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Richmond Planning Commission recommends denial of Lavender Hill outdoor-events permit over noise and safety concerns
Summary
After hours of testimony from neighbors and proponents, the Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of a special-use permit for Lavender Hill at 1705 Commonwealth Ave., citing likely noise, parking, and enforcement problems if up to 120 attendees and 52 annual outdoor events were allowed; the item will go to City Council Jan. 12.
The Richmond Planning Commission on a split vote recommended denial of a special‑use permit (SUP) that would have authorized outdoor events at Lavender Hill, a privately operated event space at 1705 Commonwealth Avenue.
Staff presented a revised SUP that included conditions the applicant had accepted: a maximum of 52 outdoor event days per year (not to exceed five in any month), hours of operation between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., no more than 120 attendees on site during outdoor events, at least two off‑street parking spaces, one staff member per 50 attendees, and a requirement that amplified music conclude by 9 p.m. Staff recommended approval after the applicant agreed to those enforceable conditions (staff presentation concluded at the commission meeting).
“We worked with the applicant to arrive at enforceable conditions,” the staff presenter said during the meeting, noting the adjustments that…
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