How to Write a Strong Letter For or Against a Conditional Use Permit
Whether you're for it, against it, or simply want to suggest changes, here’s a quick guide to make your CUP letter meaningful and rooted in Richmond's zoning law.
When City Council votes on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), they consider the criteria from the zoning ordinance also found in the CUP application to guide applicants. (Link here)
Your letter will be stronger if it speaks to these same points—especially if you cite clear evidence or community experience. Don’t let it overwhelm you, just remember City Council wants to know your thoughts, experience, comments and concerns related to the CUP. They are not looking for perfect grammar or spelling, although it doesn’t hurt.
The basics to writing a strong letter are:
1. Send your letter/email at least one week before the Planning Commission hearing so it appears in the staff package and again before Council for the record.
2. Send your letter to
3. Include (if you know it) the CUP Application #, site address, applicant name, hearing date.
4. State your position up front—Support, Oppose, or Support with Conditions.
5. Cite observed impacts like trash, traffic, vibrancy, jobs).
6. Avoid personal attacks.
7. If you have concerns, suggest specific, measurable conditions as solutions
8. Busy officials read dozens of letters so keep it short and sweet and under one page.
Ask yourself these questions to get your thoughts together and organize your talking points on whether you oppose, support or support with conditions.
· Does the request promote the city’s goals of safety, compatibility, and orderly development?
· Use the Richmond 300 Master Plan to argue if the use supports (e.g. density, walkability, activation) or conflicts with (e.g. incompatibility with Future Land Use or node typology) citywide goals.
· Does it conform to the character and rules of the existing zoning district?
· Would the CUP increase vibrancy and raise property values, or could it introduce nuisances that hurt them?
· Does it enhance or threaten safety, especially late-night activity, alcohol use, or traffic concerns?
· Does the use fit into the surrounding context (architecture, scale, existing uses)?
· Will it create traffic or parking issues, especially on residential side streets?
· Can the area handle the added demand on trash, sewer, noise, security, etc.?
· Could this destroy a historic structure or encroach on green or culturally significant space?
· Will it be well-buffered, attractive, and well-lit—or jarring, dark, or chaotic?
· When added to other CUPs nearby, does it push the neighborhood over a tipping point?
For extra credit, you can include photos (trash, parking issues, dark alleys); attach a page from Richmond 300’s Future Land Use section that supports your claim; or, reference other similar CUPs in the neighborhood and their outcomes.
Where to send your Strong CUP Letter:
· Your city council person: 2nd or 6th Council
· The civic association on record for the area (In the Arts District, that is the Downtown Neighborhood Association or Historic Jackson Ward Association)
Download an editable Word doc of a Strong CUP Letter here: Support or Oppose.
***As with any city process, please check directly with that department to make sure it hasn’t changed and for the accuracy of this blog. We do our best to ensure it’s up to date, but things are constantly changing and we are not lawyers.