Virginia House Bill HB1473

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/30/22
• Refer: 12/30/22
• Report Pass: 1/27/23

Caption

Land use plans; zoning, notice.

Impact

The implications of HB1473 on state laws are significant. It seeks to amend existing legislation that governs zoning ordinances, particularly in how localities must handle public notices regarding zoning changes. For instance, when a zoning amendment pertains to 25 or fewer parcels of land, the bill now requires that along with advertising the changes, written notifications must be sent to affected property owners and neighboring properties. Such changes emphasize the importance of keeping the public informed while ensuring that local planning is conducted with greater efficiency.

Summary

House Bill 1473 focuses on land use planning and the processes involved in zoning amendments within the state of Virginia. This bill proposes to amend the Code of Virginia to simplify and clarify the requirements around the advertisement and public notice of plans or ordinances that are adopted or recommended under the governing law. It stipulates that local governments can advertise proposed changes by reference, provided they include a descriptive summary and details on where the documents can be accessed by the public. This is intended to streamline the communication process between governing bodies and the public, facilitating transparency and participation.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked debates among stakeholders. Advocates argue that it will improve public awareness and participation in land-use decisions, while critics caution that it might dilute the thoroughness with which notices and advertisements must be handled. Some local governments expressed concerns that the proposed simplifications could lead to misunderstandings or lack of thorough engagement from residents who may be affected by these changes. This apprehension indicates a potential conflict between the goals of efficiency and public engagement in local governance.