Commission establishes "social assembly" as conditional use across most zones to accommodate small event venues

The Richmond City Planning Commission voted to create a pathway for small event venues by classifying a new land-use category called "social assembly" and making it a conditional use in most zoning districts.

During a lengthy discussion, planning staff explained that the current use chart lacks an explicit home for small-scale event spaces — including wedding venues, small reunions or retirement gatherings — and recommended inserting a "social assembly" term so staff can apply parking, occupancy and other standards consistently during plan review. Staff noted these uses differ from churches, large…