Description
Title: To amend City Code §§ 14-181, concerning definitions related to land use and development performance criteria in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, 14-263, concerning general performance criteria, and 14-264, concerning criteria for resource protection areas for the purpose of aligning the City Code with state law.
Summary
Ordinance No. 2026-039, introduced on February 9, 2026, proposes amendments to Richmond's City Code regarding land use and development criteria in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. The ordinance aims to align local regulations with recent state law updates under the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Key updates include mandatory assessments for climate-related impacts such as sea-level rise and flooding for developments in Resource Protection Areas, requirements to preserve mature trees, and a shift towards green infrastructure practices, promoting natural solutions like living shorelines over traditional hard structures. This legislation impacts developers, city planners, and the community by enhancing environmental protection and resilience against climate change. A public hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2026.