Henrico County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Henrico County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Kennel rezoning at Springfield Church Lane and Tom Leonard Drive
Dexstar LLC seeks to rezone 1.03 acres in the West Broad corridor to allow a kennel. Nearby businesses and residents would be affected by the change from the existing conditional business zoning.
Ace Investments 73-acre industrial rezoning deferred
A large 73.7-acre industrial rezoning along Pocahontas Parkway was set to be pushed to September 10, delaying any decision on outdoor storage and office uses there.
Beckley Road conservation-to-agricultural rezone
Beckley Bluford Investment, LLC seeks to rezone 26.4 acres on Beckley Road in Varina from conservation to agricultural zoning. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
Masonic lodge provisional use permit
The Richmond Lodge of Perfection wants a permit to operate a masonic lodge on Bethlehem Road in the Brookland District. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
Masonic Lodge on Bethlehem Road
A masonic lodge wants a use permit to operate on Bethlehem Road in Brookland — a semi-public use the comprehensive plan contemplates for the area.
Backyard hens in Tuckahoe
A Deer Lodge homeowner wanted to keep six hens in her rear yard, but the proposed coop spot didn't meet the 50-foot rear setback, and staff recommended deferral. It's part of a broader question about small-scale animal keeping in residential neighborhoods.
Urban agriculture in single-family neighborhoods
Two separate applicants asked to keep up to six hens in their rear yards in Tuckahoe neighborhoods. Approval would let each household keep small flocks under county rules.
Residential density and infill on Pump Road
A Tuckahoe landowner sought variances from minimum lot area and width to build a single-family home on a 0.77-acre lot in an agricultural district. Approval would allow a house where standard lot-size rules would not.
Screened porch setback variance in Brookland
A Brookland homeowner sought a 12-foot reduction in the required rear yard setback to build a screened porch.
Backyard hens in Three Chopt subdivision
A Three Chopt homeowner asked permission to keep up to six hens in an R-3 one-family neighborhood — a question of urban agriculture in established residential areas.
Alley Vacation in Greenwood Heights Subdivision
A property owner near 1611 Roosevelt Boulevard asked the county to vacate a rear alley it doesn't need, freeing up buildable space. County departments reviewed it without objection.
Side-yard accessory buildings and garages
Two applications asked to place detached structures — a garage and an accessory building — in side yards where the code normally restricts them. The board's handling of these cases reflects how flexible the county is on accessory structure placement.
Backyard hens in residential districts
Two homeowners sought permits to keep up to six hens in their rear yards — one in Hermitage Park Addition and one in the Brittany subdivision. These cases show how county zoning rules treat small-scale poultry keeping in single-family neighborhoods.