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Vol. 2026 · Bill Detail · Special Edition

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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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VA · HB816INTRO · 5 COSPONSORS

Zoning; by-right multifamily residential development in areas zoned for commercial use.

Also relevant to:Homeowner
Where it is in the process
Plain-English Summary

Zoning; by-right multifamily development. Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses and mixed-use developments that include both residential and commercial uses on at least 75 percent of all land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications, including any land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications that allow for the by-right developme…

Source: OpenStates · fetched March 4, 2026

Who it affects
Renterindirect

Increased availability of rental housing due to new multifamily development.

Housing-insecureindirect

May alleviate housing insecurity by increasing the supply of residential units.

Low-income / working-classindirect

Potential for increased housing options that may be more affordable, though not guaranteed.

AI-extracted
Who This AffectsAI analysis
  • RenterindirectModerate impactHigh certainty

    Increased availability of rental housing due to new multifamily development.

    Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses and mixed-use developments· Zoning; by-right multifamily development
  • Low-income / working-classindirectMinor impactMedium certainty

    Potential for increased housing options that may be more affordable, though not guaranteed.

    Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses and mixed-use developments· Zoning; by-right multifamily development
  • Housing-insecureindirectModerate impactHigh certainty

    May alleviate housing insecurity by increasing the supply of residential units.

    Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses and mixed-use developments· Zoning; by-right multifamily development
What the Bill Does
  • Requires localities to allow by-right development of multifamily residential uses in commercial/business zoning districts.
  • Requires by-right development for mixed-use developments (residential and commercial) in commercial/business zoning districts.
  • Applies to at least 75 percent of land in commercial or business zoning district classifications.
Votes
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