Zoning and Other Community News
The Hermitage
The Hermitage at the corner of Hermitage and Westwood Avenues has plans to demolish the current buildings to rebuild the property.
GRTC Pulse North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
There are plans to expand Chamberlayne Avenue to accommodate a new bus lane. This has impact on the current grass medians and the existing trees.
ADOPT-A-TREE PAUSED
The City Adopt-a-Tree Program has been on hold since the Summer-Winter 2023-24 cycle due to the dissolution of their funding partner, EnRichmond. Urban Forestry is reorganizing the program, and is expected to accept applications at an unspecified future date. Stay tuned for updates from our Tree Team.
RICHMOND ZONING "CODE REFRESH"
Important Announcement for all Ginter Park Residents Regarding the proposed new Richmond Zoning Code:
CODE FRESH CITY MEETINGS SCHEDULE
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. At this point in the 2-year process, the code-writing staff has issued the following documents, available at the links below.
If you have not yet looked into how this “zoning refresh” will affect all GP 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.
In reviewing these 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.
Note the “upzoning” of Chamberlayne would allow commercial development, when currently Chamberlayne in GP (Azalea to Brookland Park Boulevard) is entirely residential, as well as three or four-story buildings (depending on what finally goes through).
We invite all GP residents to attend one of the three following public presentations of the proposed map and code to learn more. Afterward, please send your comments to P&Z Chair Stephen Weisensale at [email protected] .
CODE FRESH CITY MEETINGS SCHEDULE
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. At this point in the 2-year process, the code-writing staff has issued the following documents, available at the links below.
If you have not yet looked into how this “zoning refresh” will affect all GP 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.
- A PDF of the first draft of the proposed zoning map is available online here: www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/Draft%20Zoning%20Map%20-%20May%202025.pdf (you will need to zoom in!)
- Companion to this map, the draft use provisions for each district may be found online here: https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/Draft%20Use%20Provisions.pdf
- The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) Members are currently commenting on the draft zoning map online here: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVI1-NlXY=/ This includes comments specific to Laburnum and Chamberlayne Ave, suggesting denser development than is currently proposed.
- There is a posted mid-June presentation regarding the ZAC member comments on the proposed map. Please use this link to review the document: https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/ZAC%20June%202025%20Presentation.pdf
In reviewing these 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 minimum lot sizes for all single family residential districts will be reduced, typically around 20%.
- The current R-1 and R-2 districts will be combined into a single RD-A district (15,000 sf min lot size).
- The current R-3, and R-4 districts will be combined into a single RD-B district (5,000 sf min lot size).
- In ALL proposed single-family, detached residential districts (RD-A, RD-B, and RD-C) up to three housing units will be permitted on a single lot (a single unit + an ADU, or a duplex + an ADU). Additionally, the existing front-yard setbacks would be significantly reduced.
- The length of Chamberlayne Ave from Brooklyn Pky to Azalea Ave which is currently zoned residential (mostly R-48) will be changed to MX-3 (mixed use, 3-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.
Note the “upzoning” of Chamberlayne would allow commercial development, when currently Chamberlayne in GP (Azalea to Brookland Park Boulevard) is entirely residential, as well as three or four-story buildings (depending on what finally goes through).
We invite all GP residents to attend one of the three following public presentations of the proposed map and code to learn more. Afterward, please send your comments to P&Z Chair Stephen Weisensale at [email protected] .
The Ginter Park Residents Association | A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 54-1513581
Post Office Box 25374 | Richmond, Virginia 23232
Post Office Box 25374 | Richmond, Virginia 23232