County plans pilot program for affordable housing application review process

In a recent meeting of the Loudoun County Transportation and Land Use Committee, officials discussed significant changes aimed at enhancing affordable housing development in the community. The proposed adjustments are designed to streamline the application process for affordable housing projects, addressing both community needs and industry concerns.

One of the key changes is the commitment to maintain a requirement for 100% affordable housing in areas where critical infrastructure, such as roads and water lines, is already established or will be developed as part of the application. This ensures that new housing projects are not only affordable but also well-integrated into existing community frameworks.

Additionally, the committee plans to remove restrictions that limit funding assistance to rental housing only, allowing for the inclusion of units available for purchase. This change aims to broaden the scope of affordable housing options available to residents, making homeownership more accessible.

To manage the anticipated influx of applications, the committee proposed capping the number of applications at six for the first year. This pilot program approach will allow officials to evaluate the process and make necessary adjustments based on real-world outcomes. The committee emphasized the importance of not overpromising on the number of applications, as industry representatives indicated that only a few projects might be submitted each year.

The meeting also highlighted the need for a more efficient review process. Officials discussed the possibility of establishing new standing referral review meetings to facilitate quicker discussions between applicants and county representatives. This initiative aims to ensure that feedback from board and planning commission members is incorporated early in the application process, ultimately benefiting both the applicants and the community.

As the committee moves forward with these proposals, they remain committed to evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program after one year. This approach reflects a cautious yet proactive strategy to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Loudoun County while ensuring that the application process remains manageable for staff and applicants alike.