A BILL to amend and reenact § 36-139 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Housing and Community Development; powers and duties of Director; accessory dwelling unit construction guide.
HB464 amends the powers and duties of the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in § 36-139 of the Code of Virginia. The bill adds a new duty requiring the Director to develop an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction guide in plain language, in consultation with the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties. The guide must explain the ADU construction process, summarize local ordinances, permits, fees, programs, and incentives, and include a catalog of model ADU designs suitable for different local conditions and restrictions. It must be updated at least every five years.
The bill also reorganizes and expands the list of DHCD responsibilities related to housing policy, tenant information, housing needs assessment, and statewide housing planning. Among the existing duties listed in the statute are the development of tenant rights and responsibilities statements, a sample termination notice, a residential sites and structures locator database, a statewide housing needs assessment, and a statewide housing plan with measurable goals and annual reporting to the General Assembly. HB464 places the ADU guide alongside these broader housing-policy functions, reinforcing DHCD’s role in providing technical assistance, public information, and housing planning resources.
HB464 would amend § 36-139 to expressly authorize and require DHCD’s Director to create and maintain an ADU construction guide, adding a new statewide housing-planning and local-government resource function to the agency’s statutory duties. The bill does not directly change zoning or local ADU permitting rules, but it would require DHCD to compile and publish guidance that could influence local implementation and public understanding of ADU development. More broadly, it would reinforce DHCD’s statutory role in housing data collection, planning, tenant education, and coordination with localities and housing agencies.
The available legislative history shows limited recorded debate or voting detail, but the bill was continued to the next session in the House General Laws committee by voice vote. That procedural outcome suggests the measure did not advance immediately and may have been set aside for further consideration rather than receiving clear final support or opposition. Because no committee transcript or recorded vote breakdown is provided, the overall sentiment can only be characterized as cautious or unresolved rather than strongly favorable or hostile.
The main likely point of contention is the scope of DHCD’s responsibilities and whether the state should be directing the agency to produce detailed ADU guidance and model designs. Supporters would likely view the guide as a practical tool to help localities, homeowners, and builders navigate ADU development and to expand housing supply. Potential critics may argue that ADU policy should remain primarily local, that the guide could be seen as state involvement in local land-use matters, or that the added administrative burden is unnecessary. No specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.