Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 611: Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 611 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units. Primary sponsor: Laura Jane Cohen (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 30, 2026): Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units. Requires a locality to include in its zoning ordinances for single-family residential zoning districts accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, as defined in the bill, as a permitted accessory use. The bill requires a person to seek a permit for an ADU from the locality, requires the locality to issue such permit if the person meets certain requirements enumerated in the bill, and restricts the fee for such permit to $500 or less. The bill prohibits the locality from requiring (i) construction of new dedicated parking for an ADU in most instances; (ii) setbacks for the ADU more than five feet from the property line; (iii) conditions for ADUs that are more restrictive than those for single-family dwellings within the same zoning area with regard to height, rear or side setbacks, lot size or coverage, or building frontage; or (iv) consanguinity or affinity between the occupants of the ADU and the primary dwelling. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Jane Cohen | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 15 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
- Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3
- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105079D