GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Status

Accepted

Abstract

Virginia is rapidly growing and transforming. Its population, now near nine million, is concentrated in Greater Richmond, Hampton Roads, and the urbanized crescent of Northern Virginia. While population growth has been strong, housing construction has struggled to keep pace. With the state facing a shortage of multi-family homes, housing costs continue to outpace incomes. That means too many Virginians are paying too much for their housing.

A significant factor in the cost of housing in Virginia is zoning: the local regulation of land uses, lots, and structures. This report analyzes National Zoning Atlas data on statewide zoning conditions. Part I begins this report by exploring housing challenges in Virginia and providing an overview of zoning’s influence on them. Part II of this report describes NZA’s methodology for analyzing and digitizing zoning codes, highlighting land-use issues unique to Virginia.

As Part III details, NZA analysis reveals five key statewide findings about zoning conditions across Virginia. First, most Virginia jurisdictions have zoning ordinances in place. Second land is predominately zoned for single-family housing. Third, minimum lot size requirements are widespread and often large. Fourth, one-third of single-family land bans accessory dwelling units. Fifth, parking mandates exist on 93% of residential land.

This report also covers zoning conditions in different parts of Virginia. Part IV examines Northern Virginia, a rapidly growing and economically significant region that forms part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Part V examines zoning conditions within and between five metropolitan regions: Greater Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.

Part VI concludes the report with a set of actionable recommendations to support reforms to Virginia’s zoning framework, promote more accessible and affordable housing, and build communities that better reflect the needs and preferences of today’s residents.

GW Paper Series

2025-60

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