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✏️ Get in the zone

Richmond is rewriting its zoning ordinance. What does this mean?
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The zoning ordinance sets regulations for what can be built in Richmond. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
The city is rewriting its zoning ordinance — the section of the city code that establishes what can be built where — and how — in Richmond.

What is the zoning ordinance?

The ordinance is a legal document that maps the entire city based on what can be built and how sites must be designed. You can find it in chapter 30 of the city code.

RICtoday_ZoningOrdinance_NeighborhoodSign

For many years, City Council has taken a piecemeal approach to rezoning and amending the zoning ordinance.

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Photo by RICtoday

Why rewrite the zoning ordinance?

The current ordinance dates back to 1976, which means several of the rules in place aren’t aligned with the realities of Richmond life in the 21st century. Many of the policies from the ordinance have also resulted in exclusionary zoning practices which exacerbate racial disparities and inequality.

Richmond is growing, but it can’t annex any land to get physically bigger — meaning the city has to take advantage of the 62.5 square miles it has.

A large part of Richmond 300, the city’s award-winning master plan, is dependent on changing the zoning ordinance.

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The rewrite will include mapping when current structures were built, which can stretch back 200+ years.

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Map via city documents

What will change?

In a presentation to City Council, Dept. of Planning and Review Director Kevin Vonck shared a number of goals for the rewritten ordinance.

The new zoning ordinance will create new districts with specific, technical, and measurable regulations. It will likely permit a greater range of housing types within parcels — for example, allowing a duplex to be built on a lot next to a single-family home — as well as a greater range of compatible commercial and industrial uses on those parcels.

Vonck also said the new ordinance should prioritize pedestrian safety, historical and cultural resources, and the personality of Richmond’s neighborhoods. He also wants it to be easier to understand.

“You shouldn’t need a land use attorney to figure out how to use your own property,” Vonck said.
Get involved + see the timeline
Events
Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • UR Women’s Basketball vs. Duquesne | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 6 p.m. | Robins Center, 365 College Rd., Richmond | $7 | The Spiders wrap up home play for the regular season with a game against Duquesne.
  • “Before Sunrise” | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the first installment of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy on the big screen.
Thursday, Feb. 29
  • Black History Month Poetry Reading | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 4:45-7:45 p.m. | RPL Hull Street Branch, 1400 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Author Nathan Richardson will share work from his poetry collections and sign copies of his books.
  • Rough Sketch | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 9-10 p.m. | Coalition Theater, 8 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Laugh along with sketch comedy from Anarchy Barn and the Sunday Sketch Players.
Friday, March 1
  • Richmond Home + Garden Show | Friday, March 1-Sunday, March 3 | Times vary | Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond | $9 | See celebrity guests and get advice from 250+ home improvement, gardening, and landscape design experts.
  • First Fridays at The Basement | Friday, March 1 | 5-11:59 p.m. | The Basement, 300 E. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Expect art, live music, burlesque and more — the band starts at 7 p.m.
  • Got Game? | Friday, March 1 | 6-9 p.m. | anne’s visual art studio gallery, 208 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Check out the exhibit and enjoy live poetry and interactive audience participation.
Saturday, March 2
  • Loggerfest | Saturday, March 2 | 2-5 p.m. | Center of the Universe Brewing, 11293 Air Park Rd., Ashland | Free entry | The celebration of woodcraft, lagers, and wood aged beers will feature eight different brews, woodworking demonstrations, vendors, and live music.
  • Bollywood Night Dance Party | Saturday, March 2 | 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | $15-$100 | Get ready for an electrifying night of dancing courtesy of DJs Rutu and Geeta.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Traffic
  • Be aware of slower traffic if you’re driving down Monument Avenue this week and next. Crews will be resurfacing the road from North Hamilton Street to city limits, resulting in temporary lane closures.
Announced
  • Carbon Leaf will play the premiere concert of the 40th anniversary of Groovin’ in the Garden at Lewis Ginter on May 30. The Richmond alt-country rockers last played Groovin’ in 2010. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m.
Civic
  • The city is pausing penalties and interest for meals tax payments in order to manually review accounts. The Department of Finance aims to complete the process by July 1. In the meantime, business owners can submit questions directly to the department.
Number
  • $21 million. That’s how much Rebkee paid for the Innsbrook Shoppes. The local real estate redevelopment and investment firm said it doesn’t have immediate plans to change the shopping center, which is home to Capital Ale House, Dairy Queen, and Mama Cucina. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Community
  • Richmond Public Library has released its guide to spring events. Peruse the offerings for kids activities, new titles, and National Library Week celebrations. Adult classes include an intro to 3D printing, beginner sewing machine instruction, and Medicare 101.
Festival
  • The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns to Brown’s Island on May 4. The yearly fest includes artisans, food vendors, and entertainment in celebration of Hispanic and Latin American cultures. Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer.
Drink
  • A Richmond-born canned cocktail brand has expanded to selling in nine states and will soon add select Trader Joe’s stores to its list of retailers. Fore Craft Cocktails come in several flavors based on owner Turner Lewis’s favorite golf drinks. (Richmond BizSense)
Civic
  • Richmond is starting its annual spring clean up of city-owned cemeteries this Monday, March 3. The Dept. of Parks and Recreations is asking that any flowers, vases, decorations, or other items be removed from grave sites this weekend. New arrangements can be placed Monday, March 18.
Finance
 
Community

Mark your calendar for these spring events

Chesterfield announces inaugural Restaurant Week and Outdoor Festival
RICtoday_CarenasJamaicanGrille_RestaurantWeek
Over 35 restaurants will participate in Restaurant Week, including Carena’s Jamaican Grille. | Photo courtesy of Carena’s Jamaican Grille
Chesterfield is starting a new tourism push with two spring events: Chesterfield Restaurant Week and the Chesterfield Outdoor Fest.

From March 29 to April 7, dine at 35+ participating restaurants and a portion of proceeds will go toward Chesterfield Food Bank. Each restaurant will offer unique specials in honor of the week.

Restaurants that have already signed on include ML Steak, Carena’s Jamaican Grille, NAPA Kitchen & Wine, 21 Spoons, La Milpa, and Pakwaan Indian Cuisine.

A few days later, the county fairgrounds will host Chesterfield Outdoor Fest. Set for April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the festival will include Earth Day races, touch-a-truck, adventure demos, a sustainability showcase, and food trucks.
The Buy

The Buy 2.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
Did you know? When new festivals are announced or annual ones reveal their 2024 dates, we update our guide to local festivals so you can always be ready for the next party.
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