This has been a monumental year for housing at the Virginia General Assembly. An unprecedented number of housing bills are heading to the Governor’s desk – but before we share the updates on successful bills, we need you to join us in an urgent action!
Please email your representatives today to pass Faith in Housing (SB 388 / HB 1279) WITHOUT a re-enactment clause, which would delay its implementation until the bill is passed yet again in next year’s session. Time is of the essence as we head towards sine die on March 14th – act now!
The final bill supporting administrative approval of housing on faith land and other property tax-exempt land is the result of extensive and fruitful negotiations between faith institutions, local governments, environmental, smart growth, and historic preservation organizations. It has broad support and is ready for implementation now, but we need your support to get it over the finish line.
Housing bill updates
Now for our updates! Throughout this General Assembly, CSG has actively worked with bill sponsors, local officials and planners, and our conservation and housing partners to ensure these bills have the intended impact of addressing our housing shortage while balancing state and local roles and ensuring compliance with existing environmental and historic preservation laws and regulations. We are especially excited about parking reform and ADU legalization, while hoping to win passage of the ‘faith in housing’ legislation.
On the floor for final vote
In addition to the Faith in Housing bill, these Inclusionary Zoning bills are heading for their final votes. CSG successfully advocated to have a re-enactment clause removed from the final bill language.
Inclusionary zoning – SB 74 (Sen. McPike) / HB 867 (Del. Cousins)This bill enables localities to establish affordable dwelling programs with a sweeping array of housing strategies, including increased density in exchange for committed affordable units, lot size reductions, and more.
Headed to the governor’s desk
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.
These are already BIG wins, but be sure to send an email today to get Faith in Housing over the finish line!