Richmond Planning and Zoning Meeting - September 17, 2025
Richmond Planning and Zoning Meeting - September 17, 2025
The Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission met on September 17, 2025, to approve previous meeting minutes, elect officers, and discuss regulations for overnight homeless shelters. The meeting included the introduction of a new city attorney and a unanimous vote to table the shelter discussion pending further information on state regulations.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of September 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes: The minutes were approved with a correction noted by Commissioner Perkins. The motion carried unanimously (Commissioner Francis absent, 6-0).
Discussion Items
- Election of Chair: Commissioner Stell was nominated by Commissioner Grant? (the transcript indicates Commissioner Grant nominated Dr. Miller, and another member nominated Keith Eugene, but the votes show Commissioner Stell receiving 4 votes and Dr. Miller 3. Commissioner Stell was elected chair. Prior to the vote, Dr. Miller outlined his priorities: improving zoning oversight, enforcing parliamentary procedures, and being proactive with the comprehensive plan.
- Election of Vice Chair: Commissioner Miles was nominated by Commissioner Stell? (the transcript shows Commissioner Stell nominated Ms. Miles) and Dr. Miller was nominated by another. Dr. Miller received 6 votes, Commissioner Miles 1, electing Dr. Miller as vice chair.
- Determination for Overnight Shelters: The commission reviewed proposed zoning districts for overnight shelters, based on a prior work session. Staff presented a list of zones (A, B, C) with 500-foot setbacks from residential uses and public parks. The RIDC (Richmond Industrial Development Corporation) requested exclusion of I-1 and I-2 zones, but the commission noted that RIDC's covenants could restrict use. A representative named Monica (likely from a shelter organization) spoke about state regulations requiring 220 square feet per person, noting that many shelters do not comply. She emphasized her desire to follow all regulations from the start. Commissioner Perkins asked about the minimum number of occupants and square footage requirements. The city attorney, Chris Johnson, offered to obtain the exact state regulations. Dr. Miller moved to table the item until the next meeting to allow time for that information. The motion passed unanimously.
- Introduction of New City Attorney: Chris Johnson was introduced as the new city attorney. He expressed his willingness to assist.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved: The September 4, 2025 meeting minutes were approved with a correction.
- Election of Chair: Commissioner Stell was elected chair with 4 votes.
- Election of Vice Chair: Dr. Miller was elected vice chair with 6 votes.
- Overnight Shelter Discussion Tabled: The commission voted unanimously to table the discussion on overnight shelter zoning until the next meeting, pending receipt of state regulations from the city attorney.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
Hello, hello. Good evening. We'd like to welcome everyone this evening to the Richmond Planning and Zoning Meeting. Uh, Clerk called the role, please. Sure, Commissioner Grant. Here. Commissioner Francis. Here. Commissioner Short. Here. Commissioner Miller. Commissioner Perkins. Commissioner Miles. Commissioner South. Here. Thanks so much. Next on the agenda is approval of the September fourth, twenty twenty-five meeting minutes. If I want to set a chance to look over those, and I'll need a motion on those police. Yeah, there is one correction that Commissioner Perkins mentioned on the second page. But other than that. I don't know. I don't remember. I will confirm. Cool. Yeah. Correction. I'll make it no clear I'll just make a motion. We approve the the uh meeting minutes uh for September 4th, 2025 uh per uh corrections. Oh second. Okay. Commissioner Grant. Yes, Commissioner Francis. I'll stay in is not present. Sure, Commissioner Short. Yes, Commissioner Miller. Yes, Commissioner Perkins. Yes, Commissioner Miles, Commissioner Stell. Yes. Before we get into the next agenda like to introduce Mr. Chris Johnson, new city attorney. Welcome. Well, thanks, sir. Happy to be here. I would say you got your feet wet, you probably ankles are wet now. I mean it needs all the wet now. I told Rob I packed some water wings, so he can just toss me in the deep end and I'll try to swim. So it's it's good. Okay. Uh next on the agenda is election of chair. Uh the floor is now open for nomination of the position.
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