The City of Richmond’s Department of Planning and Development Review has initiated a new Site Plan ordinance, ORD. 2024-314, which will replace the previous Plan of Development process. This ordinance is designed to address bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhance transparency, and expedite timelines for construction projects within the city.
Kevin J. Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review, explained the background of this initiative: “Efforts to streamline development review began in early 2022, when the City’s Planning Commission adopted a resolution calling for a new process.” He further elaborated on the extensive efforts over three years that included mapping existing processes, engaging with stakeholders through numerous discussions, researching other localities’ practices, and identifying industry best practices.
The newly implemented process aims to standardize and simplify the city’s evaluation of proposed development projects. The conditions applicable under this ordinance include disturbing more than 4,000 square feet of land or 2,500 square feet within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Area; making significant changes to public rights-of-way or utilities; increasing parking by more than 10%; installing drive-ups or fuel pumps; or expanding any building by at least 2,500 square feet.
For those interested in submitting projects under this new ordinance or seeking further information can access additional resources provided by the department.
