CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville’s new zoning ordinance, aimed at increasing housing density and affordability, is now in limbo after a missed legal deadline by the city. Michael Guthrie, WINA real estate analyst and host of Real Estate Matters, joined Morning News to unpack the legal and logistical mess. “Some concerned neighbors… filed a lawsuit because they didn’t feel like the process had been followed,” Guthrie explained. The city’s attorneys failed to meet a deadline, causing a judge to throw the ordinance out entirely. 

The goal of the ordinance was to address Charlottesville’s housing crisis by allowing more units per property. Guthrie noted many supported that goal but felt the changes were too aggressive. “Even people who were supportive… felt like the original zoning ordinance was too extreme,” he said. He added that much of the process took place during COVID, which limited public participation and led some residents to feel unheard. 

Guthrie suggested a potential path forward could include Albemarle County expanding its designated growth area. “If the growth area could be increased by a little… that would take the pressure off for sure,” he said. As developers wait for legal clarity, Guthrie says the city is currently stuck operating under outdated zoning laws, and until the lawsuit plays out, “nobody knows what to do.” 

Listen to the full conversation here: