Updated draft reflects engagement from more than 4,500 people across 94 community events and 3,700 map comments

Richmond, VA - On Tuesday, November 18, Mayor Danny Avula announced the release of Code Refresh Draft Two, marking a major milestone in the City's effort to address housing affordability, reduce administrative barriers, and help more Richmonders find homes that fit their needs and budget.

Over the past three months, since the release of the initial Code Refresh draft in June 2025, the City has engaged more than 4,500 participants through nearly 100 City-organized roundtables, community meetings, open houses, pop-ups, civic association meetings, and other forms of public engagement. Draft Two reflects that feedback and includes revisions designed to preserve existing housing stock while expanding housing options for renters and future homeowners.

"Richmond is growing, and we want that growth to lift people up by making our neighborhoods places where more people can put down roots and thrive," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Too many families who love this city - nurses, teachers, first responders, young adults, and seniors - are struggling to find a home that fits their needs and their budget. I'm excited about Code Refresh because it creates the opportunity for more homes for more people, so Richmonders can stay in the communities they love."

What Code Refresh Does

• Helps address the housing crisis by promoting a greater variety of housing options.
• Supports building thriving, walkable neighborhoods in all parts of the city
• Improves development standards by requiring trees, wider sidewalks, and building designs that complement existing neighborhoods.

Code Refresh Goals: Draft Two

Residential

Goal: New homes should complement the existing neighborhood

• New homes can't take up as much of the lot.
• Heights and setbacks should complement what's already on the block.
• Bigger apartment buildings are allowed only in areas that already have bigger buildings
• If someone splits a lot, new homes must face the main street.

Goal: Build thriving, walkable neighborhoods

• Small neighborhood conveniences, like markets and restaurants, can go in at certain lots and intersections.

Goal: Preserve existing homes while also expanding housing options

• An additional home can be added on the same lot - if you preserve what's there.

Mixed use

Goal: New buildings should complement the existing neighborhood

• Transitional rules for mixed-use buildings next to existing homes are strengthened.
• Upper-floor step-backs are required so taller buildings don't loom over the street.

Goal: Build thriving, walkable neighborhoods

• Development standards residents requested are added, including more trees, wider sidewalks, and more space for people walking and rolling.

Goal: Align zoning with existing building and safety codes

• Allowable heights are matched to what safety and building codes already allow (not beyond).

"Great cities aren't built for a moment, they're built for generations. That's why I'm thrilled for Code Refresh. It supports local businesses by allowing more neighborhood-serving retail in strategic places - not everywhere, but where it strengthens walkability and improves access to daily needs," said Angie Rodgers, Director, Department of Economic Development. "Zoning is the engine behind affordability, economic development, and quality of life, and this update gives us more tools in our toolbox to build a Richmond where small businesses can thrive."

"The zoning rules the City has relied on since 1976 no longer reflect the housing needs of Richmonders today. Code Refresh makes it possible to better align with current and future economic conditions, social preferences, and environmental realities. The proposed updates encourage a greater range of housing types and mixing of compatible uses that will lead to more vibrant neighborhoods for more Richmonders," said Kevin Vonck, Director, Planning and Development Review.

As part of the ongoing community engagement, the City will host three open houses -- one on Wednesday, November 19 and two on Thursday, November 20 - where residents can drop in at any point during the three-hour window to review materials and share feedback on Draft Two. Spanish interpretation will be available at all sessions. Draft maps, zoning districts, and use regulations are now available at rva.gov/coderefresh.

Distributed November 17, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in partnership with the City’s Department of Public Works, is launching a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU’s campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

Left-turn hardening is a traffic calming measure that uses modular curbs and striping to reduce left-turning speeds and prevent “corner cutting” by drivers. The installations minimize the conflict area between turning vehicles and people walking, biking, or rolling.

“This collaboration is an example of our shared commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in our community,” said Clarence T. Hunter, Jr., VCU Chief of Police. 

The following intersections are included in the pilot: 

• Franklin Street at Laurel Street
• Franklin Street at Belvidere Street
• Marshall Street at 11th Street
• Marshall Street at 13th Street

Findings from the pilot will inform the City’s federally funded initiative to install left-turn hardening at intersections on the High Injury Network.

Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer, said “Quick-build pilots allow us to gather real-world data efficiently and refine designs before full-scale implementation. These enhancements will make a meaningful difference in reducing conflicts and protecting vulnerable road users.”

This new pilot is a result of improvements made following a 2023 pedestrian safety study, which VCU completed in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Public Works, that identified and prioritized pedestrian safety improvements on and around VCU’s downtown Richmond campuses. VCU and the City have since implemented improvements to enhance existing infrastructure within city-owned right-of-way as well as encourage collaborative enforcement and community engagement. More information is at masterplan.vcu.edu/pedestrian-safety/

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva,gov/visionzero

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted November 14, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has recently received full national accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the 6th consecutive time, marking a significant milestone in the department’s long-standing commitment to service excellence, accountability, and innovation. It formally verifies and recognizes that the department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. 

Richmond remains one of the 225 accredited public works agencies in the United States and Canada, reaffirming its leadership among cities recognized for meeting the highest standards in public service operations.

Earning APWA accreditation is a rigorous, extensive, and multi-step process that evaluates every aspect of a public works department. It begins with a comprehensive self-assessment where policies, procedures and operational practices are reviewed against national best practices. This is followed by a peer review conducted by experienced public works professionals, who verify compliance through documentation and on-site visits. The process examines al divisions ensuring the department operates efficiently, safely, and transparently. 

Richmond first earned this distinction in 2005 and has successfully maintained it through every four-year review cycle (20 years), demonstrating continuous improvement and organizational excellence across all public works divisions and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession.  

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our Department of Public Works team,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “When we talk about building a Thriving City that works for everyone, this is what it looks like in practice — core services delivered with excellence, accountability, and a focus on residents’ daily experience. Earning this 6th accreditation shows Richmond’s ongoing commitment to running a city that gets the basics right, every single day.”

The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs, and employees. 

“Operating in excellence ensures that services ranging from street maintenance to solid waste collection benefits our customers. Maintaining this accreditation, that less than 1 percent of cities receive, is a significant symbol that we are delivering effective and efficient service that benefits every one of our neighborhoods,” says Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer.  I am excited to see our staff heroes at DPW, who have committed to making Richmond a great place to live and work get the recognition they deserve.” 

The process strengthens accountability and reinforces a culture of teamwork, succession planning, and customer service within the department. “Accreditation challenges us to be better every day and keep abreast of the most current industry standards,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “Each cycle is an opportunity to evaluate what we do, how we do it and how we can do it even better for our community.”

Go to rva.gov/public-works to learn more about the DPW or send an email to [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters in North America.

Posted November 13, 2025

What: Community Meeting | Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project & Design Public Hearing

When: Tuesday, November 18, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Where: Main Steet Station (1st Floor), 1500 East Main Street

Who: The Department of Public Works, City officials, transportation planners, and engineering consultants working on the Shockoe Valley Streets Improvements Project

Project Description & Improvements: 

• The project will create multimodal safety improvements for the Shockoe Valley area including Oliver Hill Way, 18th Street, Venable Street, and Mosby Street
• The project will convert Oliver Hill Way and 18th Street from one-way streets to two-way streets.
• Upgraded shared use paths and cycle tracks for people who bike will complete the area network.
• Streetscaping with new sidewalks for people that walk, and roll will include street trees, decorative lighting, and other enhancements.
• Four landscaped roundabouts will calm the intersections of Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, 18th Street and Venable Street, Mosby Street and Venable Street, and Mosby Street/East Leigh Street/O Street to improve safety for all ages and abilities.
• Broad Street will be redesigned to seamlessly connect the existing streetscape from 14th Street to 21st Street

Project Goals: 

• Improve safe access for all users regardless of age or ability
• Improve circulation and connectivity within the urban street grid
• Support environmental sustainability through transportation options
• Support additional economic development opportunities
• Support existing and proposed land uses with multimodal, walkable street grid

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Review preliminary design plans
• Learn more about proposed roadway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements
• Share feedback with project planners and city staff

Website: www.shockoevalleystreets.com (VDOT Project Number U000-127-972)

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability invites residents to share their input on plans to transform the former East Richmond Road Landfill (3800 East Richmond Road) into a solar array and pollinator meadow. The project, developed in partnership with Ameresco, Inc., will generate renewable energy and includes funding a Community Benefits Agreement to be implemented to fund local sustainability and resilience projects identified by the community with up to $500,000 in benefits implemented prior to the solar project's commercial operation date.

Community input will help determine which Community Benefits will be implemented - through projects such as pollinator gardens, EV charging stations, youth programming, or public art - ensuring the development benefits East End residents directly.

When & Where:

Wednesday Nov. 12, Powhatan Community Center, 6:30pm - 8pm

Monday Nov. 17, Ashley Oaks, 6:30pm - 8pm

Wednesday Nov. 19, Franklin Military Academy, 6:30pm - 8pm

Wednesday Dec. 3, Powhatan Community Center, 6:30pm - 8pm (Final Report-Out)

Additional Info:

Residents who cannot attend in person can complete a 5-10-minute online survey to share feedback and project ideas. Register for a session here.

Event Contact: 

Michael Smart, Sustainability Engagement Manager 

City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability

 [email protected]