Bristol, VA

Industrial Development Authority

The Industrial Development Authority of Bristol, Virginia canceled its regular meeting scheduled for October 12, 2026 at noon because of a holiday. The meeting was rescheduled to October 14, 2026 at noon. The agenda contains no business items beyond this cancellation notice.

• Regular meeting set for October 12, 2026 at noon canceled due to a holiday
• Meeting rescheduled to October 14, 2026 at noon
• Location listed as Council Chambers, 300 Lee Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201

City Council

The City Council will hold a second reading for amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning. The council will also consider two supplemental appropriations and several street closure requests.

• Second Ordinance reading on amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Supplemental Appropriation of $833,411
• Supplemental Appropriation of $114,674
• Street closure requests for TriPride Parade, State Street Trick-or-Treating, Halloween Parade, and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Purchase of a 275 ULTRA Skid Steer Loader

The Bristol, VA City Council approved on second reading an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 50 to remove data and call centers as by-right uses in certain zoning districts, requiring them to obtain special use permits instead. The council also approved a supplemental appropriation of $833,411 for carryover items and adopted several proclamations and consent agenda items.

• Adopted ordinance 26-9 requiring special use permits for data/call centers (5-0)
• Approved $833,411 supplemental appropriation for carryover items (5-0)
• Approved proclamation recognizing 25th anniversary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including street closures and vehicle purchases (5-0)
• Adopted meeting minutes from August 11 and August 25, 2026 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Bristol Planning Commission is meeting to hold a public hearing and consider changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II, which covers zoning regulations. The commission will also approve minutes from two prior called meetings and hear public comments on non-agenda items.

• Public hearing on changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Proposed changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2026 and August 3, 2026 called meetings

The Bristol Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend amending City Code Chapter 50 to require a special use permit for data/call centers in B-2, B-3, FRD, O-I, M-1, and M-2 districts, instead of allowing them by right. The change is intended to allow case-by-case review of environmental impacts while broader ordinance updates are developed. No public comments were made at the hearing. The recommendation now goes to City Council for final approval.

• Approved July 15, 2026 called meeting minutes (4-0, Pollard abstained)
• Approved August 3, 2026 called meeting minutes (4-0, Reeves abstained)
• Recommended code change requiring special use permit for data/call centers in B-2, B-3, FRD, O-I, M-1, M-2 (5-0)

City Council

The Bristol, VA City Council is meeting to consider a supplemental appropriation of $546,213, along with other agenda items including a consent agenda with a smaller appropriation, an asset forfeiture agreement, and a street closure request. The meeting includes routine items like minutes approval and public comments.

• Supplemental Appropriation $546,213
• Supplemental Appropriation $226,864
• Asset Forfeiture Agreement between BVPD and BTPD
• Street Closure Request for TriPride Festival
• Remote Participation Vote

Planning Commission

The Bristol, VA Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on September 21, 2026, to consider a request for residential use in a business zone at 411 Spencer Street, along with two administrative modification requests for properties on Elbert Way and Mary Street. The agenda also includes approval of the August 17, 2026 meeting minutes and public comments on non-agenda items.

• Residential use in a business zone, 411 Spencer Street
• Administrative modification request, 107 Elbert Way
• Administrative modification request, 1320 Mary Street
• Approval of August 17, 2026 regular meeting minutes

Industrial Development Authority

The Bristol, Virginia Industrial Development Authority has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026, citing a lack of action items. The notice is the only item on the agenda, so no decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Regular meeting of September 14, 2026 cancelled due to lack of action items

City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution for a new advanced life support EMS agency and hold a public hearing regarding the potential lease of Boyce Cox Field. The meeting also includes first and second readings for zoning ordinances and several contract awards.

• Resolution for Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. EMS agency
• Public hearing on the potential lease of Boyce Cox Field
• Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Supplemental Appropriation of $678,236
• Award of ITB# PW-27-006 for De-Icing Salt

The Bristol City Council approved a lease agreement with Solomac Entertainment to operate a collegiate wood bat league baseball franchise at Boyce Cox Field, with the team set to begin play in summer 2027. The council also approved a zoning change for two properties on Goodson Street, a new ordinance regulating recreational substance retailers, and several contracts and purchases. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved lease agreement with Solomac Entertainment for Boyce Cox Field (5-0)
• Approved first reading of zoning map amendment for 523 & 525 Goodson St from M2 to R3 (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-7 regulating recreational substance retail businesses (5-0)
• Approved $149.03/ton de-icing salt contract with Morton Salt (5-0)
• Approved $124,811.87 purchase of air stripping system (5-0)
• Approved concrete contract with Taylor Made Construction (5-0)
• Approved $147,062 purchase of 19-passenger bus (5-0)
• Approved $15,761 supplemental appropriation for Virginia Highlands Community College (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning. The meeting also includes a second reading for a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street.

• Public hearing on City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning amendments
• Second Ordinance Reading for Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 (523 and 525 Goodson Street)
• Highlands Community Services FY26 - FY27 Performance Contract presentation
• Presentation of June 30, 2026 Financial Information
• Budget Transfer of $3,634

The Bristol City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would require data and call centers to obtain a special use permit instead of being allowed by right in several zoning districts. The council also approved a zoning map amendment for two Goodson Street properties, approved a performance contract with Highlands Community Services, and hired Kendra Hayden as the new Economic Development Director. All votes were 5-0 except the adjournment motion, which passed 4-1.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 26-9 requiring special use permits for data/call centers in B-2, B-3, FRD, O-I, M-1, M-2 (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-8 rezoning 523 and 525 Goodson Street from M-2 to R-3 (5-0)
• Approved FY26-27 Highlands Community Services performance contract (5-0)
• Hired Kendra Hayden as Economic Development Director (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including street closures and $3,634 budget transfer (5-0)
• Approved agenda with postponement of two consent items and Tri-Pride Parade closure (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-1)

City Council

The City Council will review a second reading of amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II regarding zoning. The meeting also includes discussions on supplemental appropriations totaling over $948,000 and several street closure requests.

• Second reading of amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Supplemental Appropriation of $833,411
• Supplemental Appropriation of $114,674
• Street closure requests for TriPride Parade, State Street trick-or-treating, a Halloween Parade, and Christmas Tree Lighting
• Purchase of vehicles and a 275 ULTRA Skid Steer Loader

City Council

The Bristol City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading on amendments to the City Code's zoning article, and a second reading for a zoning map amendment for properties at 523 and 525 Goodson Street. The council will also consider several street closure requests, a budget transfer, and hear a presentation on financial information.

• Public hearing and first ordinance reading on amendments to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Second ordinance reading for Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026, 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Street closure requests for TriPride Parade, TriPride Festival, Summer's End Road Race, and a Five-Year Business Anniversary Celebration
• Budget transfer of $3,634
• Presentation of June 30, 2026 Financial Information

Planning Commission

The Bristol, VA Planning Commission is meeting to consider a zoning map amendment for two properties at 523 and 525 Goodson Street. The agenda includes only this one substantive item, along with staff comments and routine procedural matters.

• Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street

The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street, changing the zoning from M-2 General Industrial to R-3 Moderate Density Residential. The applicant, Hillary Akers, plans to rehabilitate the two structures for residential use. The recommendation will go to City Council for consideration. The commission also discussed potential historic designation and tax credits for the properties.

• Recommended approval of Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street to City Council (motion passed 4-0)
• Noted that 2021 property maintenance violations must be addressed and building permits obtained before occupancy
• Discussed potential historic designation through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for tax credit eligibility
• Acknowledged that off-street parking and driveway permits will be required for redevelopment

Planning Commission

The Bristol, VA Planning Commission is meeting to handle routine business and several land-use items. They will elect officers, adopt an annual summary, and make recommendations on a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street, updates to Chapter 50 of the City Code, and two subdivision plats. The agenda also includes requests to cancel and schedule a called meeting.

• Election of officers for FY 2026-2027
• Adoption of Planning Commission Annual Summary for FY 2025-2026
• ZMA 02-2026: Zoning Map Amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Recommendation of updates to Chapter 50, Bristol City Code
• Approval of subdivision plats 04-2026 and 05-2026

The Commission voted 4-0 to recommend a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street, from M-2 to R-3, to allow residential use. It also recommended code updates for recreational substance retailers, increasing the buffer from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. The Commission approved a subdivision plat for Cedar Hill Place, a right-of-way dedication, and scheduled a joint public hearing for July 28, 2026.

• Approved agenda amendment to move officer elections and replace subdivision plat item.
• Elected Dr. Paul Conco as Chairman and Bill Hartley as Vice-Chair for FY 2026-2027.
• Approved minutes of May 18, 2026 regular meeting.
• Recommended to City Council the Planning Commission Annual Summary for FY 2025-2026 with changes to Paul Conco's expiration date.
• Recommended ZMA 02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street for a joint public hearing on July 28, 2026.
• Recommended Chapter 50 updates for recreational substance retailers with buffer increased to 2,000 feet.
• Approved final plat 04-2026 for a two-lot subdivision on Cedar Hill Place, including a variance.
• Approved final plat 06-2026 dedicating 407 square feet of right-of-way at Catherine Street and Gate City Highway.

Planning Commission

The Bristol Planning Commission is meeting to consider changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II (Zoning). The agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed zoning changes followed by a vote on the changes themselves. The meeting also covers approval of minutes from two prior called meetings and allows public comments on non-agenda items.

• Public hearing on changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Proposed changes to City Code Chapter 50, Article II Zoning
• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2026 and August 3, 2026 called meetings

City Council

The Bristol, VA City Council will hold a joint public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street, and consider several procurement awards, including contracts for crushed stone and sand, and cooperative procurements for software and rental equipment. The council will also take first reading of a zoning ordinance on recreational substances retail and second reading of an ordinance on outdoor music festivals. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel and a prospective business.

• Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026, 523 and 525 Goodson Street, Joint Public Hearing
• Award of ITB Crushed Stone and Sand ITB# PW-27-002
• Award of ITB Non-Calcareous Crushed Stone and Sand ITB# SW-27-001
• Supplemental Appropriation $489,370
• Budget Transfer $85,000

The Bristol, VA City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance regulating recreational substances retail, including tobacco, hemp, and kratom, with a change from 'and' to 'or' as requested by Councilman Pollard. The council also adopted a second-reading ordinance requiring permits for outdoor musical or festival events on non-city-owned property. Additionally, the council approved multiple contracts, including for crushed stone, ERP software, HR systems, rental equipment, and leachate treatment services, and made appointments to the Beyond Housing Board and IDA.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 26-7 regulating recreational substances retail, with a language change from 'and' to 'or'.
• Adopted Ordinance 26-6 requiring permits for outdoor musical or festival events on non-city-owned property.
• Approved contracts with Vulcan Materials, Triple Z Distribution, and E. Dillon & Company for crushed stone and sand.
• Approved contracts with Tennessee Aggregates and Salem Stone Corporation for non-calcareous crushed stone and sand.
• Authorized contract with Tyler Technologies for ERP software, estimated at $262,958.
• Authorized contract with UKG Kronos Solutions for HR systems, estimated at $171,355.
• Authorized contract with United Rentals for rental equipment, estimated at $220,662.
• Authorized contract with Geosyntec Consultants for leachate treatment system services, estimated at $529,000.

Industrial Development Authority

The Bristol, VA Industrial Development Authority is holding a regular meeting with routine administrative items. The board will elect officers, hear staff and member comments, take public comments on non-agenda items, and vote on minutes from two prior meetings. No new or old business items are listed on the agenda.

• Election of officers
• Approval of May 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Approval of May 20, 2026 called meeting minutes
• Public comments on non-agenda items

The Industrial Development Authority elected Nick Esposito as Chairman, Imanuel Morenings as Vice-Chairman, and Amy Dula as Secretary for FY 2026-2027, all by unanimous votes. Members discussed the need for consistent meetings and agenda transparency, and requested updates on Leclerc Foods and the Exit 7 development. City staff confirmed no new communication from Leclerc Foods and noted the Exit 7 developer had not provided an update since a planned July closing. The board also discussed vacancies and the City's review process for performance agreements.

• Elected Nick Esposito as Chairman for FY 2026-2027 (4-0)
• Elected Imanuel Morenings as Vice-Chairman for FY 2026-2027 (4-0)
• Elected Amy Dula as Secretary for FY 2026-2027 (4-0)
• Approved May 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved May 20, 2026 called meeting minutes (4-0)

Industrial Development Authority

The Bristol, VA Industrial Development Authority is meeting to adopt its annual report for fiscal year 2025-2026. The agenda also includes public comments on non-agenda items, approval of minutes from the July 13, 2026 regular meeting, and brief staff and member comments. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Adoption of the Industrial Development Authority Annual Report for FY 2025-2026
• Approval of minutes from July 13, 2026 regular meeting
• Public comments on non-agenda items

City Council

The Bristol, VA City Council is meeting to consider several items, including a public hearing on a potential lease of Boyce Cox Field, a first reading of a zoning map amendment for 523 and 525 Goodson Street, and a second reading on recreational substances retail regulations. The council will also vote on a lease agreement with Sullimak Entertainment, LLC, approve bids for de-icing salt and concrete, and handle various appropriations and transfers.

• Public hearing on potential lease of Boyce Cox Field
• First reading of Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Second reading on recreational substances retail regulations
• Lease Agreement with Sullimak Entertainment, LLC
• Supplemental Appropriation $15,761 and $678,236

City Council

Bristol City Council will consider resolutions supporting two Smart Scale transportation projects: King Mill Pike Reconstruction and a roundabout at Bonham Road and Suncrest Drive. A first reading will be held for an ordinance regulating outdoor musical or entertainment festivals or events. The council will also vote on a second reading to authorize monetary bonuses for city officers and employees.

• Resolution of support for Smart Scale project: King Mill Pike Reconstruction
• Resolution of support for Smart Scale project: Bonham Road and Suncrest Drive Roundabout
• First reading of ordinance for Outdoor Musical or Entertainment Festival or Event
• Second reading to authorize monetary bonuses to city officers and employees
• Supplemental appropriation of $24,475

Council approved two VDOT Smart Scale project applications for road reconstruction and a roundabout. They also passed an ordinance authorizing monetary bonuses for city officers and employees and held a first reading for a new outdoor event permit ordinance.

• Approved resolution for King Mill Pike Reconstruction Smart Scale project (5-0)
• Approved resolution for Bonham Road and Suncrest Drive Roundabout Smart Scale project (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 26-6 regarding outdoor entertainment event permits (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-5 authorizing monetary bonuses for city officers and employees (5-0)
• Appointed Amy Stephenson and Dr. Rene Rodgers to Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees (5-0)
• Appointed Elizabeth Roberts to Library Foundation Board of Directors (5-0)
• Appointed Ryan Raines to Industrial Development Authority (5-0)
• Approved $24,475 supplemental appropriation via consent agenda (5-0)

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board will meet to reconvene and conclude the official canvass of votes. The meeting includes a closed session to address provisional ballots.

• Reconvening of the Canvass
• Closed session for provisional ballot meeting
• Conclusion of Canvass

Electoral Board

The Bristol Electoral Board will meet to open the canvass of votes, review provisional ballots in a closed session, and continue the canvass process. The meeting is procedural and follows Virginia election laws.

• Review provisional ballots in closed session
• Continue canvass of election results

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a specific zoning map amendment. The session is focused on properties located at 523 and 525 Goodson Street.

• Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street

City Council

The Bristol City Council will hold a joint public hearing on a zoning map amendment for two properties on Goodson Street. The council also considers multiple contract awards for stone and sand, cooperative procurements for software and equipment, and a first reading of an ordinance regulating recreational substance retail. Consent agenda items include a $489,370 supplemental appropriation and an $85,000 budget transfer. A closed session is planned for personnel discussions and prospective business negotiations.

• Zoning Map Amendment #02-2026 for 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Award of ITB for Crushed Stone and Sand (PW-27-002) and Non-Calcareous Crushed Stone and Sand (SW-27-001)
• Cooperative procurement for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
• First reading of ordinance regulating recreational substances retail (Chapter 50, Article II Zoning)
• Supplemental appropriation of $489,370

City Council

The Bristol City Council will vote on a supplemental appropriation of $366,882 and consider bridge repair projects on Goodson Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Oak Street. The meeting also includes a remote participation vote, a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on updates to Chapter 50 of the City Code, and the award of two invitation‑to‑bid contracts for asphalt and concrete work. Additional items are the approval of the employee handbook, a funding discussion for Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., and the first reading of an ordinance to authorize bonuses for city officers and employees.

• Remote Participation Vote
• Joint Public Hearing with Planning Commission on updates to Chapter 50 of the City Code
• State of Good Repair Bridge Projects on Goodson Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Oak Street
• Supplemental Appropriation of $366,882
• Award of ITB contracts for asphalt concrete patching (PW-27-001) and Portland cement concrete (PW-27-003)

The council approved a $366,882 supplemental appropriation to the FY 2027 budget, transferred $50,000 from the Birthplace of Country Music appropriation to the contingency fund, and adopted the 2026‑2027 Employee Handbook. It also added a budget discussion item to the agenda and authorized remote participation for Councilman Farnham. All motions passed unanimously.

• Adopt agenda amendment adding budget discussion (new item D10): Approved 4‑0
• Approve remote participation for Councilman Farnham: Approved 4‑0
• Approve Employee Handbook for FY 2026‑2027: Approved 5‑0
• Transfer $50,000 Birthplace of Country Music appropriation to contingency fund: Approved 5‑0
• Approve supplemental appropriation $366,882 to FY 2027 budget: Approved 5‑0

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board will adopt its agenda, review ADA compliance of Bristol’s precincts, and discuss preparation plans for the August 4, 2026 primary and the November 3, 2026 general elections. A closed session will be held for matters involving prospective candidates and personnel under Virginia law. The meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room 103.

• Adoption of the agenda
• Annual review of ADA compliance of Bristol’s precincts
• Discussion of preparations for the August 4, 2026 primary election
• Discussion of preparations for the November 3, 2026 general election
• Closed session on prospective candidate and personnel matters per Code of Virginia

Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Bristol, Virginia Planning Commission scheduled for July 20, 2026, has been canceled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will convene to review and discuss updates to Chapter 50 of the Bristol City Code. The meeting will include a review of the April 20, 2026 regular meeting minutes and a session for public comments on non-agenda items.

• Review of April 20, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Discussion and recommendation of updates to Chapter 50, Bristol City Code
• Public comments on non-agenda items

The commission unanimously approved the April 20, 2026 regular meeting minutes. It also unanimously recommended that the City Council hold a joint public hearing on the proposed recreational‑substance retail ordinance at a June regular meeting.

• Approved April 20, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Recommended joint public hearing on recreational‑substance retail ordinance for June City Council meeting (4-0)

Industrial Development Authority

The Bristol Industrial Development Authority will review minutes from its March 9, 2026 meeting and hear an auditor’s report on the Authority’s finances, including debt‑service arrears and a projected $5 million balloon payment in 2030. Members will also discuss development and recruitment efforts at the Falls Development, Exit 7, and downtown sites. A closed‑session meeting will be held to consider a prospective, unannounced business or industry expansion.

• Closed session under §2.2-3711.A5 to discuss an unannounced business prospect
• Auditor presentation noting debt‑service arrears: ~$352k (2024), ~$204k (2025), ~$156k (2026)
• IDA assets of $14.8 M and liabilities of $30.6 M, with a $5 M balloon payment due in 2030
• Approval of minutes from the March 9, 2026 regular meeting (motion passed 6‑0)
• Discussion of development and business recruitment at Falls Development, Exit 7, and downtown

The Authority approved the minutes from the April 13, 2026, regular meeting. The members also voted to enter a closed session to discuss an unannounced business prospect.

• Approved April 13, 2026, regular meeting minutes (5-0)
• Entered closed session regarding prospective business or industry expansion (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will elect officers for fiscal year 2026-2027 and adopt the annual summary for fiscal year 2025-2026. The agenda includes a zoning map amendment for Goodson Street and reviews of two subdivision plats.

• Election of Officers for FY 2026-2027
• Adoption of the Planning Commission Annual Summary for FY 2025-2026
• Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA 02-2026) for 523 and 525 Goodson Street
• Updates to Chapter 50, Bristol City Code
• Subdivision plat 04-2026 and subdivision plat 05-2026

Industrial Development Authority

The Industrial Development Authority will meet to consider a performance agreement with Legacy Theaters LLC. The meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Council Chambers.

• Consider performance agreement with Legacy Theaters LLC
• Meeting date: May 20, 2026
• Location: Council Chambers, 300 Lee Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201

The Bristol Industrial Development Authority voted 6-0 to approve a performance agreement with Legacy Theaters LLC for a privately funded $10 million renovation of the downtown theater. The city will provide up to $500,000 in admissions and meals tax rebates only after the new family entertainment center opens and generates additional local revenue. Staff added contract language ensuring payments begin solely upon full public opening, guaranteeing no upfront cost or risk to taxpayers while creating an estimated 36 local jobs.

• Approved performance agreement with Legacy Theaters LLC for $10 million theater redevelopment (6-0)
• Authorized up to $500,000 in admissions and meals tax rebates triggered only after the new family entertainment center opens
• Added contract clarification that incentive payments begin solely upon full public opening of the facility
• Directed staff to finalize the revised agreement for submission to City Council

Industrial Development Authority

The Industrial Development Authority will conduct an election of officers and review minutes from the May 11 and May 20 meetings. The agenda includes staff comments and public comments on non-agenda items.

• Election of Officers
• Approval of May 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of May 20, 2026 called meeting minutes