Subcommittee backs bill letting executive-form counties adopt affordable dwelling unit programs

Delegate Henson presented House Bill 2,781 to allow counties that operate under an executive form of government to establish affordable dwelling unit (ADU) programs under the statutory authority of Code section 15.2-2304.

Prince William County planning staff testified in support, saying the county’s comprehensive plan calls for a voluntary ADU ordinance and that current authorities (cited by the witness as provisions under sections 15.2-23 or 5 and 23 or 5.1) are too prescriptive. Tanya Washington, director of planning for Prince William County, told the subcommittee the bill would give the county more flexibility to offer voluntary bonus density and to establish a housing fund for gap financing.

The Home Builders Association of Virginia opposed the bill in the hearing, arguing that jurisdictions that have used the authority differently have seen varying outcomes and that other incentive-based approaches have generated units without imposing mandates on developers. The association cited examples such as Fairfax County and Richmond to argue for alternative strategies.

Motion and vote: Delegate Talia Simons moved to report House Bill 2,781; the motion carried 6 to 1. The clerk recorded the vote as 6 to 1. The measure was reported out of subcommittee for further consideration.