Richmond Code Refresh faces public-vote push over zoning and housing

Richmond’s proposed Code Refresh is moving toward another draft as opponents pursue a charter change that could eventually require voter approval for certain large-scale zoning plans.

Code Refresh would be Richmond’s first comprehensive zoning-code rewrite since 1976. The city says the project involves reviewing zoning across every parcel, and the rewrite could affect where housing is built, how many units are allowed on a lot, parking expectations, development rights and neighborhood character.

What the petition would do

A petition filed in Richmond Circuit Court seeks to amend the city charter so a zoning plan affecting at least 25% of the city’s land parcels could not take effect without voter approval in a referendum.

That threshold matters. The proposal would apply to certain broad zoning plans, not every individual zoning change, development application or property decision.

The petition has not created an immediate referendum, stopped Code Refresh or changed Richmond’s zoning rules. The group behind it must first collect signatures from 10% of the city’s eligible voters. The General Assembly would then need to approve the proposed charter change before a later public vote on a qualifying zoning plan could occur.

WWBT reported that organizers are aiming for a November 2027 ballot, but that timeline depends on the required steps being completed.

Where Code Refresh stands

The city has released two drafts of Code Refresh, and the second-draft comment period has closed. Richmond officials have been preparing a third draft, but the rewrite has not been adopted as law.

On June 15, 2026, Richmond City Council held a work session to review the Planning and Development Review department’s preview of Draft Three. The city’s Code Refresh materials continue to identify the project as a work in progress and provide access to earlier maps, regulations and engagement documents.

VPM News reported that the next draft is expected to address several unresolved questions: how many unrelated people may live in one household, how religious properties should be zoned and how many housing units should be permitted on a residential lot.

Why housing advocates remain divided

Supporters of Code Refresh argue that updated zoning could expand housing choices and allow Richmond to respond to current housing demand. The city has described the rewrite as a way to guide growth and create more opportunities for residents to find homes.

Housing advocates who support expanding housing options also say zoning changes should be paired with measures to reduce displacement. A coalition highlighted by Axios Richmond has proposed tools including targeted assistance in neighborhoods at risk of displacement, a public database of affordable housing and incentives for affordable units in new development.

Those measures remain proposals, just as Draft Three remains a proposal. Code Refresh will not automatically produce a specific number of homes or prevent residents from being priced out.

What Richmond residents should watch next

The next milestones include the release and public review of Draft Three, additional City Council or planning discussions, progress on the petition’s signature drive and possible action by the General Assembly.

For renters, homeowners, neighborhood groups and developers, the practical question remains unresolved: how Richmond will balance more housing and development flexibility with parking, neighborhood stability, property rights and protection against displacement.

Sources

• City of Richmond Code Refresh project page
• WWBT 12 On Your Side: Richmond group petitions to put zoning overhaul to public vote
• VPM News: Questions linger as Richmond’s Code Refresh nears final stages
• Axios Richmond: Richmond group pushes plan to prevent resident displacement