2025 HRRA Local Legislative Agenda

Proposed Legislative Agenda Items 2026:

Zoning Reform

Each locality on the Southside has its own zoning rules and ordinances that can be confusing for clients and influence their decision to buy a home. HRRA will work to promote Smart Growth principles in the development of communities that promote a diversity of housing that creates attainable solutions for all home buyers.

 

Economic Development

Work with Go Virginia to promote regional and public/private collaboration to support economic development and attainable housing across the region.

 

Transportation Initiatives

HRRA will work with localities across the region to promote and support transportation networks to facilitate easier access to transportation across the region, to address attainable living needs for current and future homeowners.

 

Streamline the Permitting Process

HRRA advocates for the consistency of permitting procedures to establish predictable and transparent timelines and reduce project risk. Excessive administrative delays create high carrying costs that currently make entry-level developments financially unsustainable. By removing these artificial barriers, we create a market environment where attainable housing can be more readily delivered.

 

Accessory Dwelling Units

Legislation to protect the rights of homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) within their real property boundaries building envelope in accordance with current building codes and regulations. The legislation would protect homeowners from any additional regulations imposed by local zoning authorities that are designed to disallow or discourage ADU.

 

Stormwater and Sewer Initiatives

Support legislation to balance water quality and quantity objectives in stormwater management while protecting private property rights. HRRA seeks equality of ordinances and statutes and considers all areas including those outside the Chesapeake Bay watershed.