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City Council Meeting, 7/7/2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Virginia Beach Council Briefed on Zoning for Retail Cannabis Sales
The City Council received a briefing on proposed zoning regulations for retail cannabis sales, which are set to begin in July 2027. The state's Virginia Cannabis Control Authority will issue licenses and notify local governments, who will have a 30-day window to object. The city can regulate aspects like the number of licenses and proximity to other establishments. Proposed zoning categories include cultivation, processing, retail, micro businesses, transporters, delivery, and testing facilities. Staff recommendations for zoning were presented, with cultivation and processing permitted by right in agricultural and industrial districts. Retail and micro businesses would require a conditional use permit in business districts and be permitted by right in industrial districts. Transporter use would be permitted by right in agricultural, office, and industrial districts, while delivery operators would be permitted by right in business districts. Testing facilities would be permitted by right in industrial districts and with a conditional use permit in agricultural and office districts. Public consumption remains prohibited, with a fine increase to $250 effective July 1, 2027. The city is permitted to tax cannabis use, with a 6% state tax and an additional 1-3.5% local tax. Next steps include updating boards and commissions, going to the planning commission, and ultimately city council for adoption before February 1, 2027.
Concerns Raised Over Transparency and Fairness in Golf Course Sale Process
During discussions regarding the sale of the Virginia Beach National Golf Course, concerns were raised about the procurement process, including allegations of a lack of transparency, an unfair competitive advantage for the selected developer (Dragas Companies), and potential ethical issues related to campaign contributions. Legal counsel clarified that the city is not required to follow the Virginia Public Procurement Act for real estate disposition but must adhere to public hearing and public vote requirements. The city attorney stated that the non-disclosure agreement with Dragas did not prevent disclosure of publicly available information and that the RFP process was a voluntary action. However, speakers argued that the process deviated from the city's own procurement ethics policy and that the RFP was materially changed after Dragas was given an extended head start, leading to a compromised and non-impartial decision-making process.
Virginia Beach Council Debates Sale and Redevelopment of Virginia Beach National Golf Course
A public hearing was held regarding the proposed sale and redevelopment of the Virginia Beach National Golf Course. The proposal involves selling the 350-acre property to Dragas Companies for $17.94 million, with an additional $1.82 million contribution from the VBDA for golf course improvements. Dragas plans to invest $38.1 million to renovate the golf course and develop 659 housing units, a childcare facility, and preserve 45 acres of woodlands. The proposal includes maintaining the golf course as public for 99 years, with a repurchase option for the city. Concerns were raised by residents regarding the process, the financial assumptions, the impact of increased housing density on traffic and infrastructure, environmental concerns including bald eagle nests, and the potential for the development to violate the 'Green Line' policy. Legal counsel clarified the process and requirements for selling public land, emphasizing the need for a supermajority vote. Several speakers and council members expressed reservations about the process, the financial projections, and the need for more time for review and public input.
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