Harrisonburg, VA

Electoral Board

School Board

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

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

Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee

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

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?)

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 [email protected]

Planning Commission

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

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)

Stormwater Advisory Committee

This meeting is largely procedural and update-oriented. The committee will approve minutes from May 2026, hear public comments, and receive staff updates on the MS4 program, VESMP, stormwater projects, water sampling, and urban forestry/pollinator initiatives. No votes on ordinances or contracts are listed.

• Approval of May 13, 2026 meeting minutes
• MS4 Program Updates
• VESMP Updates
• Stormwater Projects Updates
• Urban Forestry & Pollinator Program Updates

City Council

School Board

The Harrisonburg School Board’s August 4, 2026 meeting consists entirely of procedural and ceremonial actions, including a call to order, adoption of the agenda, a moment of silence, and a pledge of allegiance. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee

The Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee will hear a special presentation on including Harrisonburg in the Commonwealth's 2026 State Rail Plan. The committee will also receive updates on environmental initiatives, review the EAP Rubric for Development, and hear public comment on the Link Tree Canopy. No votes or decisions are scheduled; items are discussion and informational only.

• Special presentation: Including Harrisonburg in the Commonwealth's 2026 State Rail Plan
• Public comment by Carl Larsson on the Link Tree Canopy
• Update from Sustainability Manager on current environmental initiatives
• Discussion of EAP Rubric for Development
• Focus area and EAP Community Goals updates

The committee unanimously approved a motion recommending City Council send a letter to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation requesting Harrisonburg be added as a passenger rail destination in the 2026 State Rail Plan, provided it does not conflict with Chesapeake Western line or Virginia Breeze proposals. The committee also approved virtual participation for a member, approved the April meeting summary, and discussed plans for a September 18 Sustainability Summit.

• Approved motion to recommend City Council send letter to DRPT for passenger rail in 2026 State Rail Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Andy Kohen's virtual participation (unanimous)
• Approved April 29, 2026 meeting summary (unanimous)
• Agreed to add committee members to Stormwater and Environmental Newsletter email list

Transportation Safety & Advisory Commission

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings and consider several items, including a rezoning and two special use permits for 1340 South Main Street to allow multifamily buildings, retail, offices, and restaurants. Other actions include adopting a policy on Automatic License Plate Recognition systems, amending the city's water conservation code during emergencies, and supporting eight VDOT Smart Scale grant applications. The council will also consider writing off certain delinquent taxes and a supplemental appropriation for the school board.

• Rezoning of 1340 South Main Street (request by Marilyn S. Pendlebury)
• Special use permit for multifamily buildings with more than 12 units at 1340 South Main Street
• Special use permit for retail, offices, restaurants at 1340 South Main Street
• Adoption of policy on use of Automatic License Plate Recognition Systems
• Amendment to water conservation code for emergencies or drought

The City Council approved a rezoning request and two special use permits for 1340 South Main Street, allowing multifamily housing with more than 12 units and retail/office/restaurant uses, despite one dissenting vote. The council also approved several other items, including a resolution supporting eight VDOT Smart Scale grant applications, a policy on automatic license plate readers, and a supplemental appropriation for city schools. All votes were 4-0 except the rezoning and permits, which passed 3-1.

• Approved rezoning at 1340 S. Main St (3-1)
• Approved special use permit for multifamily >12 units at 1340 S. Main St (3-1)
• Approved special use permit for retail/offices/restaurants at 1340 S. Main St (3-1)
• Approved archway design for Spraygrounds at Ralph Sampson Park (4-0)
• Approved advertising delinquent real estate taxes for 2023 & 2024 (4-0)
• Approved writing off delinquent real estate (2005) and personal property (2020) taxes (4-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting 8 VDOT Smart Scale grant applications (4-0)
• Adopted ALPR policy and resolution (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is conducting a work session to review and discuss draft text and maps for the Zoning Ordinance Update Project. This session focuses on use regulations, site development standards, and definitions. No public comment will be received during this meeting.

• Review of draft Article C: Use Regulations
• Review of draft Sections 10-3-53 through 56: Site Development Standards
• Review of draft Section 10-3-11: Definitions
• Discussion of draft Zoning Map and Zoning District Breakdowns

The Planning Commission held a work session to review and discuss portions of the draft Zoning Ordinance and draft Zoning Map. No formal decisions were made; the session was for discussion and feedback. Staff will address several issues raised, including clarifying the definition of congregate housing and providing intent statements for zoning districts.

• No formal decisions made; work session only
• Discussed draft zoning ordinance text and map
• Staff to fix congregate housing definition
• Staff to provide intent statements for zoning districts
• Agreed to allow pharmacies drive-thrus by right in Neighborhood Commercial district

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will consider approval of the May 2026 meeting minutes. It will receive the Director's report and updates on park projects. The commission will address any action items and field questions from members and the public.

• Approval of May 2026 meeting minutes
• Director's report and project updates
• Action items
• Member questions and comments
• General public comments

Towing Board

The Harrisonburg Towing Board will meet to discuss a fee increase. Other agenda items include the approval of previous minutes and public comment.

• Discussion of fee increase

City Council

The Harrisonburg City Council will consider special use permit requests for short-term rentals and a meat processing facility. The meeting also includes consent agenda items for event permits and the approval of prior council minutes.

• Consider special use permit for short-term rental at 453 West Water Street
• Consider special use permit for meat processing facility at 256 Charles Street
• Approve minutes from June 23, 2026 City Council Meeting
• Consider special event applications for Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5k and HDR Skeleton Festival
• Receive 2024 and 2025 Annual Reports from Board of Zoning Appeals

City Council approved special use permits for a short-term rental and a meat processing facility. The council also approved two special event applications and reappointed two members to the Regional Sewer Authority. Members discussed the potential removal of Flock cameras and the creation of a policy prohibiting Automatic License Plate Readers.

• Approved special use permit for short-term rental at 453 West Water Street (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for meat processing and storage facility at 256 Charles Street (5-0)
• Approved Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5k Run/Walk application (5-0)
• Approved HDR’s Skeleton Festival application (5-0)
• Reappointed Matthew Light and Brad Chewning to Harrisonburg Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority (unanimous)
• Approved virtual attendance of Council Member Alsaadun (5-0)
• Approved June 23, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council

This is a special meeting with only a closed session for legal consultation regarding specific legal matters and probable litigation. The public cannot comment and the meeting is not streamed. No other business is scheduled.