Parking Reform – HB 888 (Del. Shin)
The first of its kind in Virginia, this bill reduces mandatory parking requirements in designated areas with proximity to transit, affordable housing, and more. Parking is expensive, and requiring more than is needed drives up housing costs significantly. This is a big smart growth win!
By-Right Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – SB 531 (Del. Srinivasan)
ADUs, or granny flats, are a low-impact, affordable option for many. This bill requires all localities who do not yet have an ADU ordinance to establish one, legalizing this infill housing strategy statewide.
Expediting Affordable Housing – HB 594 (Del. Simonds)
Local development processes are often costly and unpredictable. Under this bill, localities can create an administrative approval process to expedite qualifying affordable housing developments.
Right of First Refusal (ROFR) HB 4 (Del. Bennett-Parker)
Through ROFR policies, localities have the first opportunity to purchase subsidized housing when its committed affordable status is set to expire. This bill extends the authority to implement this very effective affordable housing preservation policy to all jurisdictions.
Split Land Value Tax - HB 282 (Del. Callsen)
This bill adds Charlottesville, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, and Newport News to the 4 jurisdictions who currently have the authority to set separate tax rates for land and for improvements made on that land (including housing) - creating an incentive to develop on high-value sites.
Small lot zoning – HB 1212 (Del. Sewell)
By requiring localities above 50,000 people to adopt at least one zoning district dedicated to homes on small lot sizes, this bill encourages development of compact, walkable rowhouse neighborhoods with more affordable homes.
