Home / Business and Economy / Virginia Bill Unlocks Affordable Housing: Manufactured Homes Key
Virginia Bill Unlocks Affordable Housing: Manufactured Homes Key
28 Jan
Summary
- A Virginia bill aims to remove zoning barriers for manufactured homes.
- Manufactured homes, post-1976, meet federal safety and efficiency standards.
- The bill would allow manufactured homes where site-built homes are permitted.
A legislative initiative in Virginia is poised to redefine housing affordability by promoting the inclusion of manufactured homes. Senate Bill, introduced by Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, aims to compel localities to permit manufactured homes in the same zones as traditional site-built residences. This move addresses a critical housing shortage, as manufactured housing offers a significantly more affordable path to homeownership.
Currently, restrictive zoning often limits manufactured homes to agricultural zones, despite modern units complying with stringent June 1976 federal construction standards for safety and efficiency. The proposed bill would eliminate this discrimination, allowing these homes on individual lots in residential areas. Supporters believe this will inject much-needed inventory into the market, especially in suburban growth areas.
