Richmond releases second draft of plan to reshape city neighborhoods
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond leaders have released the second draft of a massive plan they say will make housing more affordable and help the city's neighborhoods thrive.
"Code Refresh," an initiative that began in February 2024, involves a major update to Richmond's zoning rules -- rules that haven't been updated in decades. These changes could reshape neighborhoods throughout the River City.
On the whole, Code Refresh aims to address Richmond's multi-year housing crisis and help the city's neighborhoods thrive. Improvements to developing standards will require trees and wider sidewalks, as well as mandate building designs that "complement existing neighborhoods."
“Richmond is growing, and we want that growth to lift people up by making our neighborhoods places where more people can put down roots and thrive,” said Mayor Danny Avula in a press release on Tuesday, Nov. 18. “Too many families who love this city – nurses, teachers, first responders, young adults, and seniors – are struggling to find a home that fits their needs and their budget. I’m excited about Code Refresh because it creates the opportunity for more homes for more people, so Richmonders can stay in the communities they love.”
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The first draft of Code Refresh was released in June. Since then, the city has been working to hear from residents about what they would like to see come out of this initiative.
This new draft, which was released on Tuesday, comes after more than 4,500 participants shared their thoughts, per officials.
"Draft Two reflects that feedback and includes revisions designed to preserve existing housing stock while expanding housing options for renters and future homeowners," the city said in the release.
Officials broke Code Refresh down into four goals and how, through some of the initiative's key changes, the city hopes to achieve said goals.
For clarity, a "residential" lot is a property that is meant for people to live on. A "mixed-use" lot is a property that can be residential, but it can also be used for commercial or even industrial purposes. For example, a mixed-use lot could contain both a strip mall and an apartment building.
Goal #1: "New homes should complement the existing neighborhood."
- Residential Changes
- New homes can’t take up as much of the lot.
- Heights and setbacks should complement what’s already on the block.
- Bigger apartment buildings are allowed only in areas that already have bigger buildings
- If someone splits a lot, new homes must face the main street.
- Mixed-Use Changes
- Transitional rules for mixed-use buildings next to existing homes are strengthened.
- Upper-floor step-backs are required so taller buildings don’t loom over the street.
Goal #2: "Build thriving, walkable neighborhoods."
- Residential Changes
- Small neighborhood conveniences, like markets and restaurants, can go in at certain lots and intersections.
- Mixed-Use Changes
- Development standards residents requested are added, including more trees, wider sidewalks, and more space for people walking and rolling.
Goal #3: "Preserve existing homes while also expanding housing options."
- Residential Changes
- An additional home can be added on the same lot — if you preserve what’s there.
- Mixed-Use Changes
- None.
Goal #4: "Align zoning with existing building and safety codes."
- Residential Changes
- None.
- Mixed-Use Changes
- Allowable heights are matched to what safety and building codes already allow, not beyond.
"The zoning rules the City has relied on since 1976 no longer reflect the housing needs of Richmonders today," said Kevin Vonck, the director of Planning and Development Review, in the release. "Code Refresh makes it possible to better align with current and future economic conditions, social preferences and environmental realities. The proposed updates encourage a greater range of housing types and mixing of compatible uses that will lead to more vibrant neighborhoods for more Richmonders."
The city will host three more open houses to allow the community to provide more feedback on Code Refresh following the release of this second draft. The dates and times for these open houses are as follows:
- 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Richmond Main Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St.
- 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Nov. 20 in the City Hall Lobby, 900 E. Broad St.
- 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull St.
The Zoning Advisory Council will meet from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 within City Hall's 5th-floor Conference Room. Richmond City Hall is located at 900 E. Broad Street.
You can find all draft maps, zoning districts and use regulations under this second draft online.
