A BILL to amend and reenact ยงยง 15.2-2309 and 36-139 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2209.4, relating to statewide housing targets for localities.
Impact
The legislation is designed to tackle Virginia's ongoing housing challenges by ensuring that localities increase their housing stock through defined growth strategies. These strategies may include modifying zoning ordinances to facilitate the development of multifamily residential units and eliminating specific land use restrictions. The Department of Housing and Community Development will oversee compliance and efficacy through standardized plans submitted for approval, aiming to enhance affordable housing availability and streamline development processes. This could significantly reshape local government authority over zoning and land use while promoting synchronized housing growth across the state.
Summary
House Bill 804 proposes amendments to the Code of Virginia aimed at establishing statewide housing targets for localities. Specifically, it seeks to mandate that localities, which do not meet certain growth criteria, develop a comprehensive housing growth plan by July 1, 2027. The bill requires localities to achieve an overall home growth of 7.5% over five years starting 2028, with an annual target of 1.5% growth in total housing stock. These requirements will not be imposed on localities that show sufficient growth during the specified intervals, allowing them more discretion in housing regulations.
Contention
Notably, there are concerns among advocacy groups regarding the balance of state oversight over local decisions. Proponents of the bill assert that it is necessary to address the housing crisis effectively, while critics fear it may undermine local governance and fail to account for community-specific needs. Controversy also arises from the powers granted to the board of zoning appeals to override local decisions pertaining to housing plans, further entrenching the debate surrounding state versus local control in housing policy.