City code language can be confusing — we're here to demystify it. The next time you find yourself turned around by the terminology of complex developments or news releases, use this guide as your 101.

Pro tip: These terms will come in handy when diving into Richmond’s Code Refresh drafts.

Mixed-use

Projects that serve multiple community purposes, like a building with apartments on top and retail shops on the bottom. Expect to see combinations of housing, retail, parking, commercial, and industrial components.

Think: The upcoming Diamond District development will have plenty of mixed-use spaces.

Rezoning

Changing an area of land from the city's designated use. Two examples of rezoning requests might include a developer seeking to build a high-rise in a neighborhood with a height restriction or to open a business in a designated residential area.

Think: City Council adopted an ordinance to revise the zoning code around City Center ahead of its redevelopment.

For many years, City Council has taken a piecemeal approach to rezoning and amending the zoning ordinance. | Photo by RICtoday

Special use permit

Granted to provide relief from regulations when land is being used in a manner not normally compatible with the zoning. Only granted when the intended site use is deemed appropriate and compatible with the surrounding area.

Think: The city is considering changes to the special-use regulations for accessory dwelling units (also known as in-law suites). (VPM)

Enterprise Zones

Areas of the city where building a site earns you incentives, including a break on real estate taxes and money back from costs of relocating, machinery + equipment, and construction permits. The goal is to promote economic development, so only certain commercial and industrial users qualify.

Think: These currently include much of downtown, Scott's Addition, and City Center (see the most recent map for all enterprise zones).

Technology Zones

Like Enterprise Zones, Technology Zones offer benefits and incentives to companies to attract more tech businesses in Richmond. Richmond adopted its city-wide Technology Zone in 2022.

Think: New data centers are a current conversation piece regarding technology zones.

Single-family home

A freestanding building that shares no walls with other homes or structures. Single-family is a type of zoning district in the city.

Example: Much of the Fan District is zoned as R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential.

Multifamily home

One building containing multiple housing units. Multi-family is a type of zoning district in the city.

Example: A pending redevelopment in Richmond's East End plans to convert a historic church into 17 apartment units.

Infill development

This term refers to the development of vacant or underutilized lots that are surrounded by areas that are either partially or fully developed.

Think: Evolving Gilpin Court construction plans include infill developments and the re-purposing of deteriorated structures.

Principal use

The primary activity or function of a site. A site's principal use must be consistent with the zoning ordinances for the land on which it's located.

Example: Living in a home within a residential zone is an allowable principal use.

Accessory use

An activity or function of a site labeled subordinate or incidental.

Example: The garage or shed on your property may be classified as an accessory use.