Planning
The Planning Department coordinates all municipal functions and responsibilities related to land use, environmental protection and economic development as required by local and state laws. The department provides technical and advisory assistance to the Town Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Review and other advisory boards and commissions as needed. The department also coordinates and supports various land use functions with other town departments such as Public Works, Building, and Zoning, along with other local organizations and state agencies.
Planning Board
The Planning Board is a seven-member public body that reviews land development proposals and helps the Town Council determine land use policy. The seven members of the Planning Board are Richmond residents from a wide variety of professional backgrounds who volunteer their time. They are appointed by the Town Council to three-year terms. For more information about the Planning Board, please visit this link.
Applicants wishing to file an application to appear before the Planning Board are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-submission conference with the Town Planner.
Current Projects:
Municipal Resilience Program (summary of findings) The Town of Richmond has completed a certification within the State of Rhode Island’s Municipal Resilience Program (MRP). As part of that certification, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) provided the Town with a community-driven process to assess current hazard and climate change impacts and to surface projects, plans, and policies for improved resilience. The Town wishes to thank its residents, stakeholders, and partnering agencies and organizations who participated in this important process of prioritizing resilience actions for the Town of Richmond. The Richmond Community Resilience Building Summary of Findings can be found by clicking on the link above.
Update to Aquifer Protection Overlay District – The Planning Board has updated regulations intended to protect the quality and quantity of its potable water sources. This update also expands the list of permissible uses within the Wyoming/Route 138 corridor in an effort to promote economic development and housing where town water is available. An informational workshop between the Planning Board and the Town Council occurred in January ahead of the formal adoption process, which is anticipated to occur this summer. The draft regulations can be found by clicking on the link above.
Chapter 18.12 Draft Changes
Chapter 18.16 Draft Changes
Chapter 18.21 Draft Changes
Chapter 18.26 Draft Changes
Chapter 18.37 Repeal Draft
Draft Zoning Map with Aquifer Protection Overlay
The Preserve at Boulder Hills, Phase 2B (Project Documents)– The Preserve at Boulder Hills is an outdoor recreation-oriented, mixed-use development that includes a range of private uses across five separate properties totaling approximately 750 acres. At full buildout, the project will provide 172 dwelling units (including 26 affordable units), an equestrian center, day care facility, health club, private club, clubhouses, open space, novelty accessory sleeping structures and a service station. The primary point of access to the development is from Route 138 (Kingstown Road). The development is currently under construction in two phases. The documents for the most recent phase, Phase 2B, can be found by clicking on the link above.
Richmond Place (Project Documents) – 69-unit condominium development located at 38 Stilson Road
Buck Lane (Project Documents) – Four-lot minor conservation development located on New London Turnpike
Stilson Trade Center (Project Documents) – 72,000 square-foot skilled trades development located at 67 Stilson Road
Riverhead Building Supply – 200,000 square-foot warehouse facility in two phases located at 38 Kingstown Road. Project documents can be accessed at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qsbrx1avo763y95/Application%20forms.pdf?dl=0 and
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ku54f99ihqs6co/Master%20Plan%20Application%20-%20Plan%20Portfolio.pdf?dl=0
Community Resources:
A Citizens’ Guide to the Land Development Process
A Citizens' Guide to Public Hearings before the Planning Board
Spreadsheet of current and previous development projects (Updated periodically)
Zoning Ordinance
Land Development and Subdivision Regulations
Shannock Design Guidelines
2021 Comprehensive Community Plan
Planning Department Fee Schedule
Planning Forms:
Application form for Land Development or Subdivision Approval
Owner's Authorization form
Application Notification List
Application form for Development Plan Review
Application form for a Comprehensive Permit
Application for an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
Application for an Amendment to the Comprehensive Community Plan