Council clerk amends docket: dozens of ordinances continued; vape‑shop rule to proceed without state‑code amendment tonight

The Richmond City Council clerk announced a series of docket changes at an informal meeting, moving multiple ordinances and planning items to September and clarifying which items will be amended later.

The docket revisions matter because they reschedule land‑use and ordinance votes that affect development, permitting and regulatory changes across Richmond neighborhoods.

Madam Clerk told council that many items on the consent agenda would be continued to the September 8 council meeting, including several Planning Commission continuances and papers that will be amended and returned. She also reported that two items (originally scheduled for later) were continued to the September 22 meeting. Several specific continuances noted by the clerk included ordinance numbers referenced as being continued and items retained on the consent agenda pending amendment.

Vice President Jordan addressed one ordinance intended to clarify where new vape shops may locate. She said administration had proposed an amendment to include a printed reference to applicable state code; Jordan said she would not move the amendment so the amendment would "die" and the council could vote that night, while administration and council would work to reintroduce the amendment later. "It feels like every week, new vape shops are opening," Jordan said, arguing in favor of moving the ordinance forward.

Council Member Robertson asked for additional information about the number of positions and the amendment tied to a paper on the consent agenda. Ms. Abybacher (staff) told council that waiver provisions are exercised at the discretion of the appointing body: for positions reporting to the CAO, the CAO and/or the mayor can grant waivers; positions that report to council likewise have waiver capabilities, and "there's a reporting mechanism for the number of waivers issued," she said.

Council members did not take a final roll‑call on the individual ordinances during the docket review; the clerk's announcements established that many items will return for later consideration.

Ending: Council will revisit the continued ordinances and the proposed amendment to the vape‑shop ordinance at upcoming meetings, including September 8 and September 22.