In Buena Vista, we believe safe, permanent housing is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a thriving community. This Fair Housing Month, we’re raising awareness about the importance of housing safety, zoning compliance, and fair housing protections.
What is Fair Housing?
Fair housing means everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability. The Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968, protects individuals and families from unfair treatment in renting, buying, or accessing housing-related services.
Learn more about the Fair Housing Act: https://www.hud.gov/
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, contact the State Fair Housing Office or the Fair Housing Hotline at 1-800-669-9777.
Why Zoning and Building Code Matters for Safety
Zoning and building regulations ensure that all housing meets necessary health and safety standards. These rules are essential for protecting the well-being of both occupants and neighbors.
Key Zoning and Building Code Considerations:
- Travel Trailers, RVs, and Campers: These structures are not permitted as residences in residential zones because they are not built to meet essential safety standards for long-term occupancy, such as proper electrical systems, sanitation, and structural integrity. However, they may be stored in the back yard in residential areas.
- Occupancy Limits: Overcrowding in residential spaces can create safety hazards. . A dwelling unit may be occupied by no more than four unrelated persons, or several people related by blood/marriage plus up to two additional people.
- Accessory Structures: Accessory buildings like sheds, garages, and workshops are not designed or permitted for residential use.
- Unsafe Living Conditions: Housing that lacks essential utilities, proper egress, or structural stability is not suitable for habitation and may be subject to inspection and enforcement.
Facing Housing Challenges? We’re Here to Help
We understand that finding safe and permanent housing can be challenging. Our community is committed to supporting residents who need assistance.
Local and Regional Housing Resources:
- Rockbridge Area Rental Assistance Office: Administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) to provide safe, sanitary, and affordable rental housing for low-income citizens in the Rockbridge County area. For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher Program visit www.virginiahousing.com.
- Phone: 804-584-4724.
- Address: 150 S Main Street, 2nd Floor (Room 209), Lexington, Virginia 24450.
- RARA (Rockbridge Area Relief Association) Housing Support: Offers temporary assistance with past due rent, security deposits, or homelessness prevention for residents of Rockbridge County.
- Phone: (540) 463-6642
- Address: 350 Spotswood Drive, Lexington, VA 24450
- Valley Homeless Connection: Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, and assistance in securing permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Phone: (540) 886-4673
- Address: 85 Sanger’s Lane, Staunton VA 24401
- Blue Ridge Legal Services: Blue Ridge Legal Services is the nonprofit legal aid society providing free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke Valley of Virginia.
- Phone: (540) 463-7334
- Address: 215 South Main Street , Lexington, VA 24450
- Total Action For Progress (TAP): Offers rental assistance, homelessness prevention, affordable housing, homebuyer support, and weatherization/home repair services.
- Phone: (540) 777-4673
- Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity: Provides affordable homeownership through home-building programs and zero-interest mortgages, along with critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for safe housing.
- Phone: (540) 463-3770
- Address: 30 E. Preston St., Lexington, VA 24450
- Project Horizon: Emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Staff is available to help individual clients connect with local community resources, and can assist with their needs in arranging childcare, transportation, as well as seeking employment and permanent housing.
- Phone: (540) 463-2594
- Address: 120 Varner Lane, Lexington, VA, 24450
For a more comprehensive list of resources and support, call 211 or (800) 230-6977 or visit 211virginia.org.
Understanding and Preventing Discrimination
Discrimination in housing can take many forms, including refusal to rent, sell, or negotiate housing, unfair terms and conditions, or harassment.
Examples of Housing Discrimination:
- Refusing to rent or sell based on race, national origin, or family status.
- Denying reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
- Charging different prices or imposing stricter terms based on protected characteristics.
- Steering buyers or renters toward specific neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity.
- Harassing or intimidating tenants due to race, religion, disability, or other factors.
- Falsely claiming housing is unavailable or denying a mortgage based on discrimination.
- Retaliating against someone for filing a fair housing complaint.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, resources are available to help. Visit HUD Fair Housing for more information and to file a complaint online. You may also call 1-800-669-9777.
Together, Let’s Build a Safe and Inclusive Community
Fair Housing Month is a reminder that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. By following zoning regulations, addressing housing challenges, and standing up against discrimination, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community.
For questions, concerns, or additional information, please contact the Departments of Community and Economic Development at (540) 261-8608 or [email protected].