Richmond City Planning Commission August 2024 Summary & Multi-Family Zoning Preparations

August 2024 City Planning Commission

This portion of the meeting focused on creating and discussing recommendations for a new multi-family zone in Richmond City, particularly addressing affordable housing and ensuring the development is financially feasible while meeting the needs of residents. Key points include:

Height Restrictions: Richmond currently has a maximum building height of 35 feet. Some members think this is too restrictive, with cities like Logan allowing 50 feet. The group discussed possibly increasing the height limit to 45-50 feet in certain areas.

Setbacks: The council discussed setbacks for front, rear, and side yards. The general consensus was to maintain a front setback allowing vehicles to park comfortably without blocking the sidewalk and to explore 30-foot front and 20-foot side setbacks for flexibility.

Parking Requirements: Concerns were raised about balancing parking needs with feasibility, especially during snow removal months. The draft proposal suggests a possible requirement of three stalls per unit if garages are included.

Open Space: There was a discussion on open space requirements, with Richmond currently requiring 40%, which is higher than some nearby cities. The council was against counting parking areas as part of the open space.

Design and Landscaping: The council considered requiring long-lasting materials for buildings to ensure durability and aesthetics. Landscaping discussions included tree planting along sidewalks, with concerns raised about the cost and maintenance of park strip trees.

Lighting: The council touched on lighting and the potential high cost of installing LED streetlights, with suggestions to use softer lighting for inner neighborhoods.

Density and Development: A potential density limit of 10 units per acre was proposed, with discussions about offering density bonuses for projects that meet certain criteria, like open space or other community-friendly features. The overall goal is to create a zone that meets Richmond's housing needs while maintaining the city's unique character.

The meeting ended with Brent committing to compiling these suggestions into a draft matrix for further discussion at the next meeting on September 3, 2024.

Multi-Family Zoning Preparations

The proposed Richmond City Ordinance 2024-12 focuses on establishing a new Multi-Family Residential Zone (MF) to accommodate and manage the development of multi-family housing such as apartments and townhomes within the city. The ordinance amends the Richmond City Municipal Code by adding Part 12-911 under Chapter 12-900 "Zones", outlining regulations for width, density, height, parking, landscaping, and other aspects of multi-family housing developments.

Key sections of the ordinance include:

12-911-1: Purpose

• This zone is intended to support low-rise multi-family housing and apartment development, fostering a harmonious and attractive environment. 
• Developments must be spaced at least 1,500 feet apart.

12-911-2: Width, Density, and Yard Regulations

• Minimum frontage: 75 feet
• Setback requirements: 30 feet front, 20 feet side, and 20 feet rear.

12-911-3: Height Regulations

• Buildings are limited to 45 feet in height, measured from the main entrance at street level to the roof's highest point.
• Accessory buildings must not exceed 20 feet in height or the height of the main dwelling.

12-911-4: Modifying Regulations

• Special setback rules for corner lots, garages, and rear yards with decks, allowing projections under specific circumstances.

12-911-5: Group Dwelling Standards

• Open space must cover at least 40% of the site, with half of it as common open space.
• A maximum of 6 dwelling units per building and a maximum density of 10 units per acre are allowed.

12-911-6: Parking, Loading, and Access

• Each unit must have at least four parking spaces, with one or two-car garages counted towards this requirement.
• Parking areas must be paved and not placed within front yards.

12-911-7: Landscaping

• Developments must maintain landscaped areas, including trees, shrubs, and ground covers. 
• A six-foot sight-proof perimeter fence is required, excluding wood or chain-link fences.

12-911-8: Trash/Garbage

• Trash containers must be screened from public view with a six-foot sight-proof fence and not placed within front or street-side yard setbacks.

12-911-9: Development in Phases

• Phased developments must ensure each phase can operate independently, with 65% completion of the previous phase before starting the next.

12-911-10: Allowed Uses

• This section is currently under construction and will define the allowed uses within the MF Zone.

Other Provisions:

• Any sections of other ordinances that conflict with this ordinance are repealed where applicable.
• This ordinance will become effective after the required public hearing and proper legal posting.

The ordinance is designed to guide the development of multi-family housing in Richmond City, promoting structured growth while preserving community character. The adoption of the ordinance is expected after council approval and public hearing processes.