Richmond, VA-Today, the City of Richmond's Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR) began administering a new Site Plan ordinance (ORD. 2024-314), which replaces the current Plan of Development process. The new ordinance aims to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, improve transparency, and shorten timelines for those looking to build in the City of Richmond.

"Efforts to streamline development review began in early 2022, when the City's Planning Commission adopted a resolution calling for a new process," shared Kevin J. Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review. "Over the subsequent three years, we mapped our existing processes, hosted dozens of discussions with stakeholders, researched comparative localities, and identified industry best practices to develop a new process that will best serve our development community."

This new process, visualized in the below flowchart, will standardize and streamline the City's review of proposed development projects, meeting following conditions (excepting one and two-family homes):

• Disturbing more than 4,000 sq. ft. of land; or 2,500 sq. ft. of land within a designated Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Area;

• Making major changes to the public right-of-way or public utilities, including curb cuts;

• Increasing parking more than 10%;

• Installing public drive-ups, drive-throughs, fuel pumps, or charging stations; or

• Increasing the usable space of any building or structure by 2,500 sq. ft.

Those interested in learning more or submitting a project under the new Site Plan ordinance can learn more here.

Richmond, VA-Earlier today, the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) released findings from an internal audit of the City's fuel program. The program, managed by the Fleet Management Division in the Department of General Services, is responsible for fueling the City's fleet of vehicles and is a critical part of City operations.

The audit outlines several key areas of concern including insufficient tracking of fuel usage, insufficient program controls controlling card access, use, and PIN-management, and a lack of standardized processes and training.

"I'm thankful for the city auditor for this comprehensive audit shining a light on challenges with this program," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Our residents deserve transparency, efficiency, and accountability, and my job now is to own it and do the work with my team to put strong policies and practices in place to fix it. I'm committed to addressing the recommendations and strengthening our fuel management program so that this doesn't happen in the future."

The audit included nine recommendations for process improvement, all of which have been concurred by City leadership. These recommendations include, among others:

• The implementation of an updated fuel policy

• An evaluation of current tools to assess suitability

• Implementation of a data-driven oversight process for fuel management

• Development of a formal fuel training program

• Redesign of the PIN management process to improve accountability

"We have taken several steps already to address the concerns raised in today's report," said Director of General Services Gail Johnson. "My team is focused on tightening our oversight protocols, updating our policies, and rolling out improved training programs to ensure we are the best stewards we can be of the new fuel program. We welcome City Auditor Riad Ali's guidance as we work to build a fuel program that better serves our City."

The City will continue to provide regular updates on progress as reforms are implemented in the coming months. The full report can be found on the City Auditor's website, here.

Richmond, VA-The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will host a virtual community meeting to share details about the upcoming Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project at Canoe Run Park in the 5th District. This project is part of the state-mandated CSO Final Plan and collectively will reduce overflows into the James River by an estimated 83 million gallons annually.

The meeting will inform residents, commuters, and visitors about construction plans and anticipated impacts to the community. City staff will also provide background on the CSO Law (Senate Bill 1064) passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, which requires improvements to the region’s combined sewer systems. This project supports Richmond’s efforts to improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and protect public health and the environment for all Virginians.

VIRTUAL MEETING DETAILS

The virtual meeting starts Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 pm and can be accessed by computer or mobile device via this link or dialing in by phone.

To dial in by phone:

• Dial: 1-305-224-1968
• Enter Meeting ID: 850 1540 2943
• Press # to bypass Participant ID
• Enter Passcode: 938443

Click here for the flyer with QR code 

MEDIA ADVISORY

July 2, 2025

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities announces utility rate changes passed by the Richmond City Council, which will be in effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2025. These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $11.25 more per month.

In an effort to make bill payment easier, more accessible and affordable for everyone and as part of our commitment to affordability and improved customer service, DPU has eliminated the convenience fee for credit card and ACH payments (effective June 30, 2025). This can amount to cost savings of varying degrees, depending on how often customers make payments through MyHQ, EZ-Pay or PromisePay. Also, the single payment limit for credit cards has increased from $500 to $1,000 and $500 to $100,000 for ACH payments.  

Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, as approved:

NATURAL GAS     
The average residential customer will pay approximately $3.31 more per month for fixed distribution and customer charges. The purchased gas costs (PGC) are not included in this proposal as it is passed on dollar for dollar to the customer, without any markup. 

WATER
A typical water customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of water per month will see an increase of $2.36 on their overall water bill. This includes a monthly service charge and a volumetric charge (amount used).

WASTEWATER
A typical wastewater customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of wastewater per month will see an increase of $4.54 on their overall wastewater bill. This includes a monthly service charge and a volumetric charge (amount used).

STORMWATER
Stormwater utility rates are based on the amount of impervious area (surfaces that cannot absorb water or that water cannot pass through) within a property. Roofs, walkways, gravel or asphalt driveways and decks are all categorized as impervious areas.

Single family residents pay a flat stormwater fee based on the amount of impervious area that a property contains. Typical residential customers will see a $1.04 increase in their monthly bill. See the size and fees associated with single family residential tier below:

• Tier 1  (1000 or less sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $3.80 per month
• Tier 2  (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $6.99 per month
• Tier 3  (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $11.30 per month
• Tier 4  (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $16.12 per month
• Tier 5  (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay $23.38 per month

DPU remains committed to providing safe and reliable utility service while creating exceptional value. If you have fallen behind on your utility payments, DPU is here to help!  Full information and application details on all current programs can be found on our website at rva.gov/public-utilities/billing.  If you need to speak with a live agent about any account services, don’t delay, give us a call today at (804) 646-4646 for assistance.

• PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU partners with PromisePay to bring flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who are behind on their utility bills. All customers with a past due balance may enroll in a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal offers users the opportunity to select from a variety of payment plan options, set up automatic payments, and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications through text messaging.  

• MetroCare Water Program – This water bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having difficulty paying their primary water bills due to financial concerns. There is an application process and ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved.    
• MetroCare Heat Program – This heating bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having trouble paying their primary heating bills due to a financial difficulty or other special hardship. The program period begins December 15. Residents within the natural gas utility’s service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
• MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. This program includes an audit approved by the Department of Energy for all eligible homeowners as a method for improving water use efficiency.     
• SeniorCare Program – This program caters to the unique needs of seniors 65 years of age and older in the Richmond metropolitan community. Senior customers can sign up for this program and take advantage of Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, security deposit waiver program, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third party notification.
• Equal Monthly Payment Plan – The EMPP budget plan spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year's natural gas usage.

Las nuevas tarifas de servicios públicos entrarán en vigor el 1 de julio de 2025 para los clientes del Departamento de Servicios Públicos de la Ciudad de Richmond

Se eliminan las tarifas de conveniencia

Richmond, Virginia - El Departamento de Servicios Públicos de la Ciudad de Richmond anuncia los cambios en las tarifas de servicios públicos aprobados por el Concejo Municipal de Richmond, que entrarán en vigor con las primeras facturas de servicios públicos que reciban los clientes en julio de 2025. Se proyecta que estos aumentos de tarifas le costarán al cliente promedio aproximadamente $11.25 más por mes.

En un esfuerzo por hacer que el pago de facturas sea más fácil, accesible y asequible para todos, y como parte de nuestro compromiso con la asequibilidad y un mejor servicio al cliente, el Departamento de Servicios Públicos (DPU) ha eliminado la tarifa de conveniencia para pagos con tarjeta de crédito y transferencia electrónica (ACH) (a partir del 30 de junio de 2025). Esto puede representar un ahorro, cuyo monto depende de la frecuencia con la que los clientes realicen pagos a través de MyHQ, EZ-Pay o PromisePay. Además, el límite de pago único para tarjetas de crédito ha aumentado de $500 a $1,000 y de $500 a $100,000 para pagos por transferencia electrónica.  

Aquí hay un desglose de las tarifas de servicios públicos para gas natural, acueducto, alcantarillado de aguas residuales y aguas lluvias, según lo aprobado:

GAS NATURAL
El cliente residencial promedio pagará mensualmente aproximadamente $3.31 más por cargos fijos de distribución y otros costos adicionales. Los costos de adquisición del gas (PGC) no están incluidos en esta propuesta, ya que se transfieren dólar por dólar al cliente, sin ningún recargo. 

ACUEDUCTO
Un cliente típico del servicio que consume mensualmente 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 pies cúbicos o 7.48 galones) de agua, verá un aumento de $2.36 en su factura total de acueducto. Esto incluye un cargo mensual por el servicio y un cargo volumétrico (por la cantidad utilizada).

ALCANTARILLADO DE AGUAS RESIDUALES

Un cliente típico del servicio que produce mensualmente 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 pies cúbicos o 7.48 galones) de aguas residuales, verá un aumento de $4.54 en su factura general de alcantarillado de aguas residuales. Esto incluye un cargo mensual por el servicio y un cargo volumétrico (por la cantidad generada).

ALCANTARILLADO DE AGUAS LLUVIAS

Las tarifas de este servicio se basan en la cantidad de área impermeable (superficies que no pueden absorber agua o que el agua no puede atravesar) dentro de una propiedad. Los techos, pasillos, entradas y cubiertas de grava o asfalto se clasifican como áreas impermeables.

Los habitantes de viviendas unifamiliares pagan una tarifa plana de alcantarillado de aguas lluvias en función de la cantidad de área impermeable que contiene una propiedad. Los clientes residenciales típicos verán un aumento de $1.04 en su factura mensual. Vea a continuación las áreas y las tarifas asociadas con el nivel residencial unifamiliar:

• El nivel 1 (1000 pies cuadrados o menos de área impermeable) pagará $ 3.80 al mes
• El nivel 2 (1001 - 2000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $ 6.99 al mes
• El nivel 3 (2001 – 3000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $11.30 al mes
• El Nivel 4 (3001 – 4000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $16.12 al mes
• El Nivel 5 (4001 pies cuadrados o más de área impermeable) pagará $23.38 al mes

El Departamento de Servicios Públicos (DPU) mantiene su compromiso de proporcionar un servicio público seguro y confiable, al tiempo que crea un valor excepcional. Si se ha atrasado en sus pagos de servicios públicos, ¡En el DPU estamos para ayudarle!  Toda la información y los detalles de las solicitudes para todos los programas vigentes se pueden encontrar en nuestra página de Internet: rva.gov/public-utilities/billing.  Si necesita hablar con un agente en vivo sobre cualquier servicio de sus cuentas, llámenos hoy mismo al (804) 646-4646 para obtener ayuda.

• Planes de pago de PromisePay: DPU se asocia con PromisePay para ofrecer planes de pago flexibles y convenientes para los clientes que están atrasados en el pago de sus facturas de servicios públicos. Todos los clientes con un saldo vencido pueden inscribirse en un plan de pago de PromisePay para su saldo pendiente en Richmond.promise-pay.com. El portal PromisePay ofrece a los usuarios la oportunidad de seleccionar una variedad de opciones de planes de pago, configurar pagos automáticos y proporcionar información de contacto para recordatorios de pago y otras notificaciones de sus cuentas a través de mensajes de texto.  

• Programa de acueducto de MetroCare: este programa de asistencia para el pago de facturas de acueducto proporciona fondos a familias e individuos elegibles que tienen dificultades para pagar sus facturas de acueducto principales debido a problemas económicos. Hay un proceso de solicitud y si esta es aprobada, los contribuyentes pueden recibir hasta $500 por solicitante.    

• Programa de calefacción de MetroCare: este programa de asistencia para el pago de facturas de calefacción proporciona fondos a familias e individuos elegibles que tienen problemas para pagar sus facturas de calefacción principales debido a una dificultad económica u otra dificultad especial. El período del programa comienza el 15 de diciembre. Las personas que viven dentro del territorio de servicio de la empresa de gas natural pueden solicitar fondos a través de MetroCare.

• Programa de Conservación de Agua de MetroCare : Este programa brinda asistencia financiera a los clientes propietarios de viviendas elegibles para pagar reparaciones de plomería y reemplazar electrodomésticos que consumen agua en exceso con productos con la certificación WaterSense de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) para conservar el agua y reducir el consumo excesivo. Este programa incluye una auditoría aprobada por el Departamento de Energía para todos los propietarios de viviendas elegibles como un método para mejorar la eficiencia en el uso del agua.     

• Programa de Cuidado de Personas Mayores: este programa atiende las necesidades particulares de las personas mayores de 65 años en el área metropolitana de Richmond. Los adultos mayores que son clientes nuestros pueden inscribirse en este programa y aprovechar la garantía de servicio durante el invierno, la eliminación de cargos por pagos atrasados, el programa de exención de depósito de seguridad, los obsequios anuales de kits de aislamiento de viviendas y la notificación a terceros.

• Plan de pago mensual igualitario (EMPP): el plan presupuestario EMPP distribuye su factura anual de gas a lo largo de 12 pagos mensuales iguales. El pago mensual estimado se basa en el consumo de gas natural del año anterior.

Richmond, VA - Today, Mayor Danny Avula, Richmond City Council, and Henrico Board of Supervisors met for a joint meeting to discuss building a more resilient water distribution system for the region. The meeting followed Mayor Avula's recent invitation to regional partners to join together in conversations about the future of the region's drinking water system.

President Cynthia Newbille, Richmond City Council President, and Roscoe D. Cooper, III, Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, presided over the meeting. Scott Morris, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Richmond, and Bentley Chan, his counterpart in Henrico County, provided an overview of the current status and key challenges facing each locality's drinking water system.

"Today we came together across jurisdictional lines to begin an overdue conversation about how we can tackle one of the most urgent challenges ahead of us as a city and a region. I appreciate the willingness of both Richmond City Council and Henrico Board of Supervisors to have this initial conversation," said Mayor Danny Avula. "This is how progress towards a safe, resilient and redundant water system begins."

The meeting was live-streamed. A recording is available on the City of Richmond's YouTube page. Presentations from Director Morris and Director Chan are available on Richmond's City Council meeting details site. City Council indicated that they would meet July 7th to continue discussions.