City of Suffolk, VA
Comprehensive Plan

The City of Suffolk is part of a large, dynamic, and rapidly changing region that benefits greatly from its position as part of a significant population and employment center. At almost 430 square-miles of land, Suffolk was a town in Nansemond County until it was incorporated as a city in 1910 and merged with Nansemond County in 1974. City leaders recognized that in order to remain competitive while retaining a high quality of life, Suffolk needed a plan to grow strategically while preserving its small town feel, desirable residential neighborhoods, and agricultural areas. With a complex array of issues to address, the City engaged a team led by Planning NEXT to lead a multifaceted team to create a plan that would provide a framework for growth and change.

Focus on land use predictability

The approach to land use presented in the plan provides much more specific direction than in the previous plan, replacing six broad use districts with 12 use types. The plan includes not only information about what kinds of uses are desired and where, but also the intent of each area, its look and feel, and way people experience each use type. The plan put forth that focusing growth within Growth Areas is the best way to protect rural areas, foster vibrant mix of uses and activities with services and amenities in Downtown and North Suffolk, leverage existing infrastructure, and promote fiscal responsibility. The plan also includes several strategic areas for expansion of growth area boundaries into places where the City can take advantage of job creation opportunities, bolster its tax base, leverage infrastructure, elevate the quality of commercial and industrial development, and help direct development away from rural areas.

Preserving agricultural heritage

Agriculture and forestry make up over one-third of the total land area of the City. Suffolk 2045 continues the ideals of the previous plan regarding the preservation of agricultural land, while recognizing business realities and market forces. It focuses on the idea of providing choices to farmers and agricultural property owners that both encourages the preservation of the rural landscape, where desired, and provides them with flexibility.

Coordinate transportation and land use considerations

Transportation improvements are needed to accommodate growth and the continued train, truck, and car volumes within and through Suffolk, but transportation improvement needs exceed funding. The plan prioritizes new development within the Growth Areas to more efficiently focus transportation funding to support the growing population.

Related News

Final Plan Document

Suffolk 2045

Tags

Project Type: comprehensive plan
Community Type: city
Client: City of Suffolk
Services: comprehensive plan, community engagement