Local Advocacy

Chesterfield County’s ZOMod

Chesterfield County is rewriting its zoning laws for the first time since the 1970s — before half of current residents were born! The county government calls this Zoning Ordinance MODernization process “ZOMod.”

Why do zoning rules matter?

Zoning rules determine what can—and can’t—be built everywhere in the county. Current zoning severely limits housing choice and keeps prices high. We need fair zoning to create more housing opportunities for all.

How can I get up to speed?

Here is the presentation that Chesterfield Planning Team presented at their first Community Meeting.

Here is HOME’s presentation to help you better understand the background of zoning, and what needs to be done.

Here is Chesterfield’s ZOMod page to learn more.

How do I get involved?

• By May 9, share your comments with the Chesterfield Planning Staff by emailing them at planning@Chesterfield.gov.  See the below list of suggested comments.
• If you want to make more technical comments by May 9, you can learn how to comment here.
• In early June, share your thoughts with the Planning Commission.
• On July 15, attend the Planning Commission Community Meeting.
• In August, share your thoughts with the Board of Supervisors.
• In September, attend the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Meeting.

What are the key comments you can make?

Support smaller lots sizes for smaller more affordable homes.

• Reducing the lot size requirements for single family homes in the Suburban and Semi-Urban Neighborhood districts would allow for more affordable, starter home options for first-time homebuyers or seniors looking to downsize.

Support a smaller footprint for multi-family housing.

• Project minimums in the Transition Residential district (one of the few areas where multi-family housing is permitted) are proposed to be 5 acres for townhomes and 10 acres for multi-family. Reducing or eliminating the project minimums would allow for smaller scale developments for gentle density.
• Multi-family housing in the Transition Residential district must also have significant amenity space.  Reducing the amenity space requirement, or waiving it altogether for a project located next to greenspace, would make it easier to fit additional units in the development.

Allow mansion-style multifamily housing.

• Allowing mansion-style multifamily housing, i.e. an apartment building that looks like a single-family home but includes multiple units, is one way to create more housing options that also blend into existing neighborhoods. This type of apartment building has a smaller footprint and can fit into the character of existing neighborhoods, while also creating more housing options that fit within peoples’ budgets. The county ought to allow this type of small-scale multifamily housing in all residential zoning districts.

 Support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

• Accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or in-law suites, allow homeowners to build another small, independent residential dwelling on the same lot as their home. have the potential to increase housing affordability (both for homeowners and tenants), create a wider range of housing options within the community, enable seniors to stay near family as they age, and facilitate better use of the existing housing fabric in established neighborhoods.
• The County should place fewer restrictions on homeowners’ rights to build more housing on their property. The county should reduce some of the requirements for ADUs, such as the parking space requirement and one-bedroom cap, to make it more cost effective for homeowners to build ADUs.
• ADUs are a win-win: they allow homeowners to build more wealth and create more housing options that blend into existing neighborhoods.

Create waivers and exemptions for affordable housing projects.

• To incentivize more affordable housing options, the county should create waiver and exemptions of certain building requirements, such as reducing or eliminating amenity space requirements, waiving utility connection fees, or lot sizes, for projects that include affordable units or homes. Waiving those requirements can bring down the cost of a project, making it easier to build affordable housing. It’s simple but powerful way the county can encourage the construction of affordable housing options.

Other Ways to Get Involved?

• Spread the word — invite HOME to talk to your social or civic group: We can offer customized presentations about ZOMod and answer your group’s questions.
• Connect with our campaign director: Reach out to Mike Burnette, at Mike@HOMEofVA.org or 804-237-7549.