[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6515216,"mediaKeyId","5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855","parentId",5019111,"title","Director briefs Planning Commission on new site‑plan ordinance and rollout steps ahead of July 1 effective date","audioSeconds",1131,"startMs",413000,"endMs",1544000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855&start=413&end=1544","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855/thumbnail_413000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6515216/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Director-briefs-Planning-Commission-on-new-siteplan-ordinance-and-rollout-steps-ahead-of-July-1-effective-date","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515216-97f00bdd6d70f34785f0d8df88a10b95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430021&Signature=cZoJLQlU74BjzzFC2baATd9eZBiv65IlNMC2BsEZeEpyJTfln-no1au7PI6b-EwgN4D3QHgPhz3ZzFd9vVkWvx9fq43ptqwKzaMoT5KN7TZi8AEs8bWiwTXKKVBtQDLfvzlHDeZKGswZGBq5NAjVVWe43b96o4lMmsmmae3rl5TlJazRsSYoAZChl-R3SY-rxkCXfHVlpacZlTkM8kOrEKGF2Amvp1AXZP3mZM4p95NUhiXwFxnzw4mQ85AcTpMm1CW7tpqFnX0-phq-EniHxm-bOxe3L8YZguCZmTvNwCZXMZM38Q6BaSdxbA4t44a9pcxxkGB6EDbSXC9eiBYHfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-06-17T00:00:00Z","article","Planning Department staff told the Planning Commission the city will bring a revised site‑plan review process into effect July 1, with new applicant materials, clarified comment letters and a targeted outreach campaign aimed at professional applicants and the development community.

The department presentation explained two main implementation changes: first, clearer applicant checklists and online application materials that show statutory timelines and where the city’s review clock stops and restarts; and second, an edited comment‑letter format that separates code deficiencies (required corrections tied to ordinance or state law) from recommendations or best‑practice suggestions. Staff said the separation is intended to make reviews more transparent and to reduce unnecessary cycles.

Staff also described practical rollout steps: planners will post new application materials online on June 28; the new application type will be available in the development‑review portal; and staff will convene a pre‑development meeting for internal reviewers before July 1. Leo (identified in the meeting as a staff reviewer) will serve as an interim point of contact for site‑plan applicants while staffing adjustments are made. Staff said the department is coordinating with the Office of Strategic Communications on outreach and a set of public open houses and panel events next week to explain the changes to neighborhood groups and professional applicants.

Commissioners asked about the role of the master plan in site‑plan review and whether departments would distinguish between requirements that arise from code versus policy. Staff replied that compliance with the master plan is advisory at the site‑plan stage; mandatory standards must be tied to the zoning, subdivision or state law. Commissioners also asked whether each reviewing agency had been briefed on response time expectations; staff said departments had been engaged in checklist development and that a final cross‑department meeting would conclude implementation work before July 1.

Why it matters: The site‑plan ordinance replaces some special‑use review requirements for certain small projects and aims to speed reviews while clarifying compliance obligations. The implementation choices—especially how comment letters are framed—will affect development timelines and how applicants prepare submittals.

What’s next: Staff will publish new application materials June 28, host outreach events and finalize internal reviewer training before the July 1 effective date. Planning commissioners asked staff to emphasize statutory timing and to remind interdepartmental reviewers about what is code‑required versus recommended.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Planning Commission on 2025-06-17 6:00 PM - To access the meeting via Microsoft Teams: https://go.rva.gov/CPC2025 - Jun 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff briefed the commission on a new site‑plan ordinance and an implementation plan that includes clearer comment letters, online application materials and neighborhood outreach ahead of the ordinance’s July 1 effective date.","taxTitle","Richmond City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",5755,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515226,"Commission recommends R63 rezoning for vacant Glenwood/30th parcels, with proffers for sidewalks and trees",2178,8650000,10828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855&start=8650&end=10828","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855/thumbnail_8650000.jpg","/articles/6515226/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Commission-recommends-R63-rezoning-for-vacant-Glenwood30th-parcels-with-proffers-for-sidewalks-and-trees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515226-eac542418bb8955e47bf1a05be021cd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430021&Signature=IHoa2wL4ZEUWuNvjdyUeNlaAbUMWmYfnPkxMbjag1UeDQTG-AOwWaVAgu~Q1FBBdIlMZHm9hkVbiPMNQZLBwuIg74ihNxj8cs3WnrlIof7XxbMmPjOKE23~nuX0i02Ns6LyFa5NKmkSIhoQ-VUhTOd9Rm-0cyT5AJxPtu9J1YovYAzFZXoTTtYmVKAjfFndeuloqhoxK~ru7096d8J~K0yiFbfntI4zF4DPTP82OMy47f-NN0FF9rm6DBKaZlYTEfSMVWSCxWlf0o72VbDZV2cquo6sLAGwGm10epN7n6zxswlb732w2K96~h0mnC2nfDb3Pd3vba04nEfcMkSpYiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond Planning Commission voted Monday to recommend that City Council rezone five vacant parcels between Glenwood Avenue and North 30th Street to R63 (multifamily urban residential), contingent on developer proffers to install sidewalks, plant street trees and limit building heights.

Planning staff said the parcels total about 2.43 acres and that the Richmond 300 master plan designates the site as “neighborhood mixed use,” a category that envisions predominantly residential, walkable blocks with some small‑scale retail or civic uses. Under the proffered concept plan, the applicant would extend a street grid, add alleys for rear parking, construct sidewalks to the city’s Better Streets guidelines, and install street trees to urban forestry standards. The applicant also added two recent proffers: a minimum of one off‑street parking space per dwelling lot “to the extent practicable” and a height limitation of three stories.

Staff concluded the proffers and concept align with Richmond 300 objectives for walkability, connectivity and a mix of housing types, and recommended approval. Attorney and applicant representative Alessandro Legasse said the rezoning would enable a mix of single‑family attached and two‑family units consistent with the surrounding urban pattern and the plan’s neighborhood‑mixed‑use guidance. The applicant also said the owner would offer approximately ten of the final lots to affordable housing providers.

A small number of written responses were filed with staff; one letter in opposition was received and two letters of support were added to the record shortly before the meeting. A neighborhood supporter who lives nearby said the proposal would expand options for families looking to move to the area while keeping a pedestrian orientation.

The commission voted to recommend rezoning to R63 and forward the ordinance and proffers to City Council with the commission’s recommendation for approval.

Why it matters: The rezoning would convert a cluster of vacant, underutilized parcels into a walkable residential pocket that staff and the applicant say is consistent with the city’s master plan goals. The developer’s proffers aim to ensure sidewalks, trees and alleys to reduce curbside parking pressure.

What’s next: The rezoning will go to City Council for public hearing and final action. If approved, site engineering, stormwater and final lot layouts will be reviewed during subdivision and site plan reviews.

Votes and formal action

- Motion: Recommend approval of rezoning Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑20 (R5 to R63) with proffered conditions (sidewalks, street trees, alleys, off‑street parking pledge, three‑story height limit, offering ~10 lots to affordable providers).
- Outcome: Recommendation for approval forwarded to City Council (motion passed by roll call).","The Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning five vacant parcels between Glenwood Avenue and North 30th Street from R5 to R63, accompanied by proffers for sidewalks, street trees, alley access and a three‑story height cap.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515229,"Planning commission continues Hanover/Reveille special-use permit after large neighborhood protest",6135,1865000,8000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855&start=1865&end=8000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855/thumbnail_1865000.jpg","/articles/6515229/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Planning-commission-continues-HanoverReveille-special-use-permit-after-large-neighborhood-protest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515229-fab04651324a2bdce9acf8dae22c047b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430021&Signature=YK-Qz6pYT~ZZp8N68ewO~Me4wMi-2DRFIWUsOA8yqsVZCS7ld2pHxAAoUG~7jnsaJMvN9ZTHLj0rLBxJ1da9WYBHEFAPUeSY-aVs9W4J~8A1ROzr6m4dJltUfmvJe4wJ6-VV6JcFtHYy-cxRmOtJKFKIcinDAUAf-lCKFXJCw3JAVO0uXQrho-17sECGZxmA9aE8-Z-SMZXsCDJs~k2DtmfkMwL9qvwzrzCnvUzZBPz9ugfsc2jsiqRq4UNTkbuknunDhjOp6g6NOdmUc7utL28vFKK7ZwZq41JPw8EmD7sJ275l4jH9-MiOMidfozX2ScK-DLXr72QgFUR82KjbaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Richmond Planning Commission on Monday continued consideration of a special-use permit for 3801 and 3803 Hanover Avenue after more than an hour of public testimony opposing the proposal.

Cheyenne Trump, a planner with the Department of Planning and Development, presented an amended application by Baker Development Resources that would retain two existing single-family houses on the Hanover frontage and add six new single-family detached dwellings on the rear of the combined parcels. Trump said the applicant had withdrawn an earlier plan for eight attached homes and submitted new elevations and landscaping. Staff recommended approval, finding the proposal consistent with the Richmond 300 master plan’s guidance for denser development near mixed-use streets and noting required sidewalks and new street trees in the plan.

The application prompted extensive public comment. Dozens of residents and nearby property owners said the scale and density are inappropriate for the small lot and the block’s character. Mary Meadows, a nearby resident, summarized a common complaint: “The proposed density results in 21.44 units per acre.” Other speakers presented a neighborhood petition they said had roughly 450 signatures opposing backyard infill on the scale proposed. Neighbors cited traffic and parking congestion on narrow streets, loss of tree canopy, and the loss of private yard space and wildlife habitat.

The applicant, Alejandro Negatia of Baker Development Resources, said the project responds to Richmond 300 guidance for locating added housing near major mixed-use corridors and transit. “This proposal is responding to specific Richmond 300 plan guidance,” Negatia said, noting the proximity of a Grove/Hamilton bus stop and other higher-density development nearby. He also told commissioners the team conducted an on-street parking study and had worked with Public Works to open six additional on-street spaces on Hamilton Street.

Commissioners and neighbors debated several technical points: whether the subject parcels’ designation (residential across the street from a community mixed-use area) supports an increase in density; how parking demand calculations were performed; and the appropriate yard setbacks and building massing. Multiple speakers pointed to the Grove on Hamilton and other recent infill projects that have had slow sales as evidence that market demand for the proposed product in this neighborhood may be limited.

After discussion the commission voted to continue the item to the July 1 meeting so the applicant can consider alternative layouts. Commissioners asked the applicant to return with a plan showing four new units, all fronting Hamilton Street, and to consult further with neighbors about the scale, layout, and parking strategy. The motion to continue passed on roll call.

Why it matters: The case highlights a repeated planning tension in Richmond—how to accommodate the Richmond 300 master plan’s call for added housing near major mixed‑use streets while protecting the scale and character of adjacent, lower‑density blocks. Neighbors said they support in‑fill in principle but not in their backyards at the density proposed.

What’s next: The applicant will return July 1 with revised drawings and the same packet of materials will be before the commission again. If the applicant does not make the requested changes, commissioners may choose to vote on the existing application then.

Votes and formal action

- Motion: Continue consideration of Ordinance 20‑25‑o79 (special use permit for 3801 & 3803 Hanover Avenue) to the July 1 Planning Commission meeting for potential amendment by the applicant.
- Mover/Seconder: not specified on the record for the motion; a second was recorded.
- Outcome: Continued/postponed to July 1 (motion passed by roll call).
","The City of Richmond Planning Commission on Monday continued consideration of a special-use permit for 3801 and 3803 Hanover Avenue after neighbors delivered lengthy public opposition and commissioners requested a lower-density alternative.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515221,"Commission recommends approval of special‑use permit for single‑family house at 5201 Sylvan Court",367,10833000,11200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855&start=10833&end=11200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855/thumbnail_10833000.jpg","/articles/6515221/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Commission-recommends-approval-of-specialuse-permit-for-singlefamily-house-at-5201-Sylvan-Court","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515221-26501934c06edc342be25fbaaa96cb9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430021&Signature=LWfzqiCmxG~kmALLuxLuOQfKXD1CNqO5nWluXLfssVhkxNUKsA92401Feckf8jMirZf7sFqqQxPZg2dc~FKkGpqbqBDzmEwHMqg7Cv7cDlKBHLyMXMShxCiKVSnJhE5gCbK8bws55I81nukUKETZVvzoHC2GPd3yXBbuPqIafCdBaOYtBZ4rtkcrelLVKXJirR4gLuC2QMAMppl5mcVhANQnZi2f~FF5n5x8KHg21ZS4rv9pulv~P7lum7LYYu2gZTeRUR3AdDL-60-3IpYnWMREsa-pN-AQyT997Gk87a3RddxLd51R84Bjn6oERrida6FOJ1TLKcJTsZ6VduQDWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted Monday to recommend approval of a special‑use permit that would allow a new single‑family home on a small, currently vacant lot at 5201 Sylvan Court in Westover Hills.

Staff said the parcel was created by a split in 1955 that left a lot narrower and smaller than R4 zoning standards require. Staff concluded the proposed single‑family dwelling—about 2,400 square feet, two stories and four bedrooms—aligns with the Richmond 300 master plan’s residential designation and that, subject to conditions, the special‑use permit satisfies the charter’s safeguards for granting such requests.

The applicant, represented by Alessandro Regazzi of Baker Development Resources, told the commission the owner designed the house for their family and that the owner would extend Sylvan Court’s right of way and pay for sidewalk improvements to provide safe access to the property.

One nearby property owner spoke in opposition, expressing concern about the house’s size on a relatively small parcel, potential impacts to tree cover and wildlife, and the tight relationship to adjacent yards. The applicant and staff noted that other lots nearby have comparable or larger house footprints and that engineering and stormwater issues will be vetted at subdivision and building‑permit review.

The commission voted to forward the special‑use permit to City Council with a recommendation for approval.

Why it matters: This is a common planning outcome when small, nonconforming lots remain vacant. A special‑use permit legalizes the construction that otherwise would conflict with lot‑area and frontage standards in the underlying R4 district.

What’s next: The permit and staff report will go to City Council for a public hearing and final decision. If council approves, permitting and building‑permit reviews will follow.

Votes and formal action

- Motion: Recommend approval of Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑32 (special use permit for 5201 Sylvan Court).
- Outcome: Recommendation for approval forwarded to City Council (motion passed).","The Planning Commission voted to forward a special‑use permit for 5201 Sylvan Court to City Council with a recommendation of approval. The lot is a nonconforming split from the 1950s; the applicant plans a two‑story, ~2,400 sq. ft. home and agreed to extend the right of way and improve sidewalk access.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515212,"Votes at a glance: consent agenda approvals and continuances from the June Planning Commission meeting",268,668000,936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855&start=668&end=936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019111-6890ce872134d8a28e4606a003c1d855/thumbnail_668000.jpg","/articles/6515212/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-consent-agenda-approvals-and-continuances-from-the-June-Planning-Commission-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515212-0bfe7d0092c8b5f9e3a5303799f91366/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430021&Signature=ngcmDWzAvTzg3R7RNf6PeUNLcwqXhKZO5H7JABs5W7EJZpGzQszgPfZVJg5ipzeoUnyoKJSoApw8hUsGBHxhzYyc80xYLVzVvhdgtnUJX~dTwoopRDrFMzaOZ~d~Lcb81tefJwJbjZz0ArLz9zqilAAHCa9~gV-DRJ68o0K0YefZG3bpU-ffWRcQiHDZqLizXv1-SBGAVP0jaLoHdC4RRA5yN7DcSR9vi0tmsYfhvlVCqkiIYZHXvrZIED9rGLSMPSqJe4-Q2JNiVo57Co-IZG2Q6KXHOqu~nYvOMZ9YK042hNcVW1QeApu~kTzCWFTQh1cT66QFs2k61vFzcIMghg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Quick reference — formal votes taken at the Planning Commission meeting.

Consent agenda (approved and forwarded to City Council):
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑27 (7 North Eighteenth Street) — special use for a one‑story building and parking garage — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑28 (1824 North 20 Eighth Street) — special use for a 1‑2 family detached dwelling and accessory unit — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑29 (1426 North 30th Street) — special use for two two‑family detached dwellings and two accessory dwelling units — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑30 and companion subdivision exception (1404 North 30 Second Street) — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑31 (101 South Colonial Avenue) — special use for outdoor dining accessory to a restaurant — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑40 (Cortland Street sanitary sewer main replacement project acquisition) — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑1‑41 (amendment accepting $1,385,900 from VDOT for Complete Streets) — approved on consent and forwarded to City Council.
- UDC 20‑25‑16 (concept review of Lombardi Street pedestrian/bike bridge) — approved on consent with conditions from UDC and forwarded to City Council.

Continuances recorded (voted and passed by roll call):
- Ordinance 20‑24‑312 (77100 Jank Road) — continued to July 15.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑014 (3618 Hawthorne Avenue) and companion subdivision exception — continued to July 15.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑081 (2618 Rear West Main Street) — continued to July 1.
- Ordinance 20‑25‑113 (3200 Second Avenue) — continued to July 1.

Other votes
- Item 17 (3801 & 3803 Hanover Avenue special use) — continued to July 1 for applicant revisions (commission requested a four‑unit alternative); vote passed by roll call.
- Item 18 (rezoning to R63, Glenwood/30th parcels) — commission recommended approval and forwarded to City Council (roll‑call vote passed).
- Item 19 (5201 Sylvan Court special‑use request) — commission recommended approval and forwarded to City Council (roll‑call vote passed).

How it matters: The consent agenda cleared a number of lower‑profile special‑use items for City Council consideration. The continuances reflect commissioners’ preference to give applicants time to address neighborhood concerns or to reschedule items so commissioners can deliberate with fuller materials.

Source: Staff presentations and roll‑call votes at the Planning Commission meeting.","The commission approved the consent agenda and voted to continue or adopt multiple items. Major outcomes: several special‑use permit applications were continued to July 1 or July 15; the consent agenda items were adopted and forwarded to City Council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Director briefs Planning Commission on new site‑plan ordinance and rollout steps ahead of July 1 effective date

Commission recommends R63 rezoning for vacant Glenwood/30th parcels, with proffers for sidewalks and trees

Planning commission continues Hanover/Reveille special-use permit after large neighborhood protest

Commission recommends approval of special‑use permit for single‑family house at 5201 Sylvan Court

Votes at a glance: consent agenda approvals and continuances from the June Planning Commission meeting