Hampton, VA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Base density
- 10 units/buildable acre
- Bonus rate
- 1 unit/acre per amenity
- Max bonus
- 10 units per development
- District
- MD-1 Townhouse Multifamily
Summary
Hampton's MD-1 townhouse district grants up to 10 extra dwelling units per development for on-site recreation amenities like pools and clubhouses.
(3)In order to encourage the provision of active recreation areas within townhouse and multiple dwelling developments, density bonuses shall be granted to those developments meeting all the criteria for active recreation areas... (4)A bonus of one (1) dwelling unit per acre will be granted under the provisions of subsection 5-18(3) above for each of the following facilities:(a)Swimming pool;(b)Clubhouse;(c)Lighted tennis court;(d)Lighted basketball court... In no case, however, will the total bonus granted under these provisions exceed ten (10) units for the entire development.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
In the MD-1 Townhouse Multifamily Residential district, base density is capped at 10 units per buildable acre. Developments that dedicate qualifying active recreation area, at least half the required green area, minimum 50-foot dimension, every unit within 500 feet of it, earn a density bonus of one additional dwelling unit per acre for each qualifying amenity provided: swimming pool, clubhouse, lighted tennis court, lighted basketball court, nine-hole golf course, dock/pier/boat ramp, shuffleboard area, or on-site day care. The total bonus for any single development is capped at 10 units, regardless of how many amenities are provided. As amended through November 2025.
Violations & Fines
Claiming a density bonus without meeting the active-recreation-area criteria in § 5-18(3) results in denial or revocation of the bonus units at site plan review by the Department of Community Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hampton's townhouse density bonus work?
Is the bonus available in other multifamily districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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