This article is from HBAV's historical archive. Some formatting may differ from current articles.
Photo: Skip Plitt – C’ville Photography / Creative Commons
As your voice into state government, HBAV has been preparing for the upcoming 2025 Virginia General Assembly session since last spring. Chaired by Daniel Jones of East West Communities, the HBAV Legislative Committee received 32 legislative proposals for consideration from members and local home builder associations.
Each year, we rank those requests based on core criteria: its significance across the stage, the membership segments served, coalition groups, opposition groups and, finally, the “political will” of the General Assembly and governor’s administration.
Each piece of legislation must be properly drafted and have a member of the Virginia General Assembly as its patron. HBAV is currently drafting legislation and securing patrons on legislation related to building codes, the contractor recovery fund, tax credits, traffic impact analysis, and streamlined site plan and subdivision approvals. We will be sharing our official legislative priorities in the coming weeks.
The General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 8. We expect more than 3,000 bills to be introduced during the 45-day session.
The Virginia General Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment and policies that directly impact residential home builders and land developers in the Commonwealth. Here’s why it is so important:
- Legislation and Regulation: The General Assembly has the authority to pass laws and regulations that govern land use, zoning, building codes, and other aspects of residential development. These laws can significantly affect the feasibility of construction projects.
- Permitting and Approval Processes: Legislators can influence permitting and approval processes for residential developments. Streamlining these processes or implementing changes can have a direct impact on the timeline and cost of building projects.
- Affordable Housing Policies: Legislation related to affordable housing initiatives – including tax incentives, grants and zoning requirements – can be introduced and voted in. Policies can influence the availability of affordable housing options and impact the market dynamics for builders and developers.
- Environmental Regulations: The General Assembly can enact environmental regulations that affect land development, such as wetland protection laws or stormwater management requirements.
- Infrastructure Funding: Funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads, utilities and public transportation, often is determined by the General Assembly. Adequate infrastructure is needed for residential developments, and funding decisions can impact the accessibility and desirability of new housing projects.
- Taxation and Incentives: The General Assembly can enact tax policies and incentives that can affect the economics of our industry. Tax credits, deductions, or exemptions related to housing construction can influence investment decisions for builders and developers.
The decisions made by the Virginia General Assembly have far-reaching implications for residential home builders and land developers, shaping the regulatory framework, market conditions and economic incentives that impact our operations and projects. Active engagement with legislators and advocacy on key issues are essential for builders and developers to ensure our interests are represented and considered in the legislative process.
To get involved, please join us Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Richmond for HBAV’s member day at the General Assembly. Members will visit with their respective legislators to discuss the HBAV legislative agenda and challenges facing our industry to produce quality affordable housing.