Bill
Bill > SB531
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units. Requires a locality to include in its zoning ordinances for single-family residential zoning districts accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, as defined in the bill, as a permitted accessory use. The bill requires a person to seek a permit for an ADU from the locality, requires the locality to issue such permit if the person meets certain requirements enumerated in the bill, and restricts the fee for such permit to $500 or less. The bill prohibits the locality from requiring (i) setbacks for the ADU that are greater than the setback required for the primary dwelling or the setback required for accessory structures on the residential lot, whichever is less; (ii) conditions for ADUs that are more restrictive than those for single-family dwellings within the same zoning area with regard to height, rear, or side setbacks, lot size or coverage, or building frontage; or (iii) consanguinity or affinity between the occupants of the ADU and the primary dwelling. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that local governments must allow accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, which are independent living spaces on the same property as a primary home, as a permitted use in single-family residential zoning districts. To build an ADU, individuals must obtain a permit from the locality, which is required to issue it if certain conditions are met, and the permit fee cannot exceed $500. The bill prohibits localities from imposing overly strict regulations on ADUs, such as requiring new dedicated parking in most cases, demanding setbacks greater than five feet from the property line, or applying stricter rules for ADUs than for primary single-family homes regarding height, setbacks, lot size, or building frontage. It also explicitly forbids requiring a familial relationship between the occupants of the ADU and the primary dwelling. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Counties, Cities and Towns: Subcommittee #3 Hearing (00:00:00 2/20/2026 House Committee Room B - 205) (on 02/20/2026)
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/20261/SB531 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB531/text/SB531S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB531/text/SB531SC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB531/text/SB531 |
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