Virginia Senate Bill 454
Session 2026
Zoning; by-right multifamily residential development.
Active
Passed Senate on Feb 5, 2026
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill Number
454
State
Virginia
Session
2026
Motion Text
Engrossment reconsidered by Senate
Senate Roll Call Votes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Michael J. Jones
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Summary
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2286.2, relating to zoning; by-right multifamily development.
Zoning; by-right multifamily development. Requires a locality to include provisions in its zoning ordinance allowing for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses on at least 75 percent of all land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications, including any land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications that allow for the by-right development and construction of single-family residential uses. The bill provides that such provisions shall not apply in underdeveloped areas that are covered by a tree canopy of at least 60 percent, impose more stringent land use requirements for such development than would otherwise be required, or require that a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit be obtained for such development. The bill also (i) stipulates that the review and approval of such development shall be done administratively by the locality's staff; (ii) requires that the zoning ordinance provisions must exempt any proposed development that converts an existing building to a multifamily residential use from any setback, height, or frontage requirements; (iii) permits the zoning ordinance provisions to require any proposed development to dedicate some or all of its ground floor space to commercial uses; and (iv) provides that any proposed residential development that dedicates a minimum of 10 percent of the total number of housing units to affordable housing may be offered application incentives by the locality. The bill also prohibits localities from approving any commercial or business use on a property adjacent to the approved multifamily residential development that is different from the use that had been established at the time the multifamily residential development was approved.
Engrossed
Senator VanValkenburg Amendments
Local Government Substitute
Fiscal Impact statement From CLG (1/22/2026 12:59 pm)
Sort by most recent
02/05/2026
Senate
Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
02/05/2026
Senate
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
02/05/2026
Senate
Rules suspended
02/05/2026
Senate
Engrossed by Senate as amended (Voice Vote)
02/05/2026
Senate
Amendments by Senator agreed to (Voice Vote)
02/05/2026
Senate
Reading of amendments waived (Voice Vote)
02/05/2026
Senate
Floor offered Senator VanValkenburg Amendments
02/05/2026
Senate
Engrossment reconsidered by Senate
02/04/2026
Senate
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute (Voice Vote)
02/04/2026
Senate
Local Government Substitute agreed to
02/04/2026
Senate
Read second time
02/03/2026
Senate
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
02/03/2026
Senate
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
02/03/2026
Senate
Rules suspended
02/02/2026
Senate
Committee substitute printed 26106475D-S1
02/02/2026
Senate
Reported from Local Government with substitute (8-Y 4-N 3-A)
02/02/2026
Senate
Senate committee offered
01/22/2026
Senate
Fiscal Impact statement From CLG (1/22/2026 12:59 pm)
01/13/2026
Senate
Referred to Committee on Local Government
01/13/2026
Senate
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102035D
Sources
VA Legislature
Open States
Record Created
Jan 20, 2026 9:54:08 PM
Record Updated
Feb 8, 2026 9:42:18 PM