VirginiaHB7872026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Zoning; development agreements in certain localities within Planning District 23 (Hampton Roads).

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Zoning; development agreements in certain localities. Allows any locality within Planning District 23 with a population between 245,000 and 350,000 that has adopted a transfer of development rights ordinance to include provisions in its zoning ordinance that allow the governing body to enter into binding development agreements with owners of real property in the locality, so long as the property to be developed contains at least 1,000 acres or is located within (i) a receiving area of a transfer of development rights program and (ii) a tax increment financing district. Current law allows only New Kent County to include such provisions allowing for development agreements in its zoning ordinance.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Large landowners get development deal option

Certain Virginia localities can approve binding development agreements by ordinance. The authority applies in Planning District 23 localities with 245,000–350,000 people that adopted a transfer-of-development-rights law, and in New Kent County. It only applies to property with at least 1,000 acres, or land in a transfer-rights receiving area and in a tax increment financing district. Agreements must promote public health, safety, welfare, and economic growth, and align with the comprehensive plan and zoning unless a variance or similar approval allows it. Terms can last up to 15 years and can be renewed by mutual consent for up to 10-year periods. Agreements can set uses, density, building size and height, setbacks, parking, streets and public improvements, stormwater controls, and project timing.

Stronger protections inside development agreements

If you follow your development agreement and dedicate land, pay required cash, or build required public improvements, your rights under the deal vest. Later zoning changes that would cut those agreed terms do not apply during the agreement term, unless there is mistake, fraud, or a major change in public health, safety, or welfare. Localities cannot require you to give land, improvements, or money as a condition to get a permitted use or zoning; such transfers must be voluntary in the agreement. Agreements do not automatically bind future owners unless the agreement says so. Parties or their successors can amend or cancel the agreement by mutual consent.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 310 • No: 0

House vote 3/6/2026

Senate amendment agreed to by House

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Local Government Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Passed Senate with amendment Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Local Government with amendment

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 2/13/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with amendment(s)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0421)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 421 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB787ER)

    3/13/2026House
  6. Enrolled

    3/13/2026House
  7. Signed by President

    3/13/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/13/2026House
  9. Senate amendment agreed to by House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/6/2026House
  10. Passed Senate with amendment Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026Senate
  11. Local Government Amendment agreed to

    3/4/2026Senate
  12. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    3/4/2026Senate
  13. Read third time

    3/4/2026Senate
  14. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/3/2026Senate
  15. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  16. Rules suspended

    3/3/2026Senate
  17. Senate committee offered

    3/2/2026Senate
  18. Reported from Local Government with amendment (15-Y 0-N)

    3/2/2026Senate
  19. Referred to Committee on Local Government

    2/18/2026Senate
  20. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  21. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House
  22. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/16/2026House
  23. committee amendments agreed to

    2/16/2026House
  24. Read second time

    2/16/2026House
  25. Read first time

    2/15/2026House

Bill Text

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