Virginia House Bill HB465

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Affordable dwelling unit; ordinances in certain localities.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would significantly impact local housing policies by enabling designated localities to effectively address their unique housing needs. It seeks to facilitate the construction and maintenance of affordable housing units while allowing for density increases to lower the overall land costs associated with such developments. The bill's provisions aim to streamline the process for creating affordable housing options and would provide local governments with the necessary tools to combat housing shortages.

Summary

House Bill 465 addresses the needs for affordable housing by allowing specific localities in Virginia to amend their zoning ordinances to create affordable dwelling unit programs. Targeted localities include counties with urban county executive forms of government, such as Albemarle and Loudoun, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Charlottesville, and Fairfax. The bill aims to promote a range of housing options and increase the availability of moderately priced housing by permitting increases in housing density within these localities.

Contention

Despite its benefits, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 465, particularly regarding the balance of local control versus state mandates. While proponents advocate for the bill as a solution to housing shortages and increasing affordability, critics might express concerns about the potential for overreach or about the effectiveness of density increases in truly resolving housing affordability issues. Additionally, there may be apprehensions around how this bill affects the regulatory powers of local governments and the implications for communities that do not fall within the designated localities.