The Affordable Dwelling Unit Monitoring and Procedures Manual (“ADU Manual”, linked here) must be reviewed and updated on an annual basis to make sure it reflects current needs and priorities. All projects with 10 or more units must provide 10% of all residential units to households at or below 60% AMI or pay an in-lieu fee.

Student Housing is allowed in all districts where housing is allowed. However, in student housing projects within 1/2-mile of the University of Virginia campus grounds that lease on a per bedroom basis, no on-site affordable units are required and applicants must pay an in-lieu fee.

The scope of this annual ADU Manual review will evaluate and potentially refine expectations for in-lieu fee payments if affordable units are not provided on-site as part of a development project, for:

• student housing project projects
• non-student housing projects
• projects requesting bonus height

The geographic extent of student housing affordable housing requirements will also be evaluated.

On January 13, 2026, staff presented an overview of the proposed scope and key questions for the study to the City's Planning Commission. On January 20, staff will present the same overview and questions to City Council at their regular meeting. In early 2026, staff will seek stakeholder input on guiding principles to inform policy recommendations.

We are looking for community input to inform this study. There are three questions below for you to share your feedback. Check out the ADU Manual and Student Housing Study overview under 'Study Documents' for more background information.