FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2026

City Invites Community Feedback on Student Housing Policies

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville is seeking community input to inform a study examining student housing policies and requirements, particularly how affordable housing expectations are addressed in student housing developments.

Student housing is allowed in all zoning districts where housing is permitted. Under current policy, student housing projects within one-half mile of UVA Grounds that lease on a per-bedroom basis are not required to provide on-site affordable units and instead pay an in-lieu fee. The City is reviewing these policies in light of continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for purpose-built student housing near campus.

To share feedback, residents should visit Connect Charlottesville (the City’s newest public engagement hub for ongoing initiatives), review the Student Housing Study overview and respond to the three questions towards the bottom of the project page.

Community feedback will help inform potential updates, including how in-lieu fees are applied, and whether the geographic extent of student housing requirements should be refined. Input gathered through this process will guide staff recommendations.

Media Contact
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications and Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
media@charlottesville.gov