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Bill

HB 816

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Askew and 4 co-sponsors

Virginia bill allows multifamily housing to be built by-right in commercial zones, reducing zoning barriers to increase housing supply and streamline development approval.

Referred to Committee on Local Government
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Bill Summary · HB 816

Legislative bill overview

HB 816 allows multifamily residential development to proceed by-right (without discretionary approval) in areas zoned for commercial use in Virginia. This streamlines the development process by removing certain local zoning restrictions that typically require case-by-case review for residential projects in commercial zones.

Why is this important

Housing affordability and availability are significant challenges in Virginia, particularly in urban and suburban areas. By enabling faster residential development in commercially-zoned areas, the bill could increase housing supply and potentially reduce construction timelines and costs. This reflects a broader policy trend toward reducing zoning barriers to address housing shortages.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control concerns: Municipalities may view this as limiting their zoning authority and ability to shape community development according to local preferences and existing land-use plans
  • Commercial district character: Business communities and property owners in commercial zones could oppose residential conversion, fearing reduced commercial investment or incompatible mixed-use environments
  • Infrastructure and services: Local governments may worry about adequate capacity for utilities, transportation, schools, and emergency services in areas not originally planned for residential density

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

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