaver Annex
• Public comment on 2027 Budget
• Request for Proposals for Court Square Theater Management
• Transfer of properties from HRHA ownership to Lineweaver Annex Corporation and Shenandoah Housing Corporation
• Strategic initiative updates: Bluestone Town Center, Lineweaver Annex Renovation, homelessness and affordable housing

Planning Commission

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission is holding a work session to review draft portions of the Zoning Ordinance Update, including zoning district names, intent statements, and Article E on parking and landscaping. No public comment will be received, and the meeting is recorded for later viewing.

• Review of zoning district names and intent statements
• Draft Article E: Parking and Landscaping
• Parking-related definitions from draft Sec. 10-3-11
• No public comment at this work session

The Planning Commission met to discuss proposed zoning district naming conventions and draft ordinance provisions regarding off-street parking, landscaping, and driveway standards. No formal legislative actions were taken, as the meeting was a work session focused on staff presentations and commissioner feedback. Commissioners agreed to submit additional suggestions for district names by September 7, 2026.

• Approved remote participation for Commissioner Alsindi (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two special use permit requests, a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan, and a Zoning Ordinance amendment to define 'poultry hatchery.' It will also consider a variance request for a subdivision ordinance at 704 North Liberty Street. The meeting includes approval of minutes from July 8 and July 21, 2026, and public comment.

• Special use permit request by Caitlin Denbigh at 387 Monticello Avenue
• Special use permit request by VG Harrisonburg Storage LLC at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street
• Comprehensive Plan amendment to incorporate Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan (2025)
• Zoning Ordinance amendment to create definition for 'poultry hatchery'
• Variance request by Jose Antonio Lopez Montiel at 704 North Liberty Street

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a special use permit for a short-term rental at 387 Monticello Avenue and an indoor recreational facility at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street. Commissioners also voted to incorporate the Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan into the City's Comprehensive Plan and approved a zoning amendment to define and permit poultry hatcheries. Additionally, the commission granted a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance regarding sidewalk construction at 704 North Liberty Street.

• Approved July 8 and July 21 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended approval of short-term rental SUP at 387 Monticello Ave (6-0)
• Recommended approval of indoor recreation SUP at 291 W Wolfe/336 W Market (6-0)
• Recommended incorporation of Northeast Neighborhood Small Area Plan (6-0)
• Recommended approval of poultry hatchery zoning amendment (6-0)
• Granted subdivision ordinance variance for 704 N Liberty St (4-2)

Planning Commission

City Council

The Harrisonburg City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 11, 2026, with several public hearings and regular agenda items. Key items include a request to rezone 704 N. Liberty Street and a related special use permit, an amendment to the city's water conservation ordinance, a supplemental appropriation for the school board, the sale of city-owned land on Neff Avenue to Pennrose LLC, a rooftop lease with Verizon at 100 N. Main Street, and amendments to the building code regulations. The meeting will also include a consent agenda with minutes from the previous meeting and a supplemental appropriation for Public Works.

• Rezoning request for 704 N. Liberty Street (Jose Antonio Lopez Montiel)
• Special use permit for 704 N. Liberty Street
• Amendment to water conservation ordinance (Section 7-2-19)
• Supplemental appropriation for Harrisonburg City School Board
• Disposition of city-owned real estate on Neff Avenue to Pennrose, LLC

City Council approved the disposition of city-owned real estate on Neff Avenue to Pennrose, LLC for a 200-unit housing development in two phases, with public engagement opportunities noted. Council also approved a rezoning and special use permit at 704 N Liberty Street to allow up to three additional smaller homes, a Subdivision Ordinance amendment, a Verizon rooftop lease at 101 North Main Street, a Building Code appeals amendment, and a $3,149,410 supplemental appropriation for Public Works projects. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved disposition of Neff Avenue property to Pennrose LLC for 200-unit housing project (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 704 N Liberty Street from R-2 to R-8C with sidewalk clause rejected (5-0)
• Approved special use permit at 704 N Liberty Street with reduced side yard setback (5-0)
• Approved Subdivision Ordinance amendment aligning with Virginia State Code (5-0)
• Approved Building and Rooftop Lease with Verizon Wireless at 101 North Main Street (5-0)
• Approved Building Code appeals amendment reducing application fee (5-0)
• Approved $3,149,410 supplemental appropriation for Public Works projects (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including water conservation ordinance and school board appropriation (5-0)