Planning Commission moves code refresh toward formal amendment, staff seeks resolution of intent

Planning staff presented Draft 3 of the citywide zoning code refresh and told the Planning Commission the next procedural step will likely be a resolution of intent to amend the zoning ordinance. Kevin Yarbrough, director of the Department of Planning and Development Review, said the draft is intended to align zoning with the Richmond 300 comprehensive plan and to set the regulatory framework for future development.

Yarbrough described a two-stage process: staff expects City Council to introduce the ordinance and then the commission will deliberate and forward a recommendation to council. "This is the document that we would like to be able to bring forward through a formal adoption process," Yarbrough said. He also said staff anticipates a short, limited delay between adoption and full implementation to allow departments time to update procedures and systems, suggesting a ballpark of about 90 days for internal calibration.

The commission discussed public engagement steps and how council members will be involved. Commissioners urged clear public messaging and asked staff to provide specific data on housing-production shortfalls at the next meeting. The commission did not take a final vote on the ordinance itself; staff said a resolution of intent would be considered at the next meeting to formally begin the amendment process.