CODE REFRESH

RVA "Code Refresh"

As you all may know, the City of Richmond is deep into a re-write of its 1970’s era zoning code. It is referred to as a “Code Refresh,” however it is actually a totally new code, intended to implement the long-term land use plan included in the Richmond 300 master plan.

If you have not yet looked into how this “zoning refresh” will affect all Ginter Park residents (homeowners and renters alike), now is the time to do so as it is moving along very quickly, and the time for public comment is short.

At this point in the 2-year process, the code-writing staff has issued the following documents, available at the links below.

MEETING ALERTS (plus past meeting recordings)

Richmond City Zoning Advisory Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 [CANCELLED]
4-6:30pm
City Hall - 5th Floor Conference Room
900 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Open Houses to present 2nd draft
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
4-7pm
Richmond Main Public Library
101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Thursday, November 20, 2025
9am-12pm
City Hall Lobby
900 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Thursday, November 20, 2025
4-7pm
Southside Community Services Center (Southside Plaza)
4100 Hull Street Road
Richmond, VA 23224

PAST MEETING RECORDINGS:

August 25, 2025 - GPRA ZONING COMMITTEE - ONLINE Q&A

August 21, 2025 - GINTER PARK COMMUNITY-WIDE MEETING
Guest speaker, Marianne Pitts, City Planning and Development

August 13, 2025 -
City Zoning and Advisory Council (ZAC) Meeting
ZAC Presentation

PROPOSED CHANGES AFFECTING GINTER PARK

In reviewing the "Code Refresh" documents, GPRA’s Planning and Zoning committee would like to point out the major changes to the current zoning districts within GPRA /Laburnum Park which appear to have the most potential effect on the neighborhood.

The current minimum lot sizes for all detached and attached residential districts will be eliminated (currently these range from 5,000 to 20,000 SF).
The current R-1 and R-2 districts will be combined into a single RD-A district with a minimum lot width of 90-feet, with no minimum lot size.
The current R-3, and R-4 districts will be combined into a single RD-B district with a minimum lot width of 50-feet, with no minimum lot size.
In ALL proposed detached residential districts (RD-A, RD-B, and RD-C) up to three housing units will be permitted by right on a single lot vs. the two now permitted (a single unit + an ADU, or a duplex + an ADU). Additionally, the existing front-yard setbacks will be significantly reduced from 35-feet to 25-feet and the permitted lot coverage will be increased by as much as 50% in order to accommodate more units on each lot.
The length of Chamberlayne Ave from Brooklyn Pky to Azalea Ave which is currently zoned residential multi-family (mostly R-48) will be changed to RX-4 or MX-6 (mixed use, 4 or 6 stories maximum). This includes the blocks north of Bellevue, an area currently zoned for single and attached dwellings. Additionally, the existing front-yard setbacks would be significantly reduced to as little as 5-feet.

NOTE: The “upzoning” of Chamberlayne would allow commercial development as well as four or six-story buildings (depending on what finally goes through). Currently Chamberlayne Avenue in Ginter Park (Azalea to Brookland Park Boulevard) is entirely residential.

CODE REFRESH INFO AND MAPS

Code Refresh - City Page
First draft of the proposed zoning map (has since seen many updates)
Draft use provisions for each district

OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS: (deadline is 9/28)

ZAC (Zoning Advisory Board)

ZAC Members comments: This includes comments specific to Laburnum and Chamberlayne Ave, suggesting denser development than is currently proposed.
Mid-June presentation regarding the ZAC member comments on the proposed map.

ACTION STEPS

1. SIGN UP GPRA EMAIL BLAST
2. Stay tuned on social media: Facebook and Instagram
3. Attend Meetings (dates and times listed above and on our main calendar)
4. Add your comments to the city's zoning maps using links below - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 28
5. Share our Top Ten Concerns list with your neighbors.

The MOST CURRENT draft zoning map and use regulations shared at the open houses are now available online in an interactive format for you to review and comment on.* DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 28

*Comments that you leave on the map and documents are visible to the public. Please be respectful, keep comments focused on the content, and refrain from using profanity. If you have any issues with commenting or any questions, please reach out to city planning at [email protected].