Richmond Livable Corridors Form Based Code

Richmond Livable Corridors

Project Description

The City Council adopted the Richmond Livable Corridors Form Based Code (RLC-FBC) on April 18, 2023. The RLC-FBC is expected to decrease project review time, increase densities since certain development standards that were a barrier to development were modified, such as off-street parking and open space requirements.  Development incentives for affordable housing were also added into the Zoning Ordinance. The RLC-FBC also includes appropriate project level CEQA analysis for projects in built in compliance with the RLC-FBC thereby eliminating a site-by-site CEQA review requirement. The RLC-FBC will also foster predictable built results through the application of objective design standards. As a result of this project, the City anticipates 1,500 to 2,500 new residential units could be built within the project area.

Documents

  1. Archived Meetings

City Council  - Tuesday, April 4, 2023 (First Reading), and Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (Second Reading) at 6:30 p.m.

The City Council adopted the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code. 

Planning Commission - Thursday, September 1, 2022, 6:30 p.m.

(This meeting will utilize web conferencing and telephone only)

The Planning Commission will have a Public Hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council of the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code. You are invited to learn more about the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code and provide your input.

Agenda and Staff Report

Design Review Board (Special Meeting) - Friday, March 4, 2022, 2:00 p.m.

(This meeting will utilize web conferencing and telephone only)

The Design Review Board will have a Special Meeting to review the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code. You are invited to learn more about the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code and provide your input. 

Planning Commission (Study Session) - Thursday, January 6, 2022, 6:30 p.m.

(This meeting will utilize web conferencing and telephone only)

The Planning Commission will have a Study Session to review the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code. You are invited to learn more about the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code and provide your input. 

Design Review Board (Study Session) - Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

(This meeting will utilize web conferencing and telephone only)

The Design Review Board will have a Study Session to review the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code. You are invited to learn more about the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code and provide your input.

Virtual Community Workshop - Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

You are invited to learn more about the Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code and provide your input. The new code was drafted for the Central Richmond PDA in 2015-2016 to implement Richmond General Plan 2030 and encourage mixed-use and residential infill development improves the public realm along major corridors.

You may view the workshop presentation here: https://youtu.be/Ar2Ga9jRSAw

Richmond Livable Corridors Video

City Council - September 20, 2016, 6:30 PM, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Council Chambers

Adopt Resolution directing staff to integrate portions of the draft Form-Based Code into the Zoning and Subdivisions Regulations Update.

 Staff Report

 1. Draft Resolution

 A. Draft FBC

 B. Architectural Guidelines

 C. Sustainability Guidelines

 D. Zoning Map Amendment


The City of Richmond, in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), the Local Government Commission (LGC), and Opticos Design, Inc. has prepared a Final Draft Richmond Livable Corridors Form-Based Code (FBC) for three major commercial corridors in the City. Upon adoption, the FBC will be an implementation tool that guides the transformation and revitalization of Macdonald Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, and 23rd Street into livable, walkable, and economically thriving corridors. Portions of these three corridors are identified as Priority Development Areas (PDAs) by ABAG and MTC.

The intent of the FBC is to foster a high-quality built environment. The FBC focuses on the creation, revitalization, and preservation of vibrant, walkable urban places by utilizing physical form, rather than land use, as the primary organizing principle. It also promotes standards for both private and public spaces. The FBC addresses physical characteristics and standards governing private realm components along the corridors, including building placement, form, height, frontage, and land use, ensuring that new development contributes to walkable urbanism. The FBC also addresses roadways, streets, sidewalks, and civic spaces. Special emphasis is given to sustainability and public health indicators, ensuring that regulations promote environmentally responsible places that maximize public health benefits.  This community planning effort is funded in part through a grant awarded by the California Strategic Growth Council.


Community Mapping Meeting- June 17, 6 PM

 Final Draft Form-Based Code (February 2015)