HB2054: Comprehensive plan; provision for transit-oriented development.

HOUSE BILL NO. 2054

Offered January 13, 2021
Prefiled January 12, 2021
A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2223.4 of the Code of Virginia, relating to comprehensive plan; transit-oriented development.
Patrons-- Samirah, Guzman, Carter, Cole, J.G., Hope, Hudson and Rasoul
Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 15.2223.4 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-2223.4. Comprehensive plan shall provide for transit-oriented development.

Beginning July 1, 2020, each city with a population greater than 20,000 and each county with a population greater than 100,000 shall consider incorporating into the next scheduled and all subsequent reviews of its comprehensive plan strategies to promote transit-oriented development for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated transportation, housing, and land use planning. Such strategies may include (i) locating new housing development, including low-income, affordable housing, in closer proximity to public transit options; (ii) prioritizing transit options with reduced overall carbon emissions; (iii) increasing development density in certain areas to reduce density in others; or (iv) reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios; or (v) other strategies designed to reduce overall carbon emissions in the locality.