Fall 2025 - Richmond Zoning Code Refresh
What is a Zoning Code?
The zoning code is a legal document that regulates what can be built on a piece of property. It dictates whether a building can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. The last major update to the City of Richmond’s zoning code was in 1976.
Why does it need an update?
The landscape of the city has changed drastically in the last 49 years, and updating the code can help the city keep up. The main goals of the city’s new Richmond 300 Master Plan are to allow for more efficient land use, increase housing options and affordability, and to preserve neighborhoods’ character, history, and walkability.
How can zoning ordinances impact affordable housing?
Areas with more restrictive land use ordinances typically have higher home prices and a more limited housing supply. Conversely, areas with flexible land use ordinances typically have more housing supply which can lower rent and other housing costs.
How can zoning impact racial and income segregation?
In the early 1900s, restrictive zoning practices were originally adopted to keep low-income families and people of color out of White neighborhoods. Currently, about 75% of the land in American cities is exclusively zoned for single family residences. Areas zoned for multi-family housing (e.g. apartment buildings, duplexes, townhouses) are typically more diverse and are occupied by lower income residents.
Learn more
Click HERE to view the City of Richmond’s Code Refresh webpage.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “GET INVOLVED!” to follow the page and stay up-to-date on Code Refresh launch events and opportunities to engage and volunteer.
Additional Links
Draft Zoning Districts & Use Regulations
June 2025 Open House Boards Feedback
Click HERE for a Zoning Code Cheat Sheet.
Click HERE to view the current zoning in Southside Richmond.
What can you do? Make your voice heard!
Engage in upcoming events to impact the future of Richmond’s zoning code. Do you call Richmond home? Your perspective matters.
Discussion Panel: Housing, Economic Development, and Zoning - What We’re Seeing in the Market
Monday, November 17th, 2025
6:00-7:30pm, Richmond Main Public Library
101 E Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23219
Open Houses
The open houses are your chance to learn about and provide input on the revised draft zoning districts and Draft 2 zoning map. In addition, the draft development standards of the Code Refresh will be introduced. All open houses will have the same content, and attendees can stop by anytime during the three-hour window
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
4-7pm
Richmond Main Public Library
101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Thursday, November 20, 2025
9am-12pm
City Hall Lobby
900 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Thursday, November 20, 2025
4-7pm
Southside Community Services Center (Southside Plaza)
4100 Hull Street Road
Richmond, VA 23224
Want to read more news from SCDHC? Check out our Fall 2025 Newsletter.