Charlottesville Adopts New Zoning Code

Writing in The Cavalier Daily, Brandon Kile outlines the new zoning ordinance passed by the Charlottesville City Council, which “will allow for greater diversity in types of housing as well as require the inclusion of affordable housing in some future developments.”

The ordinance calls for higher housing density on commercial corridors and a 10 percent affordability requirement for buildings with ten or more units.

“By building more homes within city limits, we can make progress on our goals of bringing down housing costs, shortening commutes, reducing car dependency and helping the environment,” said Council Member Natalie Oschrin.

The ordinance is facing opposition from some residents who say the council did not fully consider the impacts of the new law. According to Oschrin, “I understand that people can be afraid of changes, but this is a historical correction to housing policies that were founded in racism and designed to perpetuate economic inequity,” adding that residents should “be excited about the future” of Charlottesville.