The Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee on Oct. 21 instructed administration to draft an ordinance establishing civil penalties for demolition or moving of buildings in city old and historic districts when done in violation of the zoning ordinance, after discussion about recent unpermitted demolitions and state enabling legislation.

Councilmember Jordan introduced the paper, linking it to Richmond 300 and the city’s Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan. Staff said enabling legislation passed the General Assembly in 2024 permits localities to adopt civil penalties for unpermitted demolition in historic districts. Kevin Vonck, director of Planning and Development Review, explained that the code amendment would allow fines of up to twice the market value of a structure, although staff would consider circumstances and proportional penalties when drafting an ordinance.

Members discussed a specific demolition incident in the Churchill area in which a property owner exceeded a demolition approval and removed historic storefronts; staff said the municipality’s only practical penalty at the time had been a $200 zoning stop-work fine, and that more substantial penalties were intended to create a deterrent. Historic Richmond’s executive director, Cyan Kromp, spoke in support of the paper, saying the change corrects a prior limitation that had prevented cities from adopting the greater civil penalty available to counties.

Several committee members requested coordination with the planning commission’s Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan and the zoning refresh, and asked staff to include exemptions or emergency provisions (for example in cases of imminent danger to life safety). Following discussion, members moved to continue the paper to the Nov. 18 Land Use, Housing and Transportation meeting for further refinement; the motion passed with recorded ayes from Mr. Bridal, Vice Chair Robertson and Chair Jones.

Staff said the resolution as introduced does not specify the penalty amounts or exemptions; it asks administration to draft an ordinance for council consideration. The committee’s continuation will give staff and the planning commission time to submit recommendations and to consider implementation provisions and exemptions.