Planning staff posts Code Refresh draft and outlines Richmond 300 follow-up work

Deputy Director Pitts and planning staff updated the Planning Commission on the Code Refresh and the Richmond 300 master-plan follow-up work during the meeting. Staff said Draft 2 of the Code Refresh is posted online and open for public comment through Feb. 15 at rva.gov/coderefresh, and that documents are available in PDF and interactive formats. Staff invited community groups to request one printed copy of the regulations and map by emailing Richmond300@rva.gov.

Pitts outlined several planning efforts in the coming year: targeted node studies (including a Six Points node and a gateway plan for the area near Semmes and Gordon), incorporation of other departmental plans (Richmond Connects multimodal plan and the parks master plan) into the master plan, and a Jackson Ward small-area plan amendment coming back to the commission for consideration. Staff also said some council directives related to nodes will require more detailed follow-ups and that staff will coordinate with council members and community groups on boundaries and priorities.

Commissioners asked for a copy of the Six Points resolution and more detail on Westwood boundaries and potential overlay tools; staff said the boundaries are under development and agreed to provide the resolution and additional information when available. Public outreach and community meetings were emphasized as part of the code refresh process.

Public comment on the Code Refresh and Richmond 300 elements was encouraged; staff provided contact information and said staff can attend neighborhood meetings to discuss drafts and collect feedback.