The Richmond City Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the city code aimed at establishing a Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP). The meeting was led by Chair Jones and featured Kevin J. Bonk, the Director of Planning and Development Review, alongside Michelle Coward, Deputy Director for Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement.

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed ordinance 2025-51-161, which seeks to promote safe and sanitary housing in residential rental units. Bonk outlined that the RRIP would allow for proactive inspections of rental properties, including periodic checks and inspections triggered by property transfers. For larger properties with ten or more units, the program would permit inspections of 10% of the units, with the possibility of inspecting all units if violations are found in any one unit.

The ordinance emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and safety standards in rental properties, detailing that inspections would focus on building code violations rather than environmental issues. The program aims to address concerns such as deferred maintenance and unsafe living conditions.

Bonk explained that the city council would play a crucial role in determining which residential units would be included in the program, based on criteria such as the condition of the units and tenant complaints. He noted that while some neighboring municipalities have adopted broader inspection districts, the administration recommends a more targeted approach, focusing on specific complexes that have demonstrated a need for inspection.

During the public hearing segment of the meeting, Latoya Washington, a local property owner, voiced her opposition to the proposed rental inspection districts, indicating concerns about the implications for property owners.

The committee concluded the meeting with a recommendation for the city council to adopt the ordinance, with the understanding that further discussions would be necessary to determine the capacity for inspections and the criteria for adding units to the program in the future. The ordinance, if passed, would lay the groundwork for enhancing housing safety standards in Richmond while addressing the needs of tenants and property owners alike.