Henrico County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Henrico County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable homes through Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
A $500,000 county grant would help the land trust buy 20 Arcadia homes and sell them to buyers earning up to 115% of area median income.
Setback and lot-area variances countywide
A Tuckahoe lot with zero public street frontage needed a 50-foot variance before a single-family house could be built at 8701 September Drive — a question of whether landlocked parcels can be developed.
Residential development proposals in Brookland district
Spy Rock Real Estate Group's permit request would bring multifamily housing and mixed uses to a light-industrial parcel near Westmoreland and Jacque streets, in the Westwood Redevelopment Overlay.
OP Holdings Osborne Turnpike event space and outdoor recreation
Whitehead & Chiocca Properties wants a permit for an indoor event venue on Nine Mile Road in Varina, with conditions meant to protect nearby uses.
Trucking and outdoor storage facility in Varina
DRB III Trucking's rezoning would allow outdoor storage and trailer parking on 5.9 acres at Darbytown and Miller roads, in the Airport Safety Overlay.
Data Center Development
Henrico is dealing with a major surge in public pushback over new data centers, leaving city leaders struggling to figure out fair zoning rules. Residents are worried about the heavy toll these massive facilities take on local resources, making it a hot-button local issue.
Crown Castle wireless tower height increase (withdrawn)
Crown Castle wanted to replace a wireless tower near Gaskins Road and Stoneridge Lane and raise it from 85 to 155 feet in a residential area — but the request was withdrawn before the hearing.
St. Joseph Villa update
An afternoon briefing on the St. Joseph Villa property was scheduled for the Board.
Varina on the James Phase I contract
A contract award for Phase I of the Varina on the James project, a major waterfront development in eastern Henrico.
Affordable housing easement at 3900 Nine Mile Road
The Board was asked to sign an easement agreement supporting Richmond Affordable Housing on Nine Mile Road in Varina.
Residential development review update
An afternoon briefing on the County's residential development review process was scheduled.
Townhomes on Pouncey Tract Road (REZ-2025-103169)
Bacova Development Company is asking to rezone nearly 10 acres on Pouncey Tract Road from agricultural zoning to conditional general residence zoning for townhomes. The 2026 Comprehensive Plan recommends Suburban Mixed Use for the area, which is somewhat compatible with the request.
Crown Castle Wireless Tower Replacement
Crown Castle sought a permit to replace and raise a wireless tower near Gaskins Road and Stoneridge Lane in a residential area. The case was headed for a possible deferral to August.
Imago Dei School Rezoning
A private school wants to convert 8.86 acres of industrial land at Dill Road and Vawter Avenue to residential-conditional zoning. The expedited case could change the character of the area from industrial to institutional.
DRB III Trucking Industrial Rezoning
A trucking company sought to rezone 5.9 acres at Darbytown and Miller Roads for outdoor storage and trailer parking, in the airport safety overlay. The case was carried over from May.
Westwood mixed-use development with multifamily housing
Spy Rock Real Estate Group wants a provisional use permit to build a mixed-use project with apartments at Westmoreland and Jacque streets. The site is zoned light industrial and the comprehensive plan recommends heavy industry, so approval would mean redirecting that industrial area toward housing and mixed use. It sits in the Westwood Redevelopment Overlay District.
Expansion of Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership facility
The aquatics nonprofit wants to expand its recreation facility on N Wilkinson Road and needs both a CUP amendment and a big setback variance to do it. The project sits in a one-family residential district, so neighbors had a chance to comment.
Carter Woods IV Affordable Housing Bonds
A $7.5 million conduit bond deal to help the Better Housing Coalition build about 53 affordable rental units near Nine Mile Road and Dabbs House Road — with no county financial obligation.
Arena Development
Henrico's huge GreenCity arena project just locked in a major operator, meaning this eco-friendly entertainment district is actually happening. Get ready for a massive new spot for concerts and events right in our backyard.
Economic Development
Henrico County is finally breaking ground on the massive $2.3 billion GreenCity eco-development project next year, which is set to completely transform the local construction and development scene. Expect major changes to the area as this eco-friendly hub comes to life.