Madeleine Biondi, Contributing Writer
Maddy Thurber, Contributing Writer
Richmond’s new proposed zoning code could expand development opportunities and reshape how much housing is available to VCU students in Richmond’s competitive market.
The city released the third and final draft of the zoning code on Aug. 17 which includes community insight from the Richmond Civic League meeting on July 21. Replacing a 50 year old zoning code, the overhaul alters lot restrictions, increases density along rapid transit lines and restricts non-conforming structures in efforts to expand housing. The code also imposes a complete ban on data center construction within the city.
Lot changes will increase both the number and type of structures allowed per lot, providing opportunity for an accessory dwelling unit in addition to a primary home. Plans promote more compact lots by decreasing setbacks, which determine how far a building must be placed from a property line or street.
Changes in zoning aim to protect green space in addition to concentrating construction near transportation hubs to improve walkability. Development restrictions limit structure size and height in aim to promote better uniformity.
“The updated comprehensive plan covers future growth in the next 30 years of housing, transportation and urban life,” said Benjamin Teresa, associate professor of urban and regional planning.
Richmond’s population has grown over 18% in the last 30 years, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
According to a Richmond Realtors survey, of the 22% of Richmond residents who were familiar with the zoning overhaul, with 59% expressed support. Zoning code concerns included setback changes, overcrowding lots and damage to historical integrity, with a notable critic being the Fan District Association.
“You’ll notice when walking around the Fan and then walking into a suburban neighborhood, there’s a huge difference in the space between homes and how far the building is from the street,” Teresa said.
Earlier this year, VCU began building a new dorm on West Grace Street with 985 new beds to address growing demands for student housing on Feb. 26, according to the VCU housing master plan.
VCU faced first-year housing challenges after an increase in freshman class size, with over 4,500 admissions the previous two years. Last year marked the second largest class size in university history.
Second-year craft and material studies student Tala Christensen said housing costs, distance from classes and gaps in leases made securing on-campus housing difficult within the current lottery system.
Twenty seven percent of VCU students live on campus, with the other 73% opting to commute or compete in the fifth most competitive housing market in the country.
“I originally wanted West Grace South because they don’t have year round housing so it’s cheaper, but by the time I tried to get housing West Grace North was the only one available,” Christensen said.
VCU Residential Life and Housing stated that it has been able to offer housing for all students waitlisted in previous years, however, it cannot guarantee housing.
Off-campus students contend with large real estate companies in a city where rent has risen 1.9% year-over-year, while the average city rent faces decline.
Third-year sociology student Rosalie Harr said large companies are the root cause of her difficulties finding off-campus
“There are so many apartments I’ve toured and I’m like ‘they’re asking way too much for this place and it’s way too small,” Harr said. “I compare it to my friends who go to other schools and they’re getting so much bigger places for so much cheaper.”
Richmond’s population has grown over 18% in the last 30 years, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host the Gulak Lecture on Nov. 10 to discuss zoning code plans