Accessory dwelling units; development and use. (HB151)

Introduced By

Del. Ibraheem Samirah (D-Herndon) with support from 17 copatrons, whose average partisan position is:

Those copatrons are Del. Hala Ayala (D-Woodbridge), Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond), Del. Lee Carter (D-Manassas), Del. Josh Cole (D-Stafford), Del. Nancy Guy (D-Virginia Beach), Del. Elizabeth Guzman (D-Dale City), Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), Del. Clinton Jenkins (D-Suffolk), Del. Delores McQuinn (D-Richmond), Del. Will Morefield (R-North Tazewell), Del. Martha Mugler (D-Hampton, Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston), Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke), Del. Don Scott (D-Portsmouth), Del. Shelly Simonds (D-Newport News), Del. Roslyn Tyler (D-Jarratt), Del. Rodney Willett (D-Henrico)

Description

Development and use of accessory dwelling units. Provides that all localities shall allow for the development and use of one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family dwelling (SFD), notwithstanding any contrary provision of a zoning ordinance. The bill defines "accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" as an independent dwelling unit on a single-family lot with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space that may be within or attached to SFDs or in detached structures on lots containing SFDs. ADUs may include basements, attics, flats, guest houses, cottages, and converted structures such as garages and sheds. The bill requires localities to regulate the size and design of ADUs through an approval process, as well as regulate fees, parking, and other requirements, provided that the regulations (i) are not so arbitrary, excessive, or burdensome, individually or cumulatively, as to unreasonably restrict the ability of property owners to utilize or create ADUs and (ii) do not require the property owner to occupy the ADU or SFD as his primary residence. Read the Bill »

Outcome

History