Zoning Division
 To
promote orderly development, every parcel within the City has a zoning
designation that governs its use. These uses are defined in the official
zoning ordinance
supported by the official zoning map. The Division of Zoning Administration is
responsible for enforcing the Zoning Ordinance. It does this through the review
of building permit applications and sign
permit applications, as well as the issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.), a Certificate
of Zoning Compliance (CZC), and a
Zoning Confirmation Letter.
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is a required permit that shows a proposed
use is in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance; it is necessary prior to the
issuance of a business license. A CZC is required for any use of land, building
or structures, or portion thereof, other than an existing single-family
dwelling or individual residential unit (apartment) within multi-family
buildings. The operation of a Home Occupation also requires a CZC. A CZC is not
transferable. Any new owner or tenant must obtain an updated CZC for the use of
the premises. An inspection is required to determine if the property complies
with zoning requirements. A processing fee is charged.
 A Zoning
Confirmation Letter also verifies conformance with the Zoning Ordinance. A
Zoning Confirmation Letter can be requested in lieu of a CZC when the applicant
is not the owner of the property. It is typically requested by lenders, title
companies, attorneys and/or prospective purchasers of properties to verify use,
density, and subdivision or “lot-splits” of property. It is suggested that a
Zoning Confirmation Letter be obtained prior to the signing of any purchase or
lease contract. A processing fee is charged.
Sometimes the proposed use is inconsistent with the existing zoning. If that
determination is made, various options may be suggested to the applicant. An
application for a variance, or waiver, can be made to the
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) if there are unique or extraordinary
situations such as topography, shape of the site or some other unusual
factor(s) that justify departure from the zoning requirements. Variances
typically waive yard (setback), parking or sign requirements. Other options
include application for rezoning,
special use permits, conditional
use permit or conditional
rezoning. Staff in the Division of
Land Use Administration is available to advise as to which is
appropriate to the circumstance.
Possible violations of the Zoning Ordinance can be reported to the Zoning
Administrator. Learn how to file a zoning violation using the automated Citizens
Request System (CRS). Providing a numbered street address of the property and
information on the nature of the violation would assist in the review. Personal
information does not need to be provided.
Zoning related brochures and documents:
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The hours of operation for the Zoning Division are Monday through Friday, 8:00am until 5:00pm.
For more information, call (804) 646-6340,
email DCDZoningAdministration@richmondgov.com,
or visit room 110 of City Hall.
A list of the Frequently Asked Questions is available here.
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