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Phone

Planning and Development Review
900 E. Broad St., Room 511
Richmond, VA  23219
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Boards & Commissions

Commission of Architectural Review

The CAR is the city's official historic preservation body and is charged with reviewing all exterior changes to structures within the city's Old and Historic Districts and issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for those projects that it deems to be appropriate.

History and Culture Commission

The History and Culture Commission monitors, evaluates, and provides advice and recommendations to the Mayor and the Department of Planning and Development Review concerning issues of historical, cultural, and economic significance within the City of Richmond.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is responsible for the conduct of planning relating to the orderly growth and development of the City, including adequate and appropriate resources for the housing, business, industry, transportation, distribution, recreation, culture, comfort, convenience, health and welfare of its population.

Public Art Commission

In 1991, the Planning Commission, on the recommendation of City Council, appointed a Public Art Commission (PAC) to administer a Public Art Program. In January of 1997, City Council passed an ordinance formalizing the Percent-for- the-Arts Process and mandating its funding through the Capital Improvements budget. 

Urban Design Committee

The Urban Design Committee (UDC) is an advisory board to the Planning Commission that reviews development on public property or in the public right-of-way. In their work, the UDC encourages high standards of urban design and an improved community appearance. Additionally, the UDC evaluates and recommends design overlay districts proposed by neighborhood groups.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals provides a means through which a property owner may seek relief from provisions of the zoning ordinance. The BZA hears and makes decisions regarding requests for variances and special exceptions, such as waivers involving setbacks, height, lot area, etc. The BZA also makes decisions regarding appeals to any decision made by the City Zoning Administrator. The BZA is not empowered to change the use of a property.