Subcommittee pauses ADU bill to allow more local consultation

Delegate John McAuliffe presented House Bill 509, which would prohibit counties from blanket-banning existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals of up to 30 days, with the stated goal of expanding affordable rural housing options and supplemental farm income.

"The purpose of this legislation is really to start the process of expanding affordable housing options, in rural areas," McAuliffe told the committee. Members asked whether the bill could be tailored by planning district; counsel and the chair noted Planning District 8 as an example mentioned in the discussion. Committee members expressed mixed views about whether a statewide rule should be geographically targeted.

After members said more consultation with Planning District 8 and other localities would be useful, a motion to continue HB 509 to the 2027 session carried on a voice vote. The chair recorded the continuation and the bill will not be considered further by this subcommittee in the current session.