Waynesboro, like many other cities in Virginia and across the nation, has an affordability crisis when it comes to housing.
There are a large number of apartments, townhouses and homes currently under construction throughout the city which will increase the housing stock but not necessarily address the need for more affordable options.
Waynesboro City Council and the Waynesboro Planning Commission heard a presentation in June from Leslie Tate, the director of community development, about a potential solution: cottage court housing.
The cottage-style housing would give property owners more options for infill lots in the city. Instead of one half-a-million-dollar home on a lot, the same land could be used to build a cluster of smaller homes.
On Sept. 17, the planning commission recommended the approval of zoning amendments to allow for cottage court housing.
The matter will now come before Waynesboro City Council with a presentation scheduled for Wednesday night.
The proposed ordinance, recommended by city staff, would create a new housing type, cottage court, in certain residential and mixed-use districts by a conditional use permit.
If the ordinance is approved, applicants would be required to submit a detailed concept plan showing the layout of proposed units, common and private open areas, paths, parking and access, for approval.
What is cottage court housing?
A cottage court is a group of small residential buildings made up of detached, attached or townhouse units, or tiny houses.
Cottage housing fronts a common green space, a community area or garden, rather than a street. There would likely be a parking lot nearby that the residents would utilize but no driveways in front of the homes.
This style of housing is popular with young professionals, older adults, empty nesters and small families, according to city staff.
Regional housing study: Bigger isn’t always better
City staff explored cottage housing after the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission shared preliminary data on a regional housing study that showed a mismatch between the types of units available and the types that are needed.
The study showed a shortage of units at lower price points and a need for smaller one- to two-bedroom units, according to a city staff report.
The study found that one- to two-person households in the region make up 65 percent of all households while housing units with three or more bedrooms make up 70 percent of the region’s housing stock.
Waynesboro City Council Nov. 13 meeting details
Waynesboro City Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building at 503 W. Main St. in Waynesboro.
Additional items on the agenda include:
- acknowledging Waynesboro Public Library and Office on Youth awards
- an update on the Hopeman Parkway bridge project
Citizen comments are allowed at each meeting.
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Crystal Graham
