Virginia Adopts New Statewide Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements Effective July 1, 2026New statewide minimum off-street parking requirements take effect beginning July 1, 2026. The legislation, identified as House Bill No. 888 (HB 888) creates a new statute, §15.2‑2209.4, that establishes minimum off-street parking requirements for residential, multifamily, and mixed-use development within a designated area. A “designated area” means “any parcel located within one-half mile of the entrance to a mass transit or public transportation station or facility.” A mass transit or public transportation station or facility is a building or enhanced structure where the public boards or disembarks from mass transit or public transportation. Within such an area, minimum off-street parking may not exceed the following:
- One-half of one parking space per dwelling unit for multifamily or mixed-use residential development; and
- One parking space per dwelling unit for one-family and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
In addition to establishing these statewide limits on minimum parking requirements, §15.2‑2209.4 requires localities with a population greater than 20,000 residents to adopt an administrative review process in which developers may ask to reduce minimum off-street parking requirements for residential, multifamily, and mixed-use development proposed on parcels not located within a Designated Area. This process must allow at least a 20 percent reduction in parking when the criteria and procedures established by the locality are met. Land Development Services (LDS) and Department of Planning and Development staff are currently drafting language to incorporate the requirements of HB 888 into the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance. Staff anticipate the scheduling of public hearings on a Zoning Ordinance amendment to address HB 888 and other recently adopted legislation in October 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Davis, Parking Policy Specialist, in the Site Development and Inspections Division, LDS, at 703-324-3065, TTY 711.  |
