December 2025: Special Use Permit Application
We wanted to share with all of you the latest updates related to the application for a Special Use Permit (SUP). The SUP application covers all special uses (daycare, retail/cafe for a bookshop/coffee shop) and a special event plan.
Following lots of additional conversation with and input from all of you, we’ve updated our SUP application in a few ways:
There is no longer the concept of an attached Special Event Management Plan. The amount, timing, and size of events is the same as in the prior version, it’s just in a different location in the documents. Information about events is summarized below.
We have added a request that the City automatically re-review the SUP if there is a transfer of ownership.
We have now filed the application with the City. You download the application by clicking the button below and then opening the downloaded .zip file to view the 3 included PDF documents.
The City’s review process is typically many months long and will have plenty of time for further discussion, comment, and conversation! If you have questions about all this, please come to one of our upcoming neighborhood conversation events or sign up for updates using the form at the bottom of this page.
We look forward to continuing our conversations!
Summary: Proposed Event Plan for 1836 Park
In the context of these permits, “Event” is an expansive term that can mean everything from a small group yoga class to a seated performance. To give everyone a clearer picture of how events of all kinds and sizes might look, below you can find charts summarizing how the plan defines “Events” and how they would work, as well as an overview of important requirements for all events.
Summary: Important information on all events
Here are a few important things all events have in common:
Most “events” at 1836 Park are daytime events. All events (regardless of category) are required to conclude by 10:30pm.
All events with more than 75 guests are required to provide valet/offsite lot parking, with guests who choose to drive dropping vehicles offsite and arriving at 1836 on foot or by drop-off shuttle. We have confirmed One Monument and First Church of Christ Scientist lots as partners, and will continue to add more. Please find further information on parking in our FAQ. (Note: Traditional valet dropping off in front of 1836 Park may still be used in select circumstances, such as for less mobile guests.)
All events are required to take place on the 1836 Park property. When allowed, outdoor activity is restricted to the building’s property. (Note: Use of Meadow Park must be arranged separately through the City of Richmond; events using Meadow Park would not be permitted through this SUP.)
All events are restricted from using amplified sound outdoors or with any doors open. Amplified sound indoors will be uncommon. The space will be refurbished with the advice of an AV consultant to further minimize the impact of any noise. Please find further information on sound mitigation in our FAQ.
Guest counts are based on the square footage of the building (especially its main space) in different configurations and are well below building code restrictions.
Summary: November Updates to Event Parameters
Here are the primary updates to the definition of ‘Events’ in the SUP in response to community feedback:
We have sharpened, simplified, and narrowed the descriptions of the ‘Event Types.’
We have changed the definition of “Small Events” to 1-40 guests, down from 1-75. (A meeting of a neighborhood baby group might be considered an ‘Event’ – but no one would want it subject to the same guidelines as a large gathering!)
We have reduced the total number of “Medium Events” from 50 to 48, with their guest count lowering from 75-100 to 41-99.
We have reduced the number of “Large Events” for 100-200 guests from 36 to 30.
We have removed language that created confusion about counting and “additional” events – including community events, weddings specifically, and events that utilize the building’s outdoor spaces. Any event in any of these categories is included in the above ranges.
As before, any event with 75 or more attendees will require offsite valet parking at a designated lot nearby, with attendant shuttle service to drop off guests. We have confirmed One Monument and First Church of Christ Scientist lots as partners, and will continue to add more. (Note: Traditional valet dropping off in front of the church may still be used in select circumstances, such as for less mobile guests.) Please find further information on parking in our FAQ.
