Richmond considers amending short-term rental rules to allow PUDs, set 500-foot spacing (first reading)

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners heard a first reading of Ordinance 26-09, which would amend the city's development ordinance for short-term rentals.

City Manager summarized the change as an amendment to existing regulations that adds Planned Unit Development (PUD) zones to the list of zones where short-term rentals are permitted. The proposal retains short-term rentals in R-1A, R-1B and R-1C zones, requires a conditional-use permit in B-2 zones, and adds PUDs as an allowed location subject to director review. The ordinance text also sets a minimum distance of 500 feet between short-term rental properties "as measured from the center of the existing structure utilized as a short term rental to the center of the next structure utilized."

Mayor Blythe and commissioners discussed the change briefly; the manager noted the revision is limited to adding PUDs and does not otherwise alter the prior ordinance. The provision was presented as a first reading; second reading and possible adoption are scheduled for the March 24 meeting.

Why it matters: The amendment would expand locations where short-term rentals can operate in Richmond (notably PUDs) and impose spacing and permitting requirements that will affect property owners and neighborhood character. The city noted ongoing legislative discussion at the state level but provided this local amendment as a narrowly focused change.

Next steps: The ordinance will return for second reading on March 24; no vote was held at this meeting.