Land Use Administration Division

The Land Use Administration (LUA) Division provides advice and analysis regarding land use and development issues. Land Use Administration advises the property owner or developer as to which of the available land management tools is appropriate to his/her needs. Available tools include rezoning, a Special Use Permit (SUP), a conditional use permit, and conditional rezoning. Also available is the Community Unit Plan (CUP) which is applicable to the proposed development or redevelopment of large tracts of land (10 acres or more). A conditional rezoning application and a rezoning application may be downloaded, however, applicants are strongly encourage to contact the staff of Land Use Administration for advice.

Another service of LUA is processing the Plan of Development (POD) , if required by the Zoning Administrator. This is an administrative site plan review process that may be done either in advance of, or in conjunction with the building permit process. Staff will give advice on subdivision proposals as well.

As staff to the City Planning Commission, LUA reviews development projects for approval as well as prepares and makes recommendations on items referred by City Council such as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget, special use permits, street and alley closings, encroachments, and the acquisition or sale of City property. LUA provides zoning text amendments and engages in comprehensive updates of the Zoning Ordinance, and studies and recommends neighborhood and citywide rezonings. Staff also supports the Board of Zoning Appeals, administering applications for variances.

The hours of operation for the Land Use Administration Division are Monday through Friday, 8:00am until 5:00pm. For more information, call (804) 646-6304,
email DCDLanduseadmin@richmondgov.com, or visit room 511 of City Hall.