The City of Richmond has extended the public comment period for the second draft of its Code Refresh maps and use regulations. This extension provides additional time for residents to review and respond to proposed changes in the city’s zoning ordinance.
The new deadline for submitting feedback is Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, two weeks later than originally planned. Community members are invited to visit rva.gov/coderefresh to access interactive tools and leave their comments on the draft materials.
Mayor Danny Avula said, “The recent and persistent winter weather has been challenging for our community engagement efforts. Shifting the timeline ensures that community members have the time and space to continue sharing thoughtful feedback that is essential to creating a zoning code that reflects the needs and priorities of our many diverse neighborhoods.”
The Code Refresh initiative is a key part of Mayor Avula’s broader housing strategy, which he recently presented to Richmond City Council’s Organizational Development Standing Committee. The comprehensive plan also aims to establish predictable city funding for affordable housing construction and preservation through a new ordinance, focus on collaborative public housing redevelopment by holding RRHA accountable while centering residents, and improve administration of anti-displacement programs. These measures are intended to strengthen Richmond’s approach to increasing available homes and helping current residents remain in place.
Director of Planning and Development Review Kevin J. Vonck emphasized resident participation in shaping future policy. “Code Refresh is an opportunity to establish a regulatory environment that allows for increased housing supply and choices,” Vonck stated. “It is an important piece of the Mayor’s housing plan and for our City’s future growth. We continue to encourage all residents to get involved in this process so we can make sure, as we draw the maps and write the rules, we are doing so with thought and care. This extension gives more space for that to happen.”
Residents can find more information about Code Refresh—including details about changes between drafts one and two—on the project website.
