Council approves special-use permit for mixed-use building at Patterson and Libby

Richmond City Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance approving a special-use permit for a mixed-use building at 5728 Patterson Avenue and 805 Libby Avenue, allowing limited deviations from zoning standards including a stepped-back fourth story and reduced front yard setbacks.

The permit—item 25 on the regular agenda—was presented to the council by Kevin Javonk, director of Planning and Development Review, who said staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval and that the proposal aligns with the Richmond 300 land-use plan. "Staff has reviewed this and has recommended its support," Javonk said.

Opponents, including Tammy Rose, a Westwood resident, urged council to consider impacts on parking, traffic and displacement in nearby historic neighborhoods. "There are a lot of cars. It is impacting transportation. It's impacting traffic," Rose said during the public hearing, urging council to consider impacts on seniors and long-term residents.

Representatives for the applicant said the project had been revised based on community feedback and emphasized pedestrian improvements and off-street parking. Jennifer Mullin, speaking for the applicant, described the permit as a waiver of three specific feature requirements—height, a reduced front yard and outdoor dining on Libby—and said the project provides 24 off-street parking spaces plus on-street spaces nearby. "The SUP meets and exceeds the criteria for a waiver of the feature requirements," Mullin said.

Tyler Curry, an ownership representative, said the ownership group committed to allowing public access to parking after hours and on weekends and offered to donate bricks if the city installs brick crosswalks at the Patterson–Libby intersection.

Councilman Bridal, who said he convened meetings with owners and community groups, described mitigation measures for parking and pedestrian safety and said he would support the permit. After discussion, the council voted to adopt ordinance number 20-204-329; members voting in favor included Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Abu Bakr, Vice President Jordan and President Newbill. The clerk announced, "That paper has been adopted."

Council members who spoke during the discussion acknowledged broader concerns about displacement and pledged continued work on targeted protections for nearby neighborhoods. Bridal said he was "working with" community members and planning staff on targeted solutions for Westwood and other nearby areas.

The ordinance authorizes the special-use permit subject to conditions on materials, façade treatments, stepbacks and public-infrastructure improvements agreed during review. Implementation details—including timing for construction, building permits and any required infrastructure work—were not specified in the public record at the hearing.

Council minutes show the item was introduced as the regular agenda's item 25 and moved through public hearing, public comment, council discussion and final vote in a single meeting.

Looking ahead, staff will track building-permit applications and any additional community conditions required by the permit. The transcript does not specify a construction start date or the permit's effective date.