VA HB1279

Religious organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofit property tax-exempt organizations may develop mixed-use or residential housing projects by right without requiring rezoning or special use permits from localities

At least 60% of housing units must be affordable at 80% or less of area median income for rentals (120% AMI for for-sale units), with affordability preserved for a minimum of 30 years through deed restrictions

Projects are permitted by right with minimum allowances of 45 feet building height (or tallest existing building within 500 feet), 20 units per acre density, 10-foot setbacks, and no more than one parking space per unit required

The property must have been continuously owned by the religious or nonprofit organization for at least five years prior to the housing development application and must be within 500 feet of public water and sewer lines

The provisions take effect September 1, 2026, and do not apply to properties within military Air Installation Compatible Use Zones or to housing permits already approved by localities