The Gloucester Planning Commission supported a proposed change to the height of commercial buildings in the county during a meeting Thursday night in the colonial courthouse.
The proposed change to the Zoning Ordinance would allow principal structures containing retail stores and shops and office type businesses in the B-2 Village Business Zoning District to be built to a height of 60 feet—compared to the current maximum height of 45 feet, planning officials said. The planners’ recommendation now goes to the Gloucester Board of Supervisors for its consideration.
Planners said that for structures more than 45 feet high, the setback from Main Street must be 35 feet from the right of way. The front yard setback will remain five feet for buildings not taller than 45 feet.
County staff said the proposed ordinance change is in response to Walter Alford, a Mathews developer who has worked on behalf of the Hall Family Trust to renovate Edgehill Town Center on Main Street. Alford se...