Virginia’s next building code update isn’t until 2027, but state lawmakers are already thinking about ways it could be tweaked to help foster development on vacant or underutilized urban parcels and encourage affordable housing. An advisory group is expected to produce recommendations for how the Commonwealth might update its zoning code to allow for certain multi-unit buildings over three stories to only need one stairwell instead of several.
In lieu of an extra stairwell, buildings on smaller parcels in urban areas can still be developed or redeveloped to create additional housing units.
“When you go from three to six floors, you open up a lot more options for units,” said Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico), who carried a bill to create the advisory group in this year’s legislative session. “It’s not a cure-all, but it does allow you to redevelop and increase your units.”…