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Bill

SB 1313

Affordable housing; local zoning ordinance authority, comprehensive plan.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy McPike

Virginia bill allowing localities greater zoning flexibility for affordable housing development was vetoed by the Governor and veto was sustained in April 2025.

Senate sustained Governor's veto
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Bill Summary · SB 1313

Legislative bill overview

SB 1313 would have modified Virginia's local zoning authority to facilitate affordable housing development by adjusting comprehensive plan requirements and zoning ordinance standards. The bill aimed to give localities more flexibility in how they regulate housing density and affordability requirements, though specific mechanisms were subject to gubernatorial veto.

Why is this important

Housing affordability is a critical issue across Virginia, with rising costs pricing out low- and moderate-income residents from many communities. Zoning reform is considered a key lever for increasing housing supply and reducing costs, making this bill relevant to broader state housing policy debates.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control concerns: Some localities may resist state-mandated zoning changes, viewing them as infringement on municipal autonomy
  • Development industry interests: Builders and developers have competing priorities regarding density requirements, parking standards, and affordability mandates
  • Fiscal impact on municipalities: Changes to zoning could affect local tax bases and infrastructure planning if housing patterns shift significantly

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

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