A delineation of legally defined geographic areas within the City of Richmond, Virginia, effective in 2008, that specifies permitted land uses, building heights, density, and other development regulations. This cartographic representation served as a primary reference for understanding and enforcing land use policies across the city at that time. For example, it indicated areas designated for residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development, each governed by distinct rules.
Its significance stemmed from its role in directing urban growth, managing development patterns, and protecting property values. It provided a framework for ensuring compatibility between different types of land uses and promoting orderly development. This framework offered a historical context for understanding the city’s development trajectory and how land use regulations have evolved over time to meet changing needs and priorities.