dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2212. Qualifications, appointment, removal, terms and compensation of members of local planning commissions.
A local planning commission shall consist of not less than five nor more than fifteen members, appointed by the governing body, all of whom shall be residents of the locality, qualified by knowledge and experience to make decisions on questions of community growth and development; provided, that at least one-half of the members so appointed shall be owners of real property. The local governing body may require each member of the commission to take an oath of office.

One member of the commission may be a member of the governing body of the locality, and one member may be a member of the administrative branch of government of the locality. The term of each of these two members shall be coextensive with the term of office to which he has been elected or appointed, unless the governing body, at the first regular meeting each year, appoints others to serve as their representatives. The remaining members of the commission first appointed shall serve respectively for terms of one year, two years, three years, and four years, divided equally or as nearly equal as possible between the membership. Subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four years each. The local governing bodies may establish different terms of office for initial and subsequent appointments including terms of office that are concurrent with those of the appointing governing body. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term only.

Members may be removed for malfeasance in office. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, a member of a local planning commission may be removed from office by the local governing body without limitation in the event that the commission member is absent from any three consecutive meetings of the commission, or is absent from any four meetings of the commission within any 12-month period. In either such event, a successor shall be appointed by the governing body for the unexpired portion of the term of the member who has been removed.

The local governing body may provide for compensation to commission members for their services, reimbursement for actual expenses incurred, or both.

Code 1950, §§ 15-901, 15-916, 15-963; 1956, cc. 282, 497; 1960, c. 309; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-437; 1973, c. 160; 1974, c. 521; 1986, c. 208; 1988, c. 256; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 687.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2213. Advisory members.
A member of a local planning commission may, with the consent of both governing bodies, serve as an advisory member of the local planning commission of a contiguous locality.

Code 1950, § 15-963.1; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-438; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2214. Meetings.
The local planning commission shall fix the time for holding regular meetings. The commission, by resolution adopted at a regular meeting, may also fix the day or days to which any meeting shall be continued if the chairman, or vice-chairman if the chairman is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members to attend the meeting. Such finding shall be communicated to the members and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised for such meeting shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required. The commission shall cause a copy of such resolution to be inserted in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least seven days prior to the first meeting held pursuant to the adopted schedule.

Commissions shall meet at least every two months. However, in any locality with a population of not more than 7,500, the commission shall be required to meet at least once each year.

Special meetings of the commission may be called by the chairman or by two members upon written request to the secretary. The secretary shall mail to all members, at least five days in advance of a special meeting, a written notice fixing the time and place of the meeting and the purpose thereof.

Written notice of a special meeting is not required if the time of the special meeting has been fixed at a regular meeting, or if all members are present at the special meeting or file a written waiver of notice.

Code 1950, § 15-963.2; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-439; 1990, c. 664; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 403.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2215. Quorum majority vote.
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum and no action of the local planning commission shall be valid unless authorized by a majority vote of those present and voting.

Code 1950, § 15-963.3; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-440; 1974, c. 99; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2216. Facilities for holding of meetings and preservation of documents; appropriations for expenses.
The governing body may provide the local planning commission with facilities for the holding of meetings and the preservation of plans, maps, documents and accounts, and may appropriate funds needed to defray the expenses of the commission.

Code 1950, § 15-963.4; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-441; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2217. Officers, employees and consultants; expenditures; rules and records; special surveys.
The local planning commission shall elect from the appointed members a chairman and a vice-chairman, whose terms shall be for one year. If authorized by the governing body the commission may (i) create and fill such other offices as it deems necessary; (ii) appoint such employees and staff as it deems necessary for its work; and (iii) contract with consultants for such services as it requires. The expenditures of the commission, exclusive of gifts or grants, shall be within the amounts appropriated for such purpose by the governing body.

The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions which shall be a public record. Upon request of the commission, the governing body or other public officials may, from time to time, for the purpose of special surveys under the direction of the commission, assign or detail to it any members of the staffs of county or municipal administrative departments, or such governing body or other public official may direct any such department employee to make for the commission special surveys or studies requested by the local commission.

Code 1950, § 15-963.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-442; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2218. County planning commission serving as commission of town.
The governing body of any town may designate, with the consent of the governing body of a contiguous county, by ordinance, the county planning commission as the local planning commission of the town.

A county commission designated as a town commission shall have all the powers and duties granted under this chapter to a local planning commission.

Any town designating a county commission as its local planning commission may contract annually to pay the county a proportionate part of the expenses properly chargeable for the planning service rendered the town, and any such payments may be appropriated to the county planning commission in addition to any funds budgeted for planning purposes.

Code 1950, §§ 15-900, 15-903, 15-963.6; 1950, p. 487; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-443; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2219. Joint local planning commissions.
Any one or more adjoining or adjacent counties or municipalities including any municipality within any such county may by agreement provide for a joint local planning commission for any two or more of such counties and municipalities. The agreement shall provide for the number of members of the commission and how they shall be appointed, in what proportion the expenses of the commission shall be borne by the participating localities, and any other matters pertinent to the operation of the commission as the joint local planning commission for the localities. Any commission so created shall have, as to each participating locality, the powers and duties granted to and imposed upon local planning commissions under this chapter.

Code 1950, §§ 15-900, 15-903, 15-963.6; 1950, p. 487; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-443; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2220. Duplicate planning commission authorized for certain local governments.
The Cities of Chesapeake and Hampton may by ordinance establish a duplicate planning commission solely for the purpose of considering matters arising from the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). Sections 15.2-2210 through 15.2-2222 shall apply to the commission, mutatis mutandis.

The procedure, timing requirements and appeal to the circuit court set forth in §§ 15.2-2258 through 15.2-2261 shall apply to the considerations of this commission, mutatis mutandis.

To distinguish the planning commission authorized by this section from planning commissions required by § 15.2-2210, the commission established hereunder shall have the words "Chesapeake Bay Preservation" in its title.

The governing body of a city that establishes a commission pursuant to this section, in its sole discretion by ordinance, may abolish the duplicate planning commission.

1993, c. 738, § 15.1-502.1; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 813.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2221. Duties of commissions.
To effectuate this chapter, the local planning commission shall:

1. Exercise general supervision of, and make regulations for, the administration of its affairs;

2. Prescribe rules pertaining to its investigations and hearings;

3. Supervise its fiscal affairs and responsibilities, under rules and regulations as prescribed by the governing body;

4. Keep a complete record of its proceedings; and be responsible for the custody and preservation of its papers and documents;

5. Make recommendations and an annual report to the governing body concerning the operation of the commission and the status of planning within its jurisdiction;

6. Prepare, publish and distribute reports, ordinances and other material relating to its activities;

7. Prepare and submit an annual budget in the manner prescribed by the governing body of the county or municipality; and

8. If deemed advisable, establish an advisory committee or committees.

Code 1950, § 15-963.7; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-444; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2222. Expenditures; gifts and donations.
The local planning commission may expend, under regular local procedure as provided by law, sums appropriated to it for its purposes and activities.

A locality may accept gifts and donations for commission purposes. Any moneys so accepted shall be deposited with the appropriate governing body in a special nonreverting commission fund to be available for expenditure by the commission for the purpose designated by the donor. The disbursing officer of the locality may issue warrants against such special fund only upon vouchers signed by the chairman and the secretary of the commission.

Code 1950, §§ 15-905, 15-917, 15-963.8; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-445; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2223.2. Comprehensive plan to include coastal resource management guidance.
Beginning in 2013, any locality in Tidewater Virginia, as defined in § 62.1-44.15:68, shall incorporate the guidance developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science pursuant to subdivision 9 of § 28.2-1100 into the next scheduled review of its comprehensive plan. The Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science shall provide technical assistance to any such locality upon request.

2011, c. 885.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2223.3. Comprehensive plan shall incorporate strategies to combat projected sea-level rise and recurrent flooding.
Beginning July 1, 2015, any locality included in the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission shall incorporate into the next scheduled and all subsequent reviews of its comprehensive plan strategies to combat projected relative sea-level rise and recurrent flooding. Such review shall be coordinated with the other localities in the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. The Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Emergency Management, the Marine Resources Commission, Old Dominion University, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science shall provide technical assistance to any such locality upon request. Where federal regulations as effective July 1, 2015 require a local hazard mitigation plan for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program, such a plan may also be incorporated into the comprehensive plan. For a locality not participating in the FEMA Community Rating System, the comprehensive plan may include an action plan and time frame for such participation.

2015, c. 186.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2223.4. Comprehensive plan shall provide for transit-oriented development.
Beginning July 1, 2020, each city with a population greater than 20,000 and each county with a population greater than 100,000 shall consider incorporating into the next scheduled and all subsequent reviews of its comprehensive plan strategies to promote transit-oriented development for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated transportation, housing, and land use planning. Such strategies may include (i) locating new housing development, including low-income, affordable housing, in closer proximity to public transit options; (ii) prioritizing transit options with reduced overall carbon emissions; (iii) increasing development density in certain areas; (iv) reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios; or (v) other strategies designed to reduce overall carbon emissions in the locality.

2020, c. 14; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 412.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2223.5. Comprehensive plan shall address manufactured housing.
During an amendment of a locality's comprehensive plan after July 1, 2021, the locality shall incorporate into its comprehensive plan strategies to promote manufactured housing as a source of affordable housing. Such strategies may include (i) the preservation of existing manufactured housing communities, (ii) the creation of new manufactured home communities, and (iii) the creation of new manufactured home subdivisions.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 91, 92.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2224.  Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan; implementation of plan.
A. In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commission shall survey and study such matters as the following:

1. Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production of food and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development, trends of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas, groundwater and surface water availability, quality, and sustainability, geologic factors, population factors, employment, environmental and economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage, flood control and flood damage prevention measures, dam break inundation zones and potential impacts to downstream properties to the extent that information concerning such information exists and is available to the local planning authority, the transmission of electricity, broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and any estimated cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportation improvements, and any cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in both the locality and planning district within which it is situated, and any other matters relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.

However, if a locality chooses not to survey and study historic areas, then the locality shall include historic areas in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic Resources. Furthermore, if a locality chooses not to survey and study mineral resources, then the locality shall include mineral resources in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Energy. The requirement to study the production of food and fiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981.

2. Probable future economic and population growth of the territory and requirements therefor.

B. The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shall include a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unless otherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may include but need not be limited to:

1. An official map;

2. A capital improvements program;

3. A subdivision ordinance;

4. A zoning ordinance and zoning district maps;

5. A mineral resource map;

6. A recreation and sports resource map; and

7. A map of dam break inundation zones.

Code 1950, § 15-964.1; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-447; 1975, c. 641; 1977, c. 228; 1980, c. 322; 1981, c. 418; 1988, c. 438; 1990, c. 97; 1991, c. 280; 1993, cc. 758, 770; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 564; 2007, c. 761; 2008, c. 491; 2018, cc. 420, 691; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 532.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2225. Notice and hearing on plan; recommendation by local planning commission to governing body; posting of plan on website.
Prior to the recommendation of a comprehensive plan or any part thereof, the local planning commission shall (i) post the comprehensive plan or part thereof that is to be considered for recommendation on a website that is maintained by the commission or on any other website on which the commission generally posts information, and that is available to the public or that clearly describes how the public may access information regarding the plan or part thereof being considered for recommendation, (ii) give notice in accordance with § 15.2-2204, and (iii) hold a public hearing on the plan. After the public hearing, the commission may approve, amend and approve, or disapprove the plan. Upon approval, the commission shall by resolution recommend the plan, or part thereof, to the governing body and a copy shall be certified to the governing body. Any comprehensive plan or part thereof approved by the commission pursuant to this section shall be posted on a website that is maintained by the commission or on any other website on which the commission generally posts information, and that is available to the public or that clearly describes how the public may access information regarding the plan or part thereof approved by the commission and certified to the governing body. Inadvertent failure to post information on a website in accordance with this section shall not invalidate action taken by the local planning commission following notice and public hearing as required herein.

Code 1950, §§ 15-908, 15-921, 15-922, 15-964.2, 15-964.3; 1958, c. 389; 1962, c. 407, §§ 15.1-448, 15.1-449; 1968, c. 735; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 642; 1997, c. 587; 2009, c. 605.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2226. Adoption or disapproval of plan by governing body.
After certification of the plan or part thereof, the governing body shall post the comprehensive plan or part thereof certified by the local planning commission on a website that is maintained by the governing body or on any other website on which the governing body generally posts information, and that is available to the public or that clearly describes how the public may access information regarding the plan or part thereof being considered for adoption. After a public hearing with notice as required by § 15.2-2204, the governing body shall proceed to a consideration of the plan or part thereof and shall approve and adopt, amend and adopt, or disapprove the plan. In acting on the plan or part thereof, or any amendments to the plan, the governing body shall act within 90 days of the local planning commission's recommending resolution; however, if a comprehensive plan amendment is initiated by the locality for more than 25 parcels, the governing body shall act within 150 days of the local planning commission's recommending resolution. Any comprehensive plan or part thereof adopted by the governing body pursuant to this section shall be posted on a website that is maintained by the local governing body or on any other website on which the governing body generally posts information, and that is available to the public or that clearly describes how the public may access information regarding the plan or part thereof adopted by the local governing body. Inadvertent failure to post information on a website in accordance with this section shall not invalidate action taken by the governing body following notice and public hearing as required herein.

Code 1950, § 15-964.4; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-450; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 642; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 893; 2009, c. 605; 2020, cc. 132, 760.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2227. Return of plan to local planning commission; resubmission.
If the governing body disapproves the plan, then it shall be returned to the local planning commission for its reconsideration, with a written statement of the reasons for its disapproval.

The commission shall have sixty days in which to reconsider the plan and resubmit it, with any changes, to the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-964.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-451; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2228. Adoption of parts of plan.
As the work of preparing the comprehensive plan progresses, the local planning commission may, from time to time, recommend, and the governing body approve and adopt, parts thereof. Any such part shall cover one or more major sections or divisions of the locality or one or more functional matters.

Code 1950, §§ 15-906, 15-921, 15-964.6; 1958, c. 389; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-452; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2229. Amendments.
After the adoption of a comprehensive plan, all amendments to it shall be recommended, and approved and adopted, respectively, as required by § 15.2-2204. If the governing body desires an amendment, it may prepare such amendment and refer it to the local planning commission for public hearing or direct the local planning commission to prepare an amendment and submit it to public hearing within 60 days or such longer timeframe as may be specified after written request by the governing body. In acting on any amendments to the plan, the governing body shall act within 90 days of the local planning commission's recommending resolution; however, if a comprehensive plan amendment is initiated by the locality for more than 25 parcels, the governing body shall act within 150 days of the local planning commission's recommending resolution. If the local planning commission fails to make a recommendation on the amendment within the aforesaid timeframe, the governing body may conduct a public hearing, which shall be advertised as required by § 15.2-2204.

Code 1950, §§ 15-908, 15-921, 15-964.7; 1958, c. 389; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-453; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 893; 2010, c. 821; 2020, cc. 132, 760.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2230. Plan to be reviewed at least once every five years.
At least once every five years the comprehensive plan shall be reviewed by the local planning commission to determine whether it is advisable to amend the plan.

Code 1950, § 15-964.8; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-454; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2230.1. Public facilities study.
In addition to reviewing the comprehensive plan, the planning commission may make a study of the public facilities, including existing facilities, which would be needed if the comprehensive plan is fully implemented. The study may include estimations of the annual prospective operating costs for such facilities and any revenues, including tax revenues, that may be generated by such facilities. For purposes of the study, public facilities may include but need not be limited to water and sewer lines and treatment plants, schools, public safety facilities, streets and highways. The planning commission may forward the study to the local governing body or any other local, regional, state or federal agency that the planning commission believes might benefit from its findings. The study shall also be forwarded to any utility companies or franchised cable operators that may be impacted by such public facilities. The utility companies, the franchised cable operators, and the locality shall cooperate and coordinate in the relocation of such utilities and cable lines as may be appropriate to avoid unnecessary delays in the construction of public facilities and capital projects by the affected localities, consistent with the service obligations of the utility companies and franchised cable operators. For purposes of this section, the term "utility company" shall not include a municipal utility that operates outside its locality's boundaries.

1998, c. 609; 2012, c. 553.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2231. Inclusion of incorporated towns in county plan; inclusion of adjacent unincorporated territory in municipal plan.
Any county plan may include planning of incorporated towns to the extent to which, in the county local planning commission's judgment, it is related to planning of the unincorporated territory of the county as a whole. However, the plan shall not be considered as a comprehensive plan for any incorporated town unless recommended by the town commission, if any, and adopted by the governing body of the town.

Any municipal plan may include the planning of adjacent unincorporated territory to the extent to which, in the municipal local planning commission's judgment, it is related to the planning of the incorporated territory of the municipality. However, the plan shall not be considered as a comprehensive plan for such unincorporated territory unless recommended by the county commission and approved and adopted by the governing body of the county.

Code 1950, §§ 15-922, 15-964.9; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-455; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2233. Maps to be prepared in localities; what map shall show.
In localities where no official map exists, or where an existing official map is incomplete, the local planning commission may make, or cause to be made, a map showing the location of any:

1. Legally established public street, alley, walkway, waterway, and public area of the locality; and

2. Future or proposed public street, alley, walkway, waterway and public area.

No future or proposed street or street line, waterway, nor public area, shall be shown on an official map unless and until the centerline of the street, the course of the waterway, or the metes and bounds of the public area, have been fixed or determined in relation to known, fixed and permanent monuments by a physical survey or aerial photographic survey thereof. In addition to the centerline of each street, the map shall indicate the width of the right-of-way thereof. Local planning commissions are hereby empowered to make or cause to be made the surveys required herein.

After adoption by the governing body of an official map, the local governing body may acquire in any way permitted by law property which is or may be needed for the construction of any street, alley, walkway, waterway or public area shown on the map. When an application for a building permit is made to a locality for an area shown on the official map as a future or proposed right-of-way, the locality shall have sixty days to either grant or deny the building permit. If the permit is denied for the sole purpose of acquiring the property, the locality has 120 days from the date of denial to acquire the property, either through negotiation or by filing condemnation proceedings. If the locality has not acted within the 120 day period, the building permit shall be issued to the applicant provided all other requirements of law have been met.

Code 1950, § 15-965; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-458; 1976, c. 619; 1988, c. 436; 1995, c. 264; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2234. Adoption; filing in office of clerk of court.
After the official map has been prepared and recommended by the local planning commission it shall be certified by the commission to the governing body of the locality. The governing body may then approve and adopt the map by a majority vote of its membership and publish it as the official map of the locality. No official map shall be adopted by the governing body or have any effect until approved by ordinance duly passed by the governing body of the locality after a public hearing, preceded by public notice as required by § 15.2-2204.

Within thirty days after adoption of the official map the governing body shall cause it to be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court.

Code 1950, § 15-965.1; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-459; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2235. Additions and modifications.
The governing body may by ordinance make, from time to time, other additions to or modifications of the official map by placing thereon the location of any proposed street, street widening, street vacation, waterway, impounding structures and their dam break inundation zones, or public area in accordance with the procedures applicable to the locality.

Prior to making any such additions or modifications to the official map, the governing body shall refer the additions or modifications to the local planning commission for its consideration. The commission shall take action on the proposed additions or modifications within sixty days and report its recommendations to the governing body.

Upon receipt of the report of the commission, the governing body shall hold a public hearing on the proposed addition or modification to the official map and shall give notice of the hearing in accordance with § 15.2-2204. All such reports of the commission, when delivered to the governing body, shall be available for public inspection.

Any ordinance embodying additions to or modifications of the official map shall be adopted by at least the vote required for original adoption of the official map. After the public hearing and the final passage of such ordinance, the additions or modifications shall become a part of the official map of the locality. All changes, additions or modifications of the official map shall be filed with the clerk of the court as provided in § 15.2-2234.

Code 1950, § 15-965.2; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-460; 1988, c. 436; 1997, c. 587; 2008, c. 491.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2236. Periodic review and readoption.
The official map and any additions thereto or modifications thereof shall be reviewed within five years from the date of adoption or readoption of the map by the governing body. The procedure by the local planning commission and the governing body in connection with the review shall conform to that prescribed as to original adoption of the map. Neither the official map nor any additions thereto or modifications thereof shall be of any force or effect for more than five years after adoption or readoption of the map unless readopted by the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-965; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-461; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2237. Consultation with Commonwealth Transportation Board; copies of map and ordinance to be sent to Commonwealth Transportation Board.
During the preparation of an official map the local planning commission shall consult with the Commonwealth Transportation Board or its local representative as to any streets under the jurisdiction of the Board, and prior to recommendation of the map to the governing body it shall submit the map to the Board for comment. Any recommendations of the Board, not incorporated in the official map, shall be forwarded to the governing body when the map is recommended by the commission. When any locality has adopted an official map in accordance with the terms of this chapter a certified copy of the map and ordinance adopting it shall be sent to the Board.

Code 1950, § 15-965.4; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-462; 1988, c. 436; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2238. Authority of counties under Article 2 (§ 33.2-705 et seq.) of Chapter 7 not affected.
The provisions of this article shall not affect the exercise of the authority contained in Article 2 (§ 33.2-705 et seq.) of Chapter 7 by counties that have withdrawn their roads from the secondary state highway system.

Code 1950, § 15-965.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-463; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2239. Local planning commissions to prepare and submit annually capital improvement programs to governing body or official charged with preparation of budget.
A local planning commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, prepare and revise annually a capital improvement program based on the comprehensive plan of the locality for a period not to exceed the ensuing five years. The commission shall submit the program annually to the governing body, or to the chief administrative officer or other official charged with preparation of the budget for the locality, at such time as it or he shall direct. The capital improvement program shall include the commission's recommendations, and estimates of cost of the facilities and life cycle costs, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement the locality chooses to include in its capital improvement plan and as provided for in the comprehensive plan, and the means of financing them, to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal year and in a period not to exceed the next four years, as the basis of the capital budget for the locality. In the preparation of its capital budget recommendations, the commission shall consult with the chief administrative officer or other executive head of the government of the locality, the heads of departments and interested citizens and organizations and shall hold such public hearings as it deems necessary.

Localities may use value engineering for any capital project. For purposes of this section, "value engineering" has the same meaning as that in § 2.2-1133.

Code 1950, § 15-966; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-464; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 650; 1996, c. 553; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 565; 2011, c. 658.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2240. Localities to adopt ordinances regulating subdivision and development of land.
The governing body of every locality shall adopt an ordinance to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.

Code 1950, §§ 15-781, 15-967; 1950, p. 183; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-465; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2241.1. Bonding requirements for the acceptance of dedication for public use of certain facilities.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-2241, provided the developer and the governing body have agreed on the delineation of sections within a proposed development, the developer shall not be required to furnish to the governing body a certified check, cash escrow, bond or letter of credit in the amount of the estimated cost of construction of facilities to be dedicated for public use within each section of the development until such time as construction plans are submitted for the section in which such facilities are to be located.

2007, c. 420.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2241.2. Bonding provisions for decommissioning of solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Decommission" means the removal and proper disposal of solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices on real property that has been determined by the locality to be subject to § 15.2-2232 and therefore subject to this section. "Decommission" includes the reasonable restoration of the real property upon which such solar equipment, facilities, or devices are located, including (i) soil stabilization and (ii) revegetation of the ground cover of the real property disturbed by the installation of such equipment, facilities, or devices.

"Solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices" means any personal property designed and used primarily for the purpose of collecting, generating, or transferring electric energy from sunlight.

B. As part of the local legislative approval process or as a condition of approval of a site plan, a locality shall require an owner, lessee, or developer of real property subject to this section to enter into a written agreement to decommission solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices upon the following terms and conditions: (i) if the party that enters into such written agreement with the locality defaults in the obligation to decommission such equipment, facilities, or devices in the timeframe set out in such agreement, the locality has the right to enter the real property of the record title owner of such property without further consent of such owner and to engage in decommissioning, and (ii) such owner, lessee, or developer provides financial assurance of such performance to the locality in the form of certified funds, cash escrow, bond, letter of credit, or parent guarantee, based upon an estimate of a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth, who is engaged by the applicant, with experience in preparing decommissioning estimates and approved by the locality; such estimate shall not exceed the total of the projected cost of decommissioning, which may include the net salvage value of such equipment, facilities, or devices, plus a reasonable allowance for estimated administrative costs related to a default of the owner, lessee, or developer, and an annual inflation factor.

2019, cc. 743, 744.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2244.1. Additional method for subdivision of a lot for conveyance to a family member.
In addition to § 15.2-2244, a locality may include in its subdivision ordinance provisions permitting a single division of a lot or parcel for the purpose of sale or gift to a member of the immediate family, as defined in § 15.2-2244, of the property owner, if (i) the property has been owned for at least 15 consecutive years by the current owner or member of the immediate family and (ii) the property owner agrees to place a restrictive covenant on the subdivided property that would prohibit the transfer of the property to a nonmember of the immediate family for a period of 15 years. Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (ii), a locality may reduce or provide exceptions to the period of years prescribed in such clause when changed circumstances so require. Upon such modification of a restrictive covenant, a locality shall execute a writing reflecting such modification, which writing shall be recorded in accordance with § 17.1-227. The locality may require that the subdivided lot is no more than one acre and otherwise meets any other express requirement contained in the Code of Virginia or imposed by the local governing body.

2006, c. 456; 2007, c. 856.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2244.2. Subdivision of a lot of property held in trust for a family member.
In addition to §§ 15.2-2244 and 15.2-2244.1, a locality may include in its subdivision ordinance provisions permitting a single division of a lot or parcel for the purpose of sale or gift to a member of the immediate family, as defined in § 15.2-2244, of beneficiaries of a trust, of land held in trust. All trust beneficiaries must (i) be immediate family members as defined in § 15.2-2244, (ii) agree that the property should be subdivided, and (iii) agree to place a restrictive covenant on the subdivided property that would prohibit the transfer of the property to a nonmember of the immediate family for a period of 15 years. Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iii), a locality may reduce or provide exceptions to the period of years prescribed in such clause when changed circumstances so require. Upon such modification of a restrictive covenant, a locality shall execute a writing reflecting such modification, which writing shall be recorded in accordance with § 17.1-227. The locality may require that the subdivided lot is no more than one acre and otherwise meets any other express requirement contained in the Code of Virginia or imposed by the local governing body.

2011, c. 141.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2245.1. Stormwater management ponds; removal of trees.
A locality shall not require, but may permit, the removal of trees to create stormwater management ponds or facilities if the minimum adequate outfall requirements and the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) can otherwise be met.

1998, c. 221.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2246. Site plans submitted in accordance with zoning ordinance.
Site plans or plans of development which are required to be submitted and approved in accordance with subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286 shall be subject to the provisions of §§ 15.2-2241 through 15.2-2245, mutatis mutandis.

Code 1950, §§ 15-781, 15-967.1; 1950, p. 183; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-466; 1970, c. 436; 1973, cc. 169, 480; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 270; 1978, cc. 429, 439, 440; 1979, cc. 183, 188, 395; 1980, cc. 379, 381; 1981, c. 348; 1983, cc. 167, 609; 1984, c. 111; 1985, cc. 422, 455; 1986, c. 54; 1987, c. 717; 1988, cc. 279, 735; 1989, cc. 332, 393, 403, 495; 1990, cc. 170, 176, 287, 708, 973; 1991, cc. 30, 47, 288, 538; 1992, c. 380; 1993, cc. 836, 846, 864; 1994, c. 421; 1995, cc. 386, 388, 389, 452, 457, 474; 1996, cc. 77, 325, 452, 456; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2247. Applicability of subdivision ordinance to manufactured homes.
Any locality may designate by ordinance the areas within its jurisdiction in which manufactured homes may be located or manufactured home parks may be established, notwithstanding the absence of a zoning ordinance in such locality. Such ordinance may also apply to any of the provisions of §§ 15.2-2241 through 15.2-2245 in the regulation and governing of the location, establishment, and operation of manufactured homes or manufactured home parks. The ordinance may apply to any park or portion thereof licensed as a campground pursuant to Title 35.1 of this Code. In the event of irreconcilable conflict between the ordinance and state law, the state law shall supersede the ordinance.

1980, c. 539, § 15.1-466.1; 1981, c. 467; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 77.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2249. Application of county subdivision regulations in area subject to municipal jurisdiction.
The subdivision regulations adopted by the counties of Giles, Clarke, Culpeper, Loudoun or Mecklenburg shall apply in all the unincorporated territory of the county; provided, that no such regulations to be effective in the area of the county subject to municipal jurisdiction shall be finally adopted by the county until the governing body of the municipality shall have been notified in writing of such proposed regulations, and requested to review and approve or disapprove the same, and if such municipality fails to notify the governing body of the county of its disapproval of such regulations within forty-five days after the giving of such notice, the same shall be considered approved; and provided further, that if the municipality has a duly appointed planning commission, the governing body of the county or its agent shall give such notice to such commission as is required to be given the county planning commission by § 15.2-2248, and the provisions of that section shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the actions of such commission and the governing bodies of the county and city, respectively.

Code 1950, §§ 15-787, 15-967.3; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-468; 1979, c. 251; 1980, c. 47; 1982, c. 293, § 15.1-466.01; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2250. Disagreement between county and municipality as to regulations.
When a disagreement arises between the counties of Giles, Clarke, Culpeper, Loudoun or Mecklenburg and a municipality as to what regulations should be adopted for the area, and such difference cannot be amicably settled, then after ten days' prior written notice by either to the other, either or both parties may petition the circuit court for the county wherein the area or a major part thereof lies to decide what regulations are to be adopted. The court shall hear the matter and enter an appropriate order.

Code 1950, §§ 15-788, 15-967.4; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-469; 1979, c. 251; 1980, c. 47; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 22 (PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING)
§ 15.2-2251. Local planning commission shall prepare and recommend ordinance; notice and hearing on ordinance.
In every locality the local planning commission shall prepare and recommend the subdivision ordinance and transmit it to the governing body. The governing body of every locality shall approve and adopt a subdivision ordinance only after notice has been published, and a public hearing held, in accordance with § 15.2-2204.

Code 1950, §§ 15-782, 15-967.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-470; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.