Richmond Planning Commission Meeting - May 27, 2026
Richmond Planning Commission Meeting - May 27, 2026
The City of Richmond Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the fifth-floor conference room of City Hall. Commissioners attended in person with one member participating virtually. The meeting covered adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule, continuances, a consent agenda, and three regular agenda items. Several public comments were heard. Note: The transcript references dates in 2025 (e.g., December 2, 2025), which are inconsistent with the stated meeting date of May 27, 2026. This summary reports the transcript content as presented, with the discrepancy noted.
Consent Calendar
- Ordinance 2025-227: Special use for an electric vehicle charging station at 3100 North Arthur Ashton Bar.
- Ordinance 2025-229: Special use for up to one single-family detached and one two-family dwelling at 2111 Fairfax Avenue.
- Ordinance 2025-230: Special use for up to four two-family dwellings at 2106 Red Street.
- Ordinance 2025-235: Special use for up to two multifamily dwellings at 3609/3616 Contral Road and 4611/4705 Walmsley Boulevard.
- Ordinance 2025-241: Special use for up to two single-family attached and one multifamily dwelling at 3021-3025 East Franklin Street.
- UDC 2025-32: Final location, character, and extent review of reconciliation plaza renovation at 1400 Main Street.
- UDC 2025-33: Concept location, character, and extent review of SHACO Project North Memorial at 1554 East Broad Street. All consent items were approved unanimously with conditions from the Urban Design Committee.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Linda Woods (Fulton resident) initially spoke during the consent agenda but corrected to address item 12. She opposed the Carlisle Avenue project, arguing it was inconsistent with neighborhood character, would increase parking congestion, and exacerbate affordability issues.
- Holly Setzer (Fulton resident) echoed Woods’ concerns, noting the street is already congested and that the proposed lot sizes deviate from zoning standards.
- Michael (online, representing neighbors) addressed item 13 (Tuxedo Boulevard), expressing concerns about density and supporting a continuance for community outreach.
Discussion Items
- Adoption of 2026 Meeting Schedule: Commission approved the schedule of Tuesday meetings at 6:00 PM, with one exception: November 2, 2026 (Monday) instead of November 3 (Election Day).
- Continuances:
- Ordinance 2025-014 and Subdivision 2025-03 (3618 Hawthorne Avenue): Continued to December 2, 2025, due to ongoing negotiations between the developer and neighborhood.
- Ordinance 2025-215 (1705 Commonwealth Avenue): Continued to December 2, 2025, indefinitely; applicant had not responded. The commission warned against further continuances.
- Item 12 – 1103 and 1105 Carlisle Avenue: Special use permit for up to four single-family detached dwellings on a 0.32-acre lot in the R5 district (Fulton neighborhood). Applicant amended to provide six off-street parking spaces (up from four). Staff recommended approval. Public opposition cited parking and character concerns. Approved 8-1 (Commissioner McKenzie voted no). The ordinance will be forwarded to City Council on November 10, 2025 (transcript date).
- Item 13 – 3219 Tuxedo Boulevard: Special use permit for five single-family dwellings on a 12,500 sq ft lot (Creighton neighborhood). Applicant Mike Boone acknowledged no community engagement. Commissioner Donald requested a continuance for outreach. Continued to December 16, 2025, with public support.
- Item 14 – UDC 2025-17: Final review of bridge replacement over Manchester Canal on Hull Street. The 104-year-old bridge will be replaced with a 63-foot-wide span, reducing travel lanes from 50 to 44 feet and widening sidewalks. Project cost $10.8 million (fully funded). Future lane configuration can match Mayo Bridge striping. Approved with conditions including Manchester-style lighting and coordination with Hull Street streetscape.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda: Approved unanimously.
- 2026 meeting schedule: Approved unanimously.
- Continuances: Granted for three items (Hawthorne Ave, Commonwealth Ave, Tuxedo Blvd).
- Carlisle Avenue (Item 12): Approved by 8-1 vote; forwarded to City Council.
- Tuxedo Boulevard (Item 13): Continued to December 16, 2025, for community outreach.
- Bridge replacement (Item 14): Approved with UDC conditions.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the regular scheduled meeting of the City of Richmond Planning Commission, Madam Secretary. Would you give the electronic notice? This meeting is being held in person in the fifth court conference room of City Hall. All staff and members of the planning commission are attending the meeting in person. Citizens may choose to participate in the meeting virtually. All written comments that we receive by email prior to 12 p.m. today have been provided to the planning commissioners in advance of the meeting. During the public comment period, speakers will be asked to limit their comments to three minutes for an individual or five minutes if representing a group. Thank you very much. For purposes of establishing a quorum, please call the roll. Mr. Poole. Here. Miss Greenfield? Here. Ms. Ebert. Ms. Knight. We'll come back. Mr. Pennett? Here. Ms. Robertson. Miss Roe? Here. Mr. White? Here. And Mr. McKenzie. Okay, we have a quorum. For presentation. Uh Ms. Knight has an illness that she's carrying for. We have a motion to allow Ms. Knight to participate virtually. So we will meet any discussion. Please call the question. We're voting on allowing Ms. Knight to attend virtually. Please call the role. Mr. Poole. Aye. Miss Greenfield. Aye. Mr.
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