For-Sale Workforce Dwelling Unit Policy & Programs

PLUS Record Number:
PA-2023-00042

Countywide Policy Plan Amendment

The Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the consideration of a Comprehensive Plan amendment to the Housing and Land Use elements of the Policy Plan and for specific guidance in Area Plans and the Glossary related to For-Sale Workforce Dwelling Units (WDU) based on policy adjustments recommended by the WDU Policy Task Force, which were endorsed by the Board on December 5, 2023. The Board also directed staff to prepare revisions to the Countywide and Tysons Corner Urban Center WDU Administrative Policy Guidelines for consideration in line with the proposed Plan Amendment.

As described in the Task Force’s recommendations, the Comprehensive Plan amendment should incorporate language to maximize the potential for the for-sale WDU program to serve low-moderate income families, maintain project feasibility, and increase predictability in the development process. Consistency between the for-sale and the rental programs should be considered. The amendment should:

• Examine shifting the affordability level of the program from a range of up to 80% to 120% AMI to a range of up to 70% to 100% AMI.
• Expand guidance on the proportionality of the bedroom mix of WDUs and that of market-rate units, with flexibility for family-sized WDUs.
• Extend the geographic applicability to certain properties outside of the development centers.

Draft Plan Text is available for public comment through April 7, 2024, and can be accessed below under “Draft Text”.

Community engagement on the proposed changes is ongoing. Two upcoming virtual community meetings on March 18 and 20, 2024 have been scheduled for the public to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide comments. The meeting information can be accessed below under “Upcoming Meetings”.