CODE REFRESH: Draft 03
Draft 03 for Code Refresh was published on August 17th and is available through the Planning Department’s website for review and comment. More information regarding Draft 03 is forthcoming as the Planning and Zoning Committee reviews the proposal.
If you have not already, we invite you to review the most recent draft and information:
Planning and Development Review – Code Refresh Website: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh
Draft 03 Zoning Ordinance (Regulations)
https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/Richmond_ZoningCode_Aug17-DRAFT.pdfDraft 03 Interactive Map
https://app.atlas.co/shared/Hq7O0bp0Y9HSR0uzolzN
City-Wide Code Refresh Meeting
Richmond Civic League is hosting another city-wide meeting for residents to review and discuss Draft 03. They will also be discussing their efforts regarding a referendum on Code Refresh (more information below).
Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 01 from 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
Meeting Location: Auditorium of Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Avenue
PETITIONS FOR REFERENDUM
Many citizens have expressed concern regarding the proposed provisions, the lack of research and information provided to support the proposed provisions, and the process for the Code Refresh zoning rewrite. Two groups, the Richmond Civic League and Richmond for All, have formulated separate petitions that would allow qualified voters in the City of Richmond the ability to vote on rezoning proposals that affect more than 25% of the parcels within the City. If enough signatures are received for one or both petitions, a special election would be held on November 02, 2027.
Below are summaries of the two petition options and links to the petitions for further review.
PETITION 01
Prepared by Richmond Civic League
Zoning rewrite will affect at least 25% of the parcels in Richmond. As such, the zoning rewrite proposal shall be submitted by a special referendum to the citizens as required by state law.
Unless the majority vote in favor of the proposal, City Council does not have the authority to enact the proposal.
If the majority does not vote in favor of the proposal, it is not enforceable and the zoning will revert to the existing ordinance.
Visit the Richmond Civic League’s website for more information: https://richmondcivicleague.com/referendum-petition-on-code-refresh/
PETITION 02
Prepared by Richmond for All and Paul Goldman
Item 01: Preventing Predatory Rent Practices
This would provide City Council the right to prevent predatory rent practices and future rent increases for any dwelling unit or manufactured home lot intended for lease as a home or residence, regardless if the unit or lot is vacant or occupied.
Landlords with 4 or fewer rental dwelling units, or up to a 10% interest in four or fewer rental dwelling units is not subject to this provision.
Item 02: Public Right to Referendum
Any zoning plan that affects at least 25% of the land parcels shall not be enacted by City Council unless the plan is first submitted to the qualified voters at a special referendum and approved by a majority of all votes cast.
When charter provision becomes effective, any zoning plan enacted after July 01, 2026 shall be subject to a special referendum, unless it was previously approved in an advisory referendum. If the zoning plan does not achieve approval from the majority of all the votes cast, it will no longer be enforceable. The zoning code will revert to the prior one.
Review the petition: https://files.constantcontact.com/b027d95f901/34497e57-8cc6-4d7c-af04-e62b7b442a68.pdf?rdr=true
Please stay tuned for more updates!