The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7113 aims to empower municipalities to establish "light touch density housing," which refers to residential buildings that maintain compatibility with single-family homes while allowing for two or more attached or clustered dwellings, including duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units. The bill introduces new definitions and standards for this type of housing, emphasizing the need for objective zoning, subdivision, and health or safety standards that do not impose unreasonable barriers to development. Specifically, it mandates that proposed light touch density housing with up to four units in single-family zones be considered administratively without discretionary review, provided there is access to water and sewage.

Additionally, the bill outlines restrictions on municipal agencies regarding the adoption of standards that could hinder the development of light touch density housing. These restrictions include prohibiting minimum lot sizes greater than 5,000 square feet, maximum floor-area ratios below 150%, and height limitations that would prevent three-story constructions. However, it allows for certain standards, such as setbacks and off-street parking requirements, under specific conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to encourage the development of more diverse housing options within municipalities.