The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7063, aims to facilitate the conversion of vacant motels into multifamily housing units. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill mandates that municipalities must allow such conversions "as of right," meaning that property owners can convert their motels without needing special zoning approvals, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the motel must be a freestanding facility that has been vacant for at least ninety days prior to the application for conversion.

Additionally, the bill outlines a streamlined permit application and review process, requiring that decisions on these applications be made within sixty-five days of submission, with the possibility for applicants to consent to extensions. This legislative change is intended to address housing shortages by repurposing underutilized properties, thereby promoting more efficient use of existing structures. The bill does not include any deletions from current law, as it introduces new provisions to support the conversion process.