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HB 1253

Affordable dwelling unit ordinances; accessible units for persons with a physical disability.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 5 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requires localities to mandate accessible units for disabled persons in affordable housing ordinances, addressing disability accommodation gaps in affordable development.

Left in General Laws
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Bill Summary · HB 1253

Legislative bill overview

HB 1253 would require Virginia localities to include provisions in their affordable dwelling unit ordinances that ensure a percentage of units are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The bill mandates that local governments incorporate accessibility standards into affordable housing development requirements, aligning housing policy with disability accommodation needs.

Why is this important

Affordable housing is critically limited in Virginia, and people with disabilities face compounded barriers in accessing adequate housing. By requiring accessibility standards in affordable units, the bill addresses a gap where affordable housing developments may lack features necessary for residents with mobility or other physical disabilities, potentially leaving this vulnerable population underserved.

Potential points of contention

  • Developer costs and compliance burden: Requiring accessible unit modifications increases construction expenses, which developers may pass to municipalities or other affordable units, potentially reducing overall affordability or unit counts
  • Flexibility and local control: Mandating specific accessibility percentages removes local discretion to address region-specific disability demographics and housing market conditions
  • Definition and enforcement ambiguity: The bill's specifics on which accessibility standards apply, what percentage of units must comply, and how enforcement occurs remain unclear from available information, potentially creating implementation challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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