Land Use in the Region

Where we develop has big impacts on how we live. Smart land use prioritizes mixed-uses as a way to achieve better communities. Mixing residential, commercial, and recreational uses in close proximity naturally improve other aspects like transportation choice, making it easier to walk, bike, and take transit to places. Mixed-land use is a way to ensure a sense of place in a community and create a strong economic base. Making urban and suburban areas more dense also leaves rural and open spaces preserved for the future.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LAND USE TOOLS & POLICIES BELOW

COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

What is a comprehensive plan?

According to the American Planning Association, a comprehensive plan “is the official statement of a local government establishing policies for its future long-range development.” These plans are legally required by Virginia and should involve resident input, covering land use, housing, transportation, community needs and more. This is one of the best tools for visioning the future of a community and how it should grow. Extensive public involvement is essential to this process.

Comprehensive Plan Updates

Comprehensive plans need to be updated regularly and two of the Richmond region’s localities are currently working on them. If you live in these localities it’s important to make your opinion heard! Find out more about these plans below:

Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update

  • Click here to find out more about Henrico’s comprehensive plan update

Hanover County Comprehensive Plan Update

  • Click here to find out more about Hanover’s comprehensive plan update

ZONING ORDINANCE

What is a zoning ordinance?

Zoning ordinances regulate land uses. A locality can regulate things including land use, building form, placement, size, building density, and more. Unlike comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances are law and can incur consequences for violations, but they should be based on what the comprehensive plan envisions.

Zoning Ordinance Updates

Chesterfield County Zoning Modernization Project

  • Chesterfield County is currently re-writing their zoning ordinance to align more with the comprehensive plan, to find out more click here.