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HB 262

Minimum parking requirements; prohibition on mandates by localities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shelly Simonds

HB 262 bars Virginia localities from imposing minimum parking requirements on developers, shifting land-use authority to state level and potentially reducing housing costs while risking parking shortages.

Incorporated by Counties, Cities and Towns (HB888-Shin) (Voice Vote)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 262

Legislative bill overview

HB 262 prohibits Virginia localities from mandating minimum parking requirements for new residential and commercial development. The bill appears to allow local governments to set maximum parking limits or eliminate parking requirements entirely, but prevents them from requiring developers to provide a minimum number of parking spaces. This represents a significant shift in local land-use authority by constraining a standard zoning tool used for decades.

Why is this important

Parking requirements directly affect housing costs, development feasibility, and urban design. Minimum parking mandates typically increase construction expenses by 10-25% for residential projects and can force developers to build parking spaces that remain underutilized, particularly in transit-accessible areas. This bill could reduce housing costs and allow denser, more walkable development patterns, but may create parking shortages in areas unprepared for unrestricted parking decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandates: The bill removes a traditional local zoning power, shifting authority from elected municipal bodies to the state legislature—a reversal of typical federalism arguments
  • Unintended consequences: Without minimum requirements, some neighborhoods may face severe parking shortages while others over-build unnecessary spaces, creating inconsistent outcomes
  • Equity concerns: Lower-income residents without personal vehicles may benefit from denser development, while existing residents in car-dependent areas may lose parking availability without transition protections

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

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