Code Refresh DRAFT Open for Comment

We encourage you and all your civic association zoning committees to review your current zoning, the proposed re-zoning AND comment before September 10, 2025.

• Since we are moving away from the familiar (R-4, R-5, B-3, B-6, etc.) zoning labels to new labels (RC, RD-A, RD-B, RX-4, MX-3, etc.) I encourage you to review the attached Summary of Zoning Districts (page 9). This helped me visually wrap my mind around the proposed zoning districts.

• Next you can use this link to zoom in on your property to see what you are current zone as what the PROPOSED new zoning will be. Since a good chunk of the 5^th District (parts of Randolph, Maymont, parts of Woodland Heights, Reedy Creek, Swansboro West, parts of Swansboro) is R-5, I’ll use it as an example. I’ve selected a random house in Maymont along Colorado. It’s highlighted in blue across from Amelia Street School. Not everything that is R-5 is proposed RD-C. Please use the map.  

• In the top right corner, you can see the Parcel Details. R-5 to RD-C
• On the left side of the page, you will see several “Quick links” to compare what your current zoning allows. 

Current R-5 = Search “R-5” in the search bar > Click on “Division 6. – R-5 Single-Family Residential District” > Review 

RD-C = Residential Detached High. Search. Review.

Compare:

• Residential Detached High (RD-C) – With our example, a Maymont parcel that is 50 feet in width could be subdivided into two 25-foot parcels. This would allow up to 2 units and an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on each of the 25 foot wide parcels (includes single-family detached houses and duplexes). Basically, Maymont could see one 50-foot parcel single unit switch to two 25 foot parcels with a total of 6 units on them.

• If this is confusing you; you are not alone. You can invite them to your next civic association meeting by emailing them at Richmond300@rva.gov.

• The most important thing you can do is comment on the draft. This is only a draft. It is okay if your comment is more of a question.

We are not planning or zoning experts, but we feel this is a fair interpretation of what is being proposed for some of the R-5 parcels in the 5^th District. We will be monitoring the comment/questions on the draft. 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) are often confused. You can review which department handles which city function by clicking on the hyperlinks: DPW and DPU. A quick easy reminder is the DPU ends in U. Think U for underground (water, waste water/sewer, gas) if you see digging into the ground it is most likely DPU.

This newsletter shares important resources for residents, however, it does not reach all of the district residents. Please share it and encourage neighbors to sign up for it.

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