CHAPTER 406
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 15.2-2201 and 36-139.9 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2292.3 , relating to expedited approval for certain affordable housing developments.
[H 594]
Approved April 8, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 15.2-2201 and 36-139.9 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2292.3 as follows:
§ 15.2-2201 . Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Affordable housing" means, as a guideline, housing that is affordable to households with incomes at or below the area median income, provided that the occupant pays no more than thirty percent of his gross income for gross housing costs, including utilities. For the purpose of administering affordable dwelling unit ordinances or expediting affordable housing ordinances authorized by this chapter, local governments may establish individual definitions of affordable housing and affordable dwelling units including determination of the appropriate percent of area median income and percent of gross income.
"Conditional zoning" means, as part of classifying land within a locality into areas and districts by legislative action, the allowing of reasonable conditions governing the use of such property, such conditions being in addition to, or modification of the regulations provided for a particular zoning district or zone by the overall zoning ordinance.
"Designated agent" means any agent employed or authorized by a locality and designated by the governing body to review and act on subdivision plats, site plans, and plans of development. "Designated agent" does not include the local planning commission. However, the local planning commission may serve as the designated agent of any locality with a population of 5,000 or less.