The Commission of Architectural Review for Richmond City approved an amended consent agenda at its September 2025 meeting, moving the entire published agenda to consent and voting to approve it. During public comment, resident Nancy Lambert urged the commission to prioritize permeable and semi‑permeable paving in alleys to reduce runoff into the city's combined sewer and drainage system.

The amended consent agenda, as presented by staff, listed the items on the staff report and administrative approval list and was approved by a roll call vote after Commissioner Easterling recused herself from item 1. Chair Boots moved to approve the consent agenda; Commissioner Rodriguez seconded. Commissioners Utsma, Greer, Hill, Moore, Knott, Rodriguez and Stripler voted yes; Easterling was recorded as recused.

The vote followed a procedural motion earlier in the meeting to move a regular agenda item (item 4) to the consent agenda. Commissioner Easterling moved to transfer that item to consent; the motion was approved by the commission prior to the final consent vote.

Staff also used the meeting to preview a forthcoming quarterly discussion of proposed updates to the commission's historic design/guideline materials. Alex (staff) noted that an administrative approval report was available in the department Google Drive and reminded commissioners and the public about a quarterly meeting set for Oct. 14 at 6 p.m., with the Fifth Floor Conference Room as a possible site. Planner Yara said staff has a "preliminary strategy in place on how to improve some visuals, have a little bit more educational content in there, and mostly be user friendly" so applicants can present more well‑rounded applications.

During the public comment period on consent items, Nancy Lambert recommended that the commission and staff consider alternatives to asphalt in private alleys in neighborhoods including Union Hill and Church Hill. Lambert said many alley paving areas are currently asphalt and that other options — including permeable and semi‑permeable surfaces — could reduce runoff into the city's combined sewer and drainage system. She cited Carrington Road cobblestones and described examples she said exist in the 2300 block of East Clay and in an alley between S and T streets as semi‑permeable examples. "I would encourage you if this comes up again to look to other options to reduce runoff into the combined sewer and drainage system in the city," Lambert said.

No formal action was taken at the meeting on alley paving standards; Lambert's remarks were recorded during the public comment period and will not by themselves change any guideline or policy. The commission adjourned after approving the consent agenda.

Documents referenced during the meeting include the administrative approval report and the staff report for the consent items, which are available in the city planning Google Drive per staff remarks.