This petition has two main goals: "Increase Minimum Building Lot Size in Richmond's RA-C Zone From 2​.​5 to 3 Acres" and "Increase Frontage Requirement for Newly Created Building Lots in the RA-C Zone to 275 Feet".

I've been resident of Richmond for most of my life, valuing the town's natural beauty and its rural nature. But our town is at risk of losing its charm due to the growing density of buildings allowed on each lot by the state passing "by right" ADU's. Like many of you, I live in Richmond for a lifestyle immersed in nature, not to see one building after another starting to crowd our landscapes over the years. That is what will happen if everyone is allowed to build a second smaller home on a site zoned for one dwelling. I am a proud 5th generation resident who wants preserve what we have for generations to come.

Currently, Richmond has a minimum building lot size in the RA-C zone set at 2.5 acres. While this might seem sufficient, comparative towns like West Stockbridge have shown us that implementing a 3-acre minimum keeps towns less congested and better ensconced in their natural surroundings. Hence, I propose we follow in West Stockbridge's footsteps and increase the minimum building lot size in the RA-C zone to 3 acres. I also propose we go one step further and change the minimum frontage in the RA-C zone from 250' to 275'.

These increases will not impact existing buildings or lots, but simply mitigate the densification for our town, allowing Richmond to preserve its natural ambience and reduce the proliferation of more heavily concentrated buildings.  These changes would give extra buffer space between properties, and this will help maintain the aesthetic integrity of our town, which is why we are here.

As citizens of Richmond who love our town and are proud of its unique, natural ethos, now is the time to be proactive. By slightly adjusting our zoning laws, we can help protect and preserve the town we love for future generations. It's time to reduce the density of buildings in Richmond before its too late.  

To those living in our town who value preserving the towns rural character, we urge you to sign this petition and support our shared cause. Sign this petition today and help increase the RA-C zone's minimum building lot size to 3 acres and increase minimum frontage in the RA-C zone to 275 feet.

Please sign only if you live in Richmond, MA.  You do NOT need to pay Change.org to sign.

Thank you for your support. Please see the following link for more information:  https://www.iberkshires.com/story/78241/Letter-Richmond-Has-Options-to-Reduce-Building-Density.html