Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda — 140 items

1. 1 Call to Order
2. 1 Committee Members and Other Council Members in Attendance
3. 2 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
4. 2 The Honorable Nicole Jones – Chair The Honorable Ellen Robertson – Vice Chair The Honorable Andrew Breton – Member The Honorable Katherine Jordan – Council Vice President (early departure) The Honorable Stephanie Lynch – Councilmember (late arrival and early departure)
5. 3 Public Comment Period
6. 3 Staff and Others in Attendance
7. 4 Approval of Minutes
8. 4 Kiley Kesecker, Deputy City Clerk Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Candice Reid, City Clerk Danielle Smith, Assistant City Attorney
9. 5 July 21, 2026 - Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2026.233
10. 6 Presentation(s)
11. 6 Chair Nicole Jones called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. and presided.
12. 7 Senior Housing and Aging in Place
13. 8 Senior Housing and Aging in Place CD.2026.256
14. 8 Upon the Chair’s request, Assistant City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
15. 9 Paper(s) for Consideration
16. 10 MISCELLANEOUS
17. 10 There were no public comment speakers.
18. 1. To establish the Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the Council and the Mayor on the development of an affordable housing dwelling unit program. ORD. 2026-190 recommended for continuance
19. 2. To amend City Code § 27-197, concerning parking prohibitions in specified places, to modify the prohibited parking zone near intersections and to allow the Chief Administrative Officer to establish longer no-parking distances. (As Amended) ORD. 2026-197 recommended for approval with amendment
20. 12 There were no amendments or corrections to the minutes of the July 21, 2026 committee meeting, and the minutes were approved as presented.
21. 3. To amend City Code §§ 16-27, concerning eligibility and selection of eligible households to purchase or rent affordable dwelling units, and 16-28, concerning occupancy of affordable dwelling units, for the purpose of eliminating duplicative annual affidavit requirements for renters occupying affordable units administered under the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. ORD. 2026-278 recommended for approval
22. 4. To designate the 00 block of South Auburn Avenue in honor of Vicky Hester. ORD. 2026-279 recommended for approval
23. 14 Councilor Stephanie Lynch arrived at 3:11 p.m., and was seated.
24. 5. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause to be prepared and submitted to the Council, within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution, a statement detailing the fiscal impact to the City of establishment of a rental inspection district at the property located at 4022 Midlothian Turnpike and commonly known as Belt Atlantic Apartments. RES. 2026-R035 recommended for approval
25. 6. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Planning and Development Review, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to implement and utilize the affordable housing-related legislation enacted by the Virginia General Assembly during its 2026 Regular Session, including House Bills 4, 15, 594, 806, and 1279. RES. 2026-R036 recommended for approval
26. 17 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
27. 17 Sara Link, Manager for the Office of Aging and Disability Services, provided an overview of senior housing and aging in place. She stated that ADS works closely with the Office of Homeless Services and supports older adults and individuals with disabilities. Ms. Link highlighted demographic trends showing that more than 25% of Richmond’s population is age 55 and older, approximately 14% of residents have a disability, and more than 23% are caregivers.
28. 17 Ms. Link reported that 44% of people experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region are age 55 or older. She emphasized the importance of affordable, accessible, and adaptable housing, home repairs and modifications, transportation, healthcare, safety programs, and social connections to support aging in place. Ms. Link concluded that aging in place strengthens neighborhoods by allowing Richmond residents to remain independent, connected, and engaged in their communities while maintaining access to essential services and supports.
29. 7. To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020-236, adopted Dec. 14, 2020, to incorporate the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan establishing goals for identifying, recognizing, and safeguarding the City’s cultural and historic assets. ORD. 2026-208 recommended for approval
30. 18 Amanda Wrinkle, Sr. Manager of Federal Entitlement Programs for Housing and Community Development (HCD), provided an overview of HCD programs supporting older adults aging in place. She highlighted the Healthy Homes Program, federal entitlement funding, homeowner rehabilitation assistance, affordable housing investments, and tax relief programs. Ms. Wrinkle also provided an overview of transportation initiatives supporting residents of all ages.
31. 8. To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020-236, adopted Dec. 14, 2020, to incorporate Richmond Connects, Strategic Plan: A Multimodal Plan for Improving Transportation Equity in Richmond detailing improvements in surface transportation performance and safety. ORD. 2026-209 recommended for approval
32. 19 Ms. Wrinkle noted that many households receiving assistance are older adults and discussed ongoing and planned affordable housing projects, including additional senior housing units. Ms. Wrinkle also provided an overview of transportation initiatives supporting residents of all ages and abilities and highlighted upcoming updates to the City’s homelessness and affordable housing plans, along with continued efforts to implement the 2023 Older Adults Needs Assessment.
33. 9. To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020-236, adopted Dec. 14, 2020, to incorporate Richmond INSPIRE: A Citywide Vision Plan for Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities as the master plan for the City’s parks and recreational spaces to create a transparent, community-driven vision for parks and recreational spaces. ORD. 2026-210 recommended for approval
34. 20 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
35. 21 Board Vacancies
36. 21 Member Andrew Breton asked how the city should balance funding for home renovations that allow seniors to remain in their homes with creating additional housing options that accommodate changing needs and abilities as residents age.
37. 22 There were no board vacancies.
38. 22 Ms. Wrinkle stated that both home renovations and new affordable housing options are important to support aging in place, with the upcoming affordable housing plan update expected to provide additional direction.
39. 23 Discussion Item(s)
40. 23 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson asked about the growth of Richmond’s older adult population and the income levels of the populations discussed, including whether the demographic categories overlap.
41. 24 There were no discussion items.
42. 24 Ms. Link clarified that the percentages presented represent the city’s total population and stated that she would follow up with additional information.
43. 25 Staff Report
44. 25 Chair Nicole Jones asked how applicants on the Healthy Homes Program wait list are prioritized.
45. 26 September 22, 2026 - Staff Report CD.2026.257
46. 26 Ms. Wrinkle stated that the Healthy Homes Program currently operates on a first come, first served basis and that additional funding is needed to assist those on the waitlist.
47. 27 Chair Nicole Jones requested data on the use and geographic distribution of programs available to qualifying adults, and information on Richmond Department of Transportation efforts to support aging adults, including how transportation and walkable neighborhoods are being designed to accommodate older adults and individuals with mobility needs.
48. 28 Agenda Amendment(s)
49. 29 Member Andrew Breton moved to continue ORD. 2026-190 to the October 20, 2026, Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
50. 32 The following ordinance was considered:
51. 34 Council Vice President Katherine Jordan provided an introduction of the proposed legislation, which she stated was prompted by constituent concerns regarding the city’s 30 foot parking restriction near stop signs. She noted that an analysis of approximately 1,000 tickets found that none were issued within the high injury network and explained that the proposal would establish a 20 foot standard while allowing the Department of Public Works (DPW) discretion to impose greater parking restrictions where needed.
52. 35 Public Hearing
53. 36 Jerome Legions, President of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. He stated that vehicles parked too close to stop signs or within crosswalks limit visibility for pedestrians and drivers and said the proposed changes would improve safety in the Carver community.
54. 37 Max Devilliers, Parking and Curbside Management Planner for the City of Alexandria, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. He described Alexandria and Arlington County’s 20 foot parking restriction and administrative process for improving substandard intersections. He stated that the approach balances roadway safety with the preservation of on street parking and could support Richmond’s Vision Zero goals.
55. 38 Daniella White, President of the Fan District Association, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. She stated that a clear 20 foot parking standard would improve consistency and understanding while allowing longer restrictions where safety conditions warrant. She also recommended clear signage and pavement markings to identify parking restrictions.
56. 39 Jeremy Hoffman, President of the Greater Scott’s Addition Association, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. He cited ongoing concerns from residents and businesses regarding parking enforcement and supported aligning the city’s parking restrictions with peer cities, provided the changes are accompanied by clear signage and pavement markings.
57. 40 Member Andrew Breton asked whether DPW could provide signage, paint, or other markings to clearly indicate the standard and any extended parking restrictions.
58. 41 Ms. Jordan stated that signage and pavement markings would be important to clearly communicate parking restrictions and that she would work with DPW on implementation.
59. 42 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson asked whether the no-parking restriction is measured from the curb or the stop sign and inquired about city administration’s involvement with the proposed legislation.
60. 43 Ms. Jordan explained that the proposed legislation would measure the no-parking distance 20 feet from the curb intersection, compared with the current 30 foot restriction from a stop sign. She noted that the change would create approximately 15 additional feet of parking space. Ms. Jordan stated that several meetings were held with the city administration and DPW.
61. 44 Member Breton proposed amending the legislation to require the Department of Transportation to provide a signage plan within 60 days of adoption and return to the committee with a report on the results within six months.
62. 45 Chair Nicole Jones asked which areas accounted for the 1,359 stop sign parking citations issued in 2026.
63. 46 Ms. Jordan stated that citations were primarily issued in neighborhoods with permitted parking zones, such as the Fan and Carver, where contractors are already enforcing parking regulations. She noted that citations may also result from complaint driven enforcement when officers identify illegally parked vehicles near intersections.
64. 47 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward ORD. 2026-197 to Council with the recommendation to approve with an amendment, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
65. 48 page break
66. 49 The following ordinance was considered:
67. 51 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson introduced the proposed legislation, stating that it would streamline the annual review and administrative process of the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program by eliminating duplicative requirements for applicants.
68. 52 Public Hearing
69. 53 Preston Lloyd, attorney with Williams Mullen, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. He stated that the ordinance would align the reporting requirements for the Affordable Housing Performance Grant and density bonus programs, and reduce administrative burdens for affordable housing developers.
70. 54 Chair Nicole Jones requested to be added as co-patron to ORD. 2026-278.
71. 55 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward ORD. 2026-278 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
72. 56 Vice President Katherine Jordan departed the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
73. 57 The following ordinance was considered:
74. 59 Councilor Stephanie Lynch introduced the proposed legislation and expressed her support for recognizing Vicki Hester and honoring her legacy.
75. 60 page break
76. 61 Public Hearing
77. 62 Chaz Warren spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, stating that Vicki Hester was more than a business owner and created a place where generations could find community, hope, and family. He highlighted her support of the local food pantry and community gatherings.
78. 63 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested to be added as co-patron to ORD. 2026-279.
79. 64 Chair Nicole Jones requested to be added as co-patron to ORD. 2026-279.
80. 65 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2026-279 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
81. 66 The following resolution was considered:
82. 68 Councilor Stephanie Lynch introduced the proposed legislation, clarifying that it would initiate consideration of a rental inspection district at Belt Atlantic Apartments, but would not establish one. She cited longstanding infrastructure and property management concerns and stated that the process would include community engagement with residents, property owners, and management to determine whether a rental inspection district is warranted.
83. 69 Kevin Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review, provided additional information regarding the proposed resolution. He stated that staff would conduct an analysis of the relevant statistics, inspection costs and resources, procedures, timelines, and potential impacts on residents. He stated that staff could return with its findings and recommendations within 90 days.
84. 70 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested information on the 90 day process, tenant protections and services, unit occupancy, resident demographics, rental rates, and plans to improve housing conditions while preserving affordability.
85. 71 Mr. Vonck stated that the goal is compliance with building code requirements to ensure tenants have safe and habitable housing. He explained that staff is working with the property owner and management company to conduct voluntary inspections and develop a plan for repairs and compliance. He stated that within 90 days, staff would report its findings, the property owner’s plans, the extent of needed repairs, and the resources required for potential future inspections. He also noted that tenants would be notified about the process and provided information regarding the program and their rights under Virginia landlord-tenant law.
86. 71 He stated that within 90 days, staff would report its findings, the property owner’s plans, the extent of needed repairs, and the resources required for potential future inspections. He also noted that tenants would be notified about the process and provided information regarding the program and their rights under Virginia landlord-tenant law.
87. 72 Ms. Lynch stated that Belt Atlantic has 216 units, with an estimated 17% vacancy rate, largely due to units being in disrepair. She noted that residents range from 18 to 83 years old, with many single-parent households and some families residing there for multiple generations. She explained that the property is Housing and Urban Development project-based, subject to annual inspections and certain tenant protections.
88. 73 Chair Nicole Jones asked when the property would be considered in violation and why a rental inspection district is necessary.
89. 73 She explained that the property is HUD project-based, subject to annual inspections and certain tenant protections, with rents ranging from approximately $73 to $1,800 per month, including utilities.
90. 74 Mr. Vonck explained that State law requires Council to determine that a property is blighted or at risk of becoming blighted before establishing a rental inspection district. He stated that city administration is first seeking voluntary compliance and assessing the owner’s plan to address violations.
91. 75 Public Hearing
92. 76 There were no public hearing speakers.
93. 76 He stated that city administration is first seeking voluntary compliance and assessing the owner’s plan to address violations. He noted that a rental inspection district would allow proactive inspections, beginning with 10% of units.
94. 77 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2026-R035 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
95. 78 Councilor Stephanie Lynch departed the meeting at 4:34 p.m.
96. 79 The following resolution was considered:
97. 81 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson introduced the proposed legislation, stating that it incorporates several housing related bills approved by the General Assembly.
98. 82 Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst, stated that the resolution directs the administration to evaluate the legislation, prepare for required changes, and report back within 90 days on necessary council action, staffing, funding, and partnerships.
99. 83 Public Hearing
100. 84 There were no public hearing speakers.
101. 85 Member Andrew Breton asked whether the administration was comfortable with the proposed 90-day timeline and its ability to meet the requirements, and asked how the timeline would complement the affordable housing plan expected in December.
102. 86 Merrick Malone, Director of Housing and Community Development, stated that the administration had begun evaluating the General Assembly legislation and believed the 90 day timeline was achievable for assessing the tools and identifying implementation needs. He noted that incorporating the tools into the updated Affordable Housing Strategic Plan would require additional consideration of funding, resources, and strategic partnerships.
103. 87 Vice Chair Robertson clarified that the 90 day timeline is intended to provide information on implementation requirements, rather than finalized implementation strategies.
104. 88 Member Breton asked whether the resolution directs the administration to incorporate House Bill (HB) 15 into city housing programs and prepare zoning application processes for HB 1279, and whether those requirements extend beyond the 90 day assessment period.
105. 88 Member Andrew Breton requested to be added as co-patron to RES. 2026-R036.
106. 89 Chair Nicole Jones requested to be added as co-patron to RES. 2026-R036.
107. 90 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward RES. 2026-R036 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
108. 91 The following ordinance was considered:
109. 93 Kevin Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review, presented the proposed Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, which provides a framework for identifying and conserving the city’s cultural and historic resources. He stated that the plan establishes policy options, emphasizes community engagement, and requires consideration of financial and administrative capacity before implementation.
110. 94 Public Hearing
111. 95 Cyane Crump, Executive Director of Historic Richmond, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, commending Planning and Development Review for their extensive collaboration and engagement. She stated that the plan received broad community support and provides valuable tools for neighborhoods.
112. 96 The committee inquired about the following: • What recommendations from the plan PDR anticipates implementing • How historic significance and building conditions will be evaluated • How preservation costs, historic tax credits, development financing, and housing affordability will be considered • Whether demolishing a 50 year-old structure deemed beyond repair would violate regulations after the plan’s adoption • If Council will receive implementation updates, projected budgets for each phase, and an anticipated timeline
113. 97 Mr. Vonck outlined key priorities, including evaluating city-owned properties, conducting a citywide historic architectural and archaeological assessment, strengthening penalties for unauthorized demolitions, and reviewing tax assessment and abatement policies. He confirmed that the plan covers the entire city and explained that structures at least 50 years old may be eligible for historic designation under federal guidelines.
114. 98 Member Andrew Breton asked what recommendations from the plan PDR expects the city to implement in the coming years.
115. 98 Mr. Vonck noted that future designations would require community engagement and Council approval, with consideration given to housing affordability and development costs. He clarified that the plan does not change existing property regulations, and demolition restrictions would apply only to properties within designated city Old and Historic Districts.
116. 99 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward ORD. 2026-208 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
117. 100 He noted Code Refresh efforts to improve historic preservation protections, refine design overlay districts, and ensure new development is compatible with existing neighborhoods.
118. 100 page break
119. 101 The following ordinance was considered:
120. 101 Mr. Vonck confirmed that the plan covers the entire city and explained that structures at least 50 years old may be eligible for historic designation under federal guidelines.
121. 103 Daniel Wagner, Traffic Operations Engineer with the Department of Public Works, explained that the proposed amendments ensure compliance with state code by incorporating the Richmond Connects Plan into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the plan reflects input from more than 20,000 residents and identifies over 150 multimodal projects to guide grant applications and support Vision Zero efforts.
122. 103 Mr. Vonck clarified that the plan does not change existing property regulations. He stated demolition restrictions would apply only to properties within designated city Old and Historic Districts.
123. 104 Public Hearing
124. 104 Mr. Vonck explained that implementation costs would depend on community interest and available staff resources. He noted that the citywide architectural and archaeological survey would likely require separate funding, with priorities determined by identified gaps and available resources.
125. 105 There were no public hearing speakers.
126. 105 He stated that some initiatives are already underway, with further discussions planned with city administration regarding potential project requests for the upcoming fiscal year budget.
127. 106 There were no further comments and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2026-209 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
128. 107 The following ordinance was considered:
129. 109 Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, introduced the proposed legislation, highlighting community engagement efforts involving thousands of residents and a citizen-led steering committee. He noted that the proposed plan would be the city’s first Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
130. 110 Public Hearing
131. 111 There were no public hearing speakers.
132. 112 Member Andrew Breton asked how the funding needs outlined in the plan compare to the funding already allocated.
133. 113 Mr. Frelke stated that the plan was developed before significant ARPA investments and estimated that the department had already completed approximately 20% of the improvements planned for the first 10 years.
134. 114 Chair Nicole Jones asked whether the department could provide clearer updates on completed work and funding needs to assist Council during the budget process.
135. 115 Mr. Frelke stated that the department could provide annual updates to an appropriate committee.
136. 116 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward ORD. 2026-210 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
137. 122 Council staff provided the committee with the September Land Use, Housing and Transportation staff report.
138. 124 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
139. 125 Adjournment
140. 126 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.

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