HB771Introduced in the House of Delegates
Land subdivision and development; mandatory provisions of a subdivision ordinance.
Introduced by Eric Zehr, District 51
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Land subdivision and development; mandatory provisions of a subdivision ordinance; periodic partial and final release of certain performance guarantees. Provides that the amount of a certified check, cash escrow, bond, or letter of credit required to be furnished by an owner or developer to a governing body related to certain improvements dedicated for public use within any subdivision shall not exceed the total estimated cost of construction as determined by a duly licensed professional engineer or land surveyor and a reasonable allowance for estimated administrative costs, inflation, and potential damage to existing roads or utilities, which shall not exceed five percent of the estimated construction costs. Current law requires that such amount not exceed the total of the estimated cost of construction based on unit prices for new public or private sector construction in the locality and such reasonable allowance, which shall not exceed 10 percent of the estimated construction costs. The bill also provides that periodic partial releases of certain performance guarantees granted to subdividers or developers may not occur before the completion of at least 15 percent of the public facilities covered by any bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee. Current law provides such partial release may not occur before the completion of at least 30 percent of such public facilities. The bill also requires that a certification of partial or final completion of such public facilities from a duly licensed professional engineer or land surveyor be accepted without requiring further inspection of such public facilities. Current law allows, but does not require, such certifications be accepted without further inspection.
Where it stands
Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns
February 18, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of DelegatesStage: Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 1-N) · January 29, 2026
5
Yes
1
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
7 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Laura Jane Cohen | 15 | Yes |
| May Nivar | 57 | Yes |
| Shelly Simonds | 70 | Yes |
| Alex Askew | 95 | Yes |
| Barry Knight | 98 | Absent |
| Anne Ferrell Tata | 99 | No |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103494D
Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3
House subcommittee offered
Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 1-N)
Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns
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