There will be a public hearing of the CAR Task Force on Feb.4 at 6PM in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

A recent email from the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods provides some context:

In the fall of 2009, a Task Force to review the guidelines, policies and procedures of the CAR was convened by City Council; and, in ongoing monthly meetings, it gathered to discuss (among other issues):

• the existing City Old & Historic District zoning ordinance;
• CAR composition and procedures;
• the standards used in awarding certificates of appropriateness for new development, additions, and renovations in City Old & Historic Districts; and
• the existing CAR appeals process.

The Task Force, chaired by City Council representative Bruce Tyler, is composed of architects, developers, City of Richmond Department of Community Development staff, and current and former CAR members. The goal of the Task Force is to respond to issues raised by the public, City Council, and in commission proceedings regarding the clarity of the CAR guidelines, their application, and administrative processes involved in their undertaking.

The Task Force accepted reports and recommendations of its subcommittees on Membership, Guidelines, and Processes and Procedures on January 5, 2010, and welcomes public comment on the reports and recommendations on February 4th.

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods encourages its members, supporters, and the concerned public to comment on these recommendations (summarized below) at the public hearing at 6:30 pm on February 4th, to take place in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

Citizens wishing to comment on subcommittee recommendations at the public hearing may sign up by contacting the Office of the City Clerk at 804-646-7955 prior to 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 4th.

Here is ACORN’s description of the proposed changes to CAR.