Definitions.
Richmond, Va., City Code § 26-390
in effectSec. 26-390. - Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Addition means an increase in the square footage of a qualified structure that expands the utility of such structure.
Base value means the assessed value of real estate for which an application has been filed in accordance with this division, as set forth in the land book on January 1 of the tax year in which such application is filed.
Linear feet means the shortest distance from one point to another, measured horizontally in feet, where one foot is equal to 12 inches.
Multifamily dwelling means land containing a structure or other improvement of five or more units constructed or used for residential purposes in accordance with this Code and other applicable law.
Qualified structure means a structure or other improvement no less than 20 years of age that has qualified for rehabilitation, renovation or replacement in accordance with this division.
Rehabilitation means the process of restoring a qualified structure through:
(1) Renovation;
(2) Replacement; or
(3) Renovation and the construction of an addition.
Renovation means the process of updating the utility of a qualified structure, in whole or in part, including, but not limited to, the partial destruction and rebuilding of such structure.
Replacement means the process of demolishing a qualified structure for which an application has been filed in accordance with this division and subsequently replacing such structure by constructing a new structure on the same real estate upon which the qualified structure was situated.
Single-family dwelling means land containing a structure or other improvement of one to four units constructed or used for residential purposes in accordance with this Code and other applicable law.
Square footage means the area of a structure or other improvement measured in square feet.
Substantially rehabilitated means rehabilitation of a qualified structure so as to increase the assessed value over the base value of the qualified structure by no less than 40 percent of the base value for multifamily dwellings and by no less than 20 percent of the base value for single-family dwellings.
(Code 2015, § 26-408.2; Code 2020, § 26-410; Ord. No. 2019-338, § 2(26-408.2), 1-27-2020; Ord. No. 2020-130, § 2, 6-22-2020)
Source: City of Richmond, Virginia, Code (2026 recodification) and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO_CH26TA_ARTVLECOPRTA_DIV3PAEXCERESTREESTA_S26-390DEFetched: 11/8/2026