HB 152

            
2020 SESSION

20104474D

HOUSE BILL NO. 152


Offered January 8, 2020


Prefiled December 18, 2019

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section 
 numbered 15.2-2292.2, relating to zoning; two-family development on 
 single-family lots.
----------

Patron-- Samirah

----------

Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

----------
 
 
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 
 
 
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section 
 numbered 15.2-2292.2 as follows: 
 
 
� 15.2-2292.2. Two-family 
 development allowed on lots zoned for single-family use.
 
 
All localities adopting a 
 zoning ordinance under the provisions of this article shall allow 
 development or redevelopment of middle housing residential units upon each 
 lot zoned for single-family residential use. For purposes 
 of this section, "middle housing" means a 
 two-family residential unit, including duplexes, 
 townhouses, cottages, and any similar structure by whatever name it may be 
 known. Such structures shall not 
 require a special use permit or be subjected to any other local requirements 
 beyond those imposed upon other authorized residential uses. Localities 
 may regulate the siting, design, and 
 environmental standards of middle housing residential units, including 
 setback requirements, provided that the regulations do not, individually 
 or cumulatively, discourage the development of all middle housing types 
 permitted through unreasonable costs or delay. Nothing in this section shall prohibit 
 local governments from permitting (i) single-family 
 dwellings in areas zoned to allow for single-family dwellings, or (ii) middle 
 housing in areas not required under this section.