City describes design-stage expansion of rental inspection as part of Richmond Rising displacement-avoidance planning

The City of Richmond told the Richmond Rising stakeholder committee on July 9 that displacement-avoidance work under the grant will focus on a residential rental-inspection program rather than a direct renter-access ordinance amendment.

Beatriz Guerrero and community development staff said the inspection program is still in the design phase and that the program would target housing quality problems in affordable units previously exempt from inspection, and could include incentives for decarbonization and energy-efficiency upgrades.

Why it matters: Committee members identified displacement avoidance as a priority for neighborhood stability. Making affordable units part of an inspection program could affect landlords and tenants and may link to weatherization or decarbonization projects supported by Richmond Rising partners.

Program scope and current status - The city said it is transitioning from a focus on a “renter access ordinance” amendment to a residential rental-inspection program. Staff described the survey as focused on habitability and basic housing-quality standards rather than full building-code or seismic compliance. - Lina Velasco, community development director (speaking on the inspection program), said the city is considering whether to continue using contractor inspectors or to bring inspection in-house using city employees. She told the committee the program has been amended to include affordable housing units that previously were exempt. - The program is still being designed; staff did not provide an operational start date. The city asked for community feedback and offered to present details at a future meeting if requested.

Discussion and public input Committee members asked whether rent-controlled owners would be subject to inspections and when the program would start. Lina Velasco said the city has expanded the program to include affordable units and is studying the operational approach (contractors vs. city inspectors). The stated purpose is to “make sure that the unit is safe for occupancy from a sanitary, safe perspective.”

Direction and next steps The city will continue design work and coordinate with the housing fellow and the Strategic Growth Council; staff offered to present a fuller briefing for the community and committee when program design details are available.

Ending No formal action was taken; the committee requested a future informational presentation and community members were invited to submit feedback while the program remains in design.