Richmond City Planning Commission Meeting - July 8, 2026

The Richmond City Planning Commission met on July 8, 2026 (noted discrepancy: the official minutes state the meeting occurred on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The user-provided date of July 8, 2026, is used per instruction). The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:20 p.m. All seven present commissioners voted unanimously to allow Commissioner Rebecca Rowe to participate virtually due to a medical condition. Commissioners Ellen Robertson and Victor Mckenzie Jr. were absent.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2 – Continuance: Ordinance 2026-093 (3317 Rear Monument Avenue, special use for up to four single-family attached dwellings) was continued to the August 4, 2026, meeting (transcript references August 7, 2026; minutes state August 4 – discrepancy noted). Motion passed unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Items (as amended): The following items were recommended for approval to City Council en bloc after one item (Item 4) was moved to the Regular Agenda upon a public comment request:
  • Item 3: Ordinance 2026-152 – Street closure of a portion of Lafayette Street (approx. 5,159 sq ft).
  • Item 5: Ordinance 2026-156 – Special use for up to six single-family detached dwellings at 5219, 5221, and 5221 ½ Euclid Avenue (7th District).
  • Item 6: Ordinance 2026-157 – Amendment to increase allowed dwelling units from 65 to 73 at 5300 Rear Hull Street Road, 5311, 5315, 5323 Warwick Road (9th District).
  • Item 7: Ordinance 2026-161 – Budget transfer of $480,000 from the Fire and Emergency Services Special Fund for a Burn Tower Replacement project.
  • Item 8: Ordinance 2026-162 – Acquisition for Hobby Hill Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project.
  • Item 9: Ordinance 2026-163 – Acquisition of 5624 Campbell Avenue for CSO-012 Storage Tank project.
  • Item 10: UDC 2026-07 – Referred to July 16, 2026 Urban Design Committee and July 23, 2026 Public Art Commission meeting.
  • Item 11: UDC 2026-08 – Referred to July 16, 2026 Urban Design Committee meeting.
  • Item 12: CPCR.2026.005 – Resolution approving the Public Art Commission Work Plan for FY2027 – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Consent Agenda – Item 4 (5 North Colonial Avenue Rear): Mark Kukowski, a neighbor, expressed concern about the proposed extension of an 18-foot portion of the alley into public right-of-way, stating that sanitation and emergency vehicles already struggle to maneuver. He requested the item be moved to the Regular Agenda for fuller consideration. The Commission unanimously granted this request.
• Regular Agenda – Item 4 (5 North Colonial Avenue Rear): Mr. Kukowski reiterated his opposition, presenting a diagram showing turning radius challenges. After hearing testimony from the applicant (Mark Baker) that the Department of Public Works (DPW) had conducted multiple reviews, Mr. Kukowski acknowledged DPW’s approval but maintained his concern.
• Regular Agenda – Item 14 (1235 North 36th Street):
  • Mary Fitzgerald (adjacent neighbor at 1233 North 36th Street) expressed confusion about the purpose of the project and concern about property line encroachment and a sign posted on her yard. She was assured the special use permit does not authorize encroachment.
  • Andre Fitzgerald (son of Mary Fitzgerald) opposed the project, stating the land has been undisturbed for decades, houses are “popping up” in spaces that were yards, and he distrusts that construction will not infringe on his mother’s property. He also cited potential harm to the local ecosystem and increased traffic congestion.
  • Inga Brown opposed the project, raising the possibility of unmarked graves on the property and arguing that recent development on the opposite side of the street has already caused severe traffic congestion, with cars occupying turnaround spaces and creating hazards.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Ordinance 2026-155 (5 North Colonial Avenue Rear): Staff (Ms. Oliver) presented the request for a special use permit to construct six attached garages that would replace an existing dilapidated garage. The new structure would exceed the 12-foot height limit and allow leasing to persons outside the block. Staff recommended approval, citing alignment with the master plan and DPW’s review of alley access. The applicant (Mark Baker of Baker Development Resources) stated that DPW reviewed the plans twice, including a truck maneuver test, and that the closure of 18 feet of alley (reducing it from 40 to 22 feet) was still greater than the typical 20-foot alley. He noted six letters of support from neighbors. Commissioners questioned DPW representative Kara (present) who confirmed the closing ordinance is under review in the City Attorney’s office. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council.
• Item 13 – Ordinance 2026-153 (2502 4th Avenue): Staff (Ms. Madison Wilson) presented the special use request for an in-home daycare (“day nursery”) for up to 12 children. The property owner/applicant, Letitia Jones, explained that she has operated a licensed daycare for 16 years, recently moved to this property, and has been limited to four children since January 2026 while awaiting the special use permit. She described pickup/drop-off procedures (front door, 7:00–8:30 a.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m.) and stated parking and traffic have not been issues. No public speakers commented. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item 14 – Ordinance 2026-154 (1235 North 36th Street): Staff (Secretary Shaianna Trump) presented the special use request to subdivide a 0.25-acre vacant lot into two lots for single-family detached dwellings. The lots would be substandard (5,400 sq ft each, 45 ft width vs. required 6,000 sq ft and 50 ft). Relief from the 25-foot front yard setback (proposing 15 ft) was also requested. The project includes extending North 36th Street pavement (approximately 102 feet) and paving a connection to the rear alley. Staff noted a drafting error in the written conditions (incorrectly stating “two single-family detached dwellings and one single-family detached”) but confirmed the intent is for two dwellings. The applicant (John Carlos, representing the property owner) said engagement was with the neighborhood association and city departments but not directly with neighbors. After public testimony (described above), the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Votes and Decisions:
  • Motion to allow virtual participation for Commissioner Rowe: carried unanimously (7-0).
  • Adoption of June 16, 2026 minutes: 6-0-1 (Commissioner Rowe abstained).
  • Continuance of Item 2 to August 4, 2026 (minutes) or August 7, 2026 (transcript): carried unanimously.
  • Move of Item 4 to Regular Agenda: carried unanimously.
  • Consent Agenda as amended adopted: carried unanimously.
  • Regular Agenda – Item 4 (5 North Colonial Avenue Rear): approved unanimously; recommended to City Council.
  • Regular Agenda – Item 13 (2502 4th Avenue): approved unanimously; recommended to City Council.
  • Regular Agenda – Item 14 (1235 North 36th Street): approved unanimously; recommended to City Council.
• Next Steps: All recommended items will be forwarded to City Council for final action. Secretary Trump noted that the second August 2026 Council meeting is expected to have a large docket (potentially up to 30 items), and commissioners were asked to inform staff of any vacation plans to ensure a quorum.