Zoning refers to the set of laws that impact the development of our built environment (the physical things humans have built to support life, such as buildings, infrastructure, transportation networks, etc) and how land is used over time. Zoning dictates, for example, where commercial buildings –  such as grocery stores – can be built, or the types of housing allowed in specific areas, ranging from single-family homes to large apartment buildings.

Zoning shapes the design of our communities and how they grow, which can impact emissions, energy efficiency, and resilience to climate change. Cities in the US are often characterized by urban sprawl, which favors single-family neighborhoods and reliance on cars. Single-family homes consume more energy than any other building type, producing more emissions per household. Since urban sprawl spreads buildings and services out far, residents often need a car to access them, creating more pollution.

Climate-informed zoning decisions such as increased density can support more efficient land use (sprawl often uses up more land per housing unit) and decreased energy consumption, helping the planet while providing more housing options for residents.

Urging our local decision-makers to prioritize climate-smart zoning laws can transform and improve the quality of life for residents while also working towards our climate goals. Examples include:

• Disallowing future development in floodplains or areas vulnerable to climate disasters. 

• Distancing Industrial and Residential zones from one another to limit public health and environmental impacts. 

• Prioritizing housing density and infill development instead of urban sprawl and the expansion of energy-intensive housing types such as detached single-family homes. 

• Increasing density in residential areas near transit corridors to enable the use of public transportation and bike/pedestrian infrastructure.  

• Solar ordinances that streamline the expansion of distributed renewable energy (for example, solar panels on rooftops and parking lots).

Code Refresh refers to the City of Richmond’s rewrite of its zoning ordinance. The rewrite process includes developing new zoning categories and descriptions, and then mapping those categories to every parcel of land in the city. The rewrite is one of the “Big Moves” recommended in Richmond 300, the City’s official plan to manage growth over the next two decades and make Richmond a more affordable and sustainable place to live. As advocates, Code Refresh represents an important moment to have our voices heard and ensure that climate justice and resilience are a core part of the conversation.