Bill
Bill > SB839
summary
Introduced
01/02/2025
01/02/2025
In Committee
01/02/2025
01/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/22/2025
02/22/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Zoning; by-right multifamily development in areas zoned for commercial use. Requires a locality to provide in its zoning ordinance provisions allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses on all land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications. The bill provides that the review and approval of such development shall be done administratively by the locality's staff and that any residential development that dedicates a minimum of 10 percent of the total number of housing units to households with a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income shall be granted an accelerated plan review and permit approval process by the locality's staff.
AI Summary
This bill requires local governments in Virginia to modify their zoning ordinances to allow multifamily residential development by right in areas currently zoned for commercial or business use. "By-right" means developers can build these residential projects without needing to obtain special permits or exceptions, and the review process must be handled administratively by local government staff. The bill provides an additional incentive for affordable housing: if a development dedicates at least 10 percent of its housing units to households earning 80 percent or less of the area's median income, the locality must provide an expedited plan review and permit approval process. This legislation aims to increase housing availability and affordability by making it easier to convert commercial spaces into residential buildings, particularly for lower-income residents. The bill prevents local governments from imposing additional land use restrictions beyond existing requirements for commercial zone developments.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Failed to report (defeated) in Local Government (5-Y 7-N 3-A) (on 01/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB839 |
| Local Government Amendments | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB839/text/SB839ASC2 |
| Local Government Amendments | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB839/text/SB839ASC3 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Impact statement from CLG (SB839) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1022815.PDF |
| Local Government Amendments | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB839/text/SB839ASC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB839/text/SB839 |
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