Prince William County to Hold Public Meetings on Draft Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance

In July 2021, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors initiated amendments to the zoning text and county code to create an Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance that would help people with incomes at or below the area median income live in the county while maintaining a basic lifestyle and meeting basic living needs. A draft of that ordinance is now available for public review and input.  

The adoption of an Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance is important, as it will allow the county to implement the needed standards for affordable housing, to include standards for construction, rehabilitation and occupancy, as well as the implementation of a housing trust fund. The Board has authorized $5 million from Fiscal 2023 savings to be used for the housing trust fund after the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance has been adopted. 

Those interested in learning more about the ordinance and providing input can do so at the following:  

• March 21, 6-8 p.m. – Public meeting at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge 

• April 3, 6-8 p.m. – Public meeting at Beacon Hall at George Mason University, 10945 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA

• April 4, 6-8 p.m.  – Virtual Public Meeting 

• May 22 (tentative), 7 p.m. – Planning Commission public hearing in the Board Chambers at the McCoart Government Center, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge 

• July 16 (tentative), 2 p.m. – Board of County Supervisors public hearing in the Board Chambers at the McCoart Government Center, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge                                                                      

A copy of the draft ordinance is also available for review at pwcva.gov/AfDU, and those wishing to provide input can fill out the public comment form.  

When the Board of County Supervisors adopted the county’s Comprehensive Plan in December 2022, it also adopted the Housing Chapter of the plan, which looks to ensure that the county remains a place where all individuals have a broad range of affordable, accessible and desirable housing choices. Affordable housing is one step in achieving the goals set forth in the plan as it helps the county foster a healthy balance of quality housing of all types. 

The Board of County Supervisors will hear a presentation today, March 12, during their 2 p.m. meeting regarding the importance of affordable housing and the need in Prince William County.