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Richmond discusses zoning text amendments and higher multifamily standards amid neighborhood concerns
Summary
Staff proposed UDC text amendments to add 'missing middle' housing types and potential multifamily standard changes (height, density, unit caps); commissioners raised compatibility concerns and asked for further analysis before any ordinance action.
City staff presented proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code to clarify residential land‑use regulations and add building type definitions to support 'missing middle' housing options such as four‑plexes, courtyard buildings and cottage courts. Staff said the changes are intended to align the UDC with the Comprehensive Master Plan and the Central Richmond Revitalization Plan.
In a related review, staff compared Richmond's multifamily development standards with nearby cities and discussed potential updates including raising maximum building height to 40 feet (three stories), increasing residential density from 20 to 30 units per acre, and removing a 200‑unit cap. Commissioners expressed concern about how higher densities and reduced setbacks could affect established single‑family neighborhoods and urged staff to further evaluate lot sizes, building placement, buffering and neighborhood compatibility.
The Commission provided direction for additional study; no ordinance or formal amendment was adopted at the meeting and the item will return for further review.
