{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/10.1-200.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/10.1-200.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/10.1-200.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/10.1-200.1.html"}],"law_id":82737,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82737,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.1","catch_line":"State park master planning","history":"1998, c. 780; 2013, c. 43; 2015, cc. 185, 469; 2023, c. 194.","full_text":"A\n\nFor purposes of this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Development of a park&#8221; means any substantial physical alterations within the park boundaries other than those necessary for the repair or maintenance of existing resources or necessary for the development of the master plan.\n\t\t\t&#8220;Substantial improvement&#8221; means physical improvements and structures valued at $2 million or more that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan.B\n\nThe Department shall undertake a master planning process (i) for all existing state parks, (ii) following the acquisition of land for a new state park, and (iii) prior to undertaking substantial improvements to state parks that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan. A master plan shall be considered a guide for the development, utilization and management of a park and its natural, cultural and historic resources and shall be adhered to closely. Each plan shall be developed in stages allowing for public input.\n\t\t\tStage one of the plan shall include the development of a characterization map indicating, at a minimum, boundaries, inholdings, adjacent property holdings, and other features such as slopes, water resources, soil conditions and types, natural resources, and cultural and historic resources. The stage one plan shall include a characterization of the potential types of uses for different portions of the parks and shall provide a narrative description of the natural, physical, cultural and historic attributes of the park. The stage one plan shall include the specific purposes for the park and goals and objectives to support those purposes.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of a stage one plan, a stage two plan shall be developed by the Department which shall include the potential size, types and locations of facilities and the associated infrastructure including roads and utilities, as applicable. Proposed development of any type shall be in keeping with the character of existing improvements, if appropriate, and the natural, cultural and historic heritage and attributes of the park. The stage two plan shall include a proposed plan for phased development of the potential facilities and infrastructure. The Department shall project the development costs and the operational, maintenance, staffing and financial needs necessary for each of the various phases of park development. Projections shall also be made for the park&#8217;s resource management needs and related costs. The projections shall be made part of the stage two plan.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of the stage two plan, the stage one and stage two plans along with supporting documents shall be combined to form a master plan for the park. Development of a park shall not begin until the master plan has been reviewed by the Board of Conservation and Recreation and adopted by the Director.C\n\nAll members of the General Assembly shall be given notice of public meetings and, prior to their adoption, the availability for review of stage one, stage two and master plans and proposed amendments for substantial improvements.D\n\nThe master planning process shall not be considered an impediment to the acquisition of inholdings, adjacent properties to be incorporated into an existing park, or properties acquired for the development of a new park. Such properties, when acquired, shall be incorporated into a park&#8217;s existing master plan as part of that plan&#8217;s next scheduled 10-year review and update, or for a new park, a master plan shall be initiated within five years of finalizing the acquisition.E\n\nStage one and stage two plans shall be considered complete following review and adoption by the Director. Stage one and stage two plans may only be adopted by the Director following public notice and a public meeting. The Director may make nonsubstantial amendments to master plans following public notice. A master plan or a substantial amendment to a master plan may only be adopted by the Director after considering the recommendations of the Board of Conservation and Recreation following public notice and a public meeting.F\n\nThe Department shall solicit and consider public comment in the development of the stage one and two plans as well as the master plan and any amendments thereto. Such solicitation shall include reasonable notice to appropriate trade associations and private businesses within a 10-mile radius of the park that offer similar categories of service, including private campgrounds, marinas, and recreational facilities.G\n\nMaster plans shall be reviewed and updated by the Department and the Board of Conservation and Recreation no less frequently than once every 10 years and shall be referenced in the Virginia Outdoors Plan.H\n\nMaterials, documents and public testimony and input produced or taken for purposes of park planning prior to January 1, 1999, may be utilized in lieu of the process established in this section provided that it conforms with the requirements of this section and that a master plan shall be developed that conforms with this section which shall not be deemed complete until reviewed and approved in accordance with subsection E.I\n\nThe planning process contained in this section satisfies the Department of General Services master planning requirements for lands owned or managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Department of Conservation and Recreation&#8217;s Facility Development Plans shall continue to meet the Department of General Service&#8217;s requirements.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":296393,"text":"For purposes of this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Development of a park&#8221; means any substantial physical alterations within the park boundaries other than those necessary for the repair or maintenance of existing resources or necessary for the development of the master plan.\n\t\t\t&#8220;Substantial improvement&#8221; means physical improvements and structures valued at $2 million or more that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":296394,"text":"The Department shall undertake a master planning process (i) for all existing state parks, (ii) following the acquisition of land for a new state park, and (iii) prior to undertaking substantial improvements to state parks that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan. A master plan shall be considered a guide for the development, utilization and management of a park and its natural, cultural and historic resources and shall be adhered to closely. Each plan shall be developed in stages allowing for public input.\n\t\t\tStage one of the plan shall include the development of a characterization map indicating, at a minimum, boundaries, inholdings, adjacent property holdings, and other features such as slopes, water resources, soil conditions and types, natural resources, and cultural and historic resources. The stage one plan shall include a characterization of the potential types of uses for different portions of the parks and shall provide a narrative description of the natural, physical, cultural and historic attributes of the park. The stage one plan shall include the specific purposes for the park and goals and objectives to support those purposes.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of a stage one plan, a stage two plan shall be developed by the Department which shall include the potential size, types and locations of facilities and the associated infrastructure including roads and utilities, as applicable. Proposed development of any type shall be in keeping with the character of existing improvements, if appropriate, and the natural, cultural and historic heritage and attributes of the park. The stage two plan shall include a proposed plan for phased development of the potential facilities and infrastructure. The Department shall project the development costs and the operational, maintenance, staffing and financial needs necessary for each of the various phases of park development. Projections shall also be made for the park&#8217;s resource management needs and related costs. The projections shall be made part of the stage two plan.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of the stage two plan, the stage one and stage two plans along with supporting documents shall be combined to form a master plan for the park. Development of a park shall not begin until the master plan has been reviewed by the Board of Conservation and Recreation and adopted by the Director.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":296395,"text":"All members of the General Assembly shall be given notice of public meetings and, prior to their adoption, the availability for review of stage one, stage two and master plans and proposed amendments for substantial improvements.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":296396,"text":"The master planning process shall not be considered an impediment to the acquisition of inholdings, adjacent properties to be incorporated into an existing park, or properties acquired for the development of a new park. Such properties, when acquired, shall be incorporated into a park&#8217;s existing master plan as part of that plan&#8217;s next scheduled 10-year review and update, or for a new park, a master plan shall be initiated within five years of finalizing the acquisition.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":296397,"text":"Stage one and stage two plans shall be considered complete following review and adoption by the Director. Stage one and stage two plans may only be adopted by the Director following public notice and a public meeting. The Director may make nonsubstantial amendments to master plans following public notice. A master plan or a substantial amendment to a master plan may only be adopted by the Director after considering the recommendations of the Board of Conservation and Recreation following public notice and a public meeting.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":296398,"text":"The Department shall solicit and consider public comment in the development of the stage one and two plans as well as the master plan and any amendments thereto. Such solicitation shall include reasonable notice to appropriate trade associations and private businesses within a 10-mile radius of the park that offer similar categories of service, including private campgrounds, marinas, and recreational facilities.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":296399,"text":"Master plans shall be reviewed and updated by the Department and the Board of Conservation and Recreation no less frequently than once every 10 years and shall be referenced in the Virginia Outdoors Plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":296400,"text":"Materials, documents and public testimony and input produced or taken for purposes of park planning prior to January 1, 1999, may be utilized in lieu of the process established in this section provided that it conforms with the requirements of this section and that a master plan shall be developed that conforms with this section which shall not be deemed complete until reviewed and approved in accordance with subsection E.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"8":{"id":296401,"text":"The planning process contained in this section satisfies the Department of General Services master planning requirements for lands owned or managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Department of Conservation and Recreation&#8217;s Facility Development Plans shall continue to meet the Department of General Service&#8217;s requirements.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14736,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Parks","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14710,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:37","permalink":{"id":143615,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14736,"identifier":"1","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1","url":"\/10.1\/I\/2\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14710,"edition_id":1,"name":"Parks and Recreation","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12893,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:27","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:27","permalink":{"id":143613,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14710,"identifier":"2","token":"10.1\/I\/2","url":"\/10.1\/I\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12893,"edition_id":1,"name":"Activities Administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12740,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","permalink":{"id":143315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12893,"identifier":"I","token":"10.1\/I","url":"\/10.1\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12740,"edition_id":1,"name":"Conservation","identifier":"10.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":143313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12740,"identifier":"10.1","token":"10.1","url":"\/10.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60384,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200","catch_line":"Duties related to parks and outdoor recreation; additional powers","url":"\/10.1-200\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200","metadata":false},{"id":56518,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.01","catch_line":"Lyme disease signage","url":"\/10.1-200.01\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.01","metadata":false},{"id":82737,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.1","catch_line":"State park master planning","url":"\/10.1-200.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.1","metadata":false},{"id":65516,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.2","catch_line":"Littering in state parks; civil penalty","url":"\/10.1-200.2\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.2","metadata":false},{"id":64528,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.3","catch_line":"Admittance and parking in state parks; prohibitions; civil penalty","url":"\/10.1-200.3\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.3","metadata":false},{"id":80467,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-201","catch_line":"Acquisition of lands of scenic beauty, recreational utility or historical interest","url":"\/10.1-201\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-201","metadata":false},{"id":56447,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202","catch_line":"Gifts, funds, and fees designated for state parks; establishment of funds","url":"\/10.1-202\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202","metadata":false},{"id":58975,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.1","catch_line":"Golden Passport established; free entry into state parks","url":"\/10.1-202.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.1","metadata":false},{"id":71638,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.2","catch_line":"Disabled Veteran's Passport established; free entry into state parks and discounted services","url":"\/10.1-202.2\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.2","metadata":false},{"id":67571,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-202.3","catch_line":"Virginia National Guard Passport established; free entry into and parking at state parks","url":"\/10.1-202.3\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-202.3","metadata":false},{"id":64297,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-203","catch_line":"Establishment, protection and maintenance of Appalachian Trail","url":"\/10.1-203\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-203","metadata":false},{"id":87016,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-204","catch_line":"Statewide system of trails","url":"\/10.1-204\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-204","metadata":false},{"id":56839,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-204.1","catch_line":"(Expires January 1, 2027) State Trails Advisory Committee established; report","url":"\/10.1-204.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-204.1","metadata":false},{"id":80845,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-205","catch_line":"Management of False Cape State Park","url":"\/10.1-205\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-205","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56518,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.01","catch_line":"Lyme disease signage","url":"\/10.1-200.01\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.01","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":65516,"structure_id":14736,"section_number":"10.1-200.2","catch_line":"Littering in state parks; civil penalty","url":"\/10.1-200.2\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-200.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1998. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0780\">780<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2013, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0043\">43<\/a>; in 2015, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?151+ful+CHAP0185\">185<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?151+ful+CHAP0469\">469<\/a>; in 2023, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?231+ful+CHAP0194\">194<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":143625,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82737,"identifier":"10.1-200.1","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.1","url":"\/10.1-200.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-200.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/2\/1\/10.1-200.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"State park master planning","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-200.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> For purposes of this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Development of a park<\/span>&#8221; means any substantial physical alterations within the park boundaries other than those necessary for the repair or maintenance of existing resources or necessary for the development of the master plan.\n\t\t\t&#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">Substantial improvement<\/span>&#8221; means physical improvements and structures valued at $2 million or more that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan. <a id=\"paragraph-296393\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall undertake a master planning process (i) for all existing state parks, (ii) following the acquisition of land for a new state park, and (iii) prior to undertaking <span class=\"dictionary\">substantial improvements<\/span> to state parks that are not already documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan. A master plan shall be considered a guide for the development, utilization and management of a park and its natural, cultural and historic resources and shall be adhered to closely. Each plan shall be developed in stages allowing for public input.\n\t\t\tStage one of the plan shall include the development of a characterization map indicating, at a minimum, boundaries, inholdings, adjacent property holdings, and other features such as slopes, water resources, soil conditions and types, natural resources, and cultural and historic resources. The stage one plan shall include a characterization of the potential types of uses for different portions of the parks and shall provide a narrative description of the natural, physical, cultural and historic attributes of the park. The stage one plan shall include the specific purposes for the park and goals and objectives to support those purposes.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of a stage one plan, a stage two plan shall be developed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> which shall include the potential size, types and locations of facilities and the associated infrastructure including roads and utilities, as applicable. Proposed development of any type shall be in keeping with the character of existing improvements, if appropriate, and the natural, cultural and historic heritage and attributes of the park. The stage two plan shall include a proposed plan for phased development of the potential facilities and infrastructure. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall project the development costs and the operational, maintenance, staffing and financial needs necessary for each of the various phases of park development. Projections shall also be made for the park&#8217;s resource management needs and related costs. The projections shall be made part of the stage two plan.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of the stage two plan, the stage one and stage two plans along with supporting documents shall be combined to form a master plan for the park. <span class=\"dictionary\">Development of a park<\/span> shall not begin until the master plan has been reviewed by the Board of Conservation and Recreation and adopted by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Director<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-296394\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> All members of the General Assembly shall be given notice of public meetings and, prior to their adoption, the availability for review of stage one, stage two and master plans and proposed amendments for <span class=\"dictionary\">substantial improvements<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-296395\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> The master planning process shall not be considered an impediment to the acquisition of inholdings, adjacent properties to be incorporated into an existing park, or properties acquired for the development of a new park. Such properties, when acquired, shall be incorporated into a park&#8217;s existing master plan as part of that plan&#8217;s next scheduled 10-year review and update, or for a new park, a master plan shall be initiated within five years of finalizing the acquisition. <a id=\"paragraph-296396\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> Stage one and stage two plans shall be considered complete following review and adoption by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Director<\/span>. Stage one and stage two plans may only be adopted by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Director<\/span> following public notice and a public meeting. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Director<\/span> may make nonsubstantial amendments to master plans following public notice. A master plan or a substantial amendment to a master plan may only be adopted by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Director<\/span> after considering the recommendations of the Board of Conservation and Recreation following public notice and a public meeting. <a id=\"paragraph-296397\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"F\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">F.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall solicit and consider public comment in the development of the stage one and two plans as well as the master plan and any amendments thereto. Such solicitation shall include reasonable notice to appropriate trade associations and private businesses within a 10-mile radius of the park that offer similar categories of service, including private campgrounds, marinas, and recreational facilities. <a id=\"paragraph-296398\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#F\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"G\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">G.<\/span> Master plans shall be reviewed and updated by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> and the Board of Conservation and Recreation no less frequently than once every 10 years and shall be referenced in the Virginia Outdoors Plan. <a id=\"paragraph-296399\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#G\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">H.<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">Materials<\/span>, documents and public <span class=\"dictionary\">testimony<\/span> and input produced or taken for purposes of park planning prior to January 1, 1999, may be utilized in lieu of the process established in this section provided that it conforms with the requirements of this section and that a master plan shall be developed that conforms with this section which shall not be deemed complete until reviewed and approved in accordance with subsection E. <a id=\"paragraph-296400\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#H\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"I\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">I.<\/span> The planning process contained in this section satisfies the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of General Services master planning requirements for lands owned or managed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Conservation and Recreation. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Conservation and Recreation&#8217;s Facility Development Plans shall continue to meet the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of General Service&#8217;s requirements. <a id=\"paragraph-296401\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-200.1\/#I\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSTATE PARK MASTER PLANNING (\u00a7 10.1-200.1)\n\nA. For purposes of this section, unless the context requires a different\nmeaning:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Development of a park&#8221; means any substantial physical\nalterations within the park boundaries other than those necessary for the repair\nor maintenance of existing resources or necessary for the development of the\nmaster plan.\n\t\t\t&#8220;Substantial improvement&#8221; means physical improvements and\nstructures valued at $2 million or more that are not already documented in a\npark&#8217;s existing master plan.\n\nB. The Department shall undertake a master planning process (i) for all existing\nstate parks, (ii) following the acquisition of land for a new state park, and\n(iii) prior to undertaking substantial improvements to state parks that are not\nalready documented in a park&#8217;s existing master plan. A master plan shall\nbe considered a guide for the development, utilization and management of a park\nand its natural, cultural and historic resources and shall be adhered to\nclosely. Each plan shall be developed in stages allowing for public input.\n\t\t\tStage one of the plan shall include the development of a characterization map\nindicating, at a minimum, boundaries, inholdings, adjacent property holdings,\nand other features such as slopes, water resources, soil conditions and types,\nnatural resources, and cultural and historic resources. The stage one plan shall\ninclude a characterization of the potential types of uses for different portions\nof the parks and shall provide a narrative description of the natural, physical,\ncultural and historic attributes of the park. The stage one plan shall include\nthe specific purposes for the park and goals and objectives to support those\npurposes.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of a stage one plan, a stage two plan shall be developed by\nthe Department which shall include the potential size, types and locations of\nfacilities and the associated infrastructure including roads and utilities, as\napplicable. Proposed development of any type shall be in keeping with the\ncharacter of existing improvements, if appropriate, and the natural, cultural\nand historic heritage and attributes of the park. The stage two plan shall\ninclude a proposed plan for phased development of the potential facilities and\ninfrastructure. The Department shall project the development costs and the\noperational, maintenance, staffing and financial needs necessary for each of the\nvarious phases of park development. Projections shall also be made for the\npark&#8217;s resource management needs and related costs. The projections shall\nbe made part of the stage two plan.\n\t\t\tUpon completion of the stage two plan, the stage one and stage two plans\nalong with supporting documents shall be combined to form a master plan for the\npark. Development of a park shall not begin until the master plan has been\nreviewed by the Board of Conservation and Recreation and adopted by the\nDirector.\n\nC. All members of the General Assembly shall be given notice of public meetings\nand, prior to their adoption, the availability for review of stage one, stage\ntwo and master plans and proposed amendments for substantial improvements.\n\nD. The master planning process shall not be considered an impediment to the\nacquisition of inholdings, adjacent properties to be incorporated into an\nexisting park, or properties acquired for the development of a new park. Such\nproperties, when acquired, shall be incorporated into a park&#8217;s existing\nmaster plan as part of that plan&#8217;s next scheduled 10-year review and\nupdate, or for a new park, a master plan shall be initiated within five years of\nfinalizing the acquisition.\n\nE. Stage one and stage two plans shall be considered complete following review\nand adoption by the Director. Stage one and stage two plans may only be adopted\nby the Director following public notice and a public meeting. The Director may\nmake nonsubstantial amendments to master plans following public notice. A master\nplan or a substantial amendment to a master plan may only be adopted by the\nDirector after considering the recommendations of the Board of Conservation and\nRecreation following public notice and a public meeting.\n\nF. The Department shall solicit and consider public comment in the development\nof the stage one and two plans as well as the master plan and any amendments\nthereto. Such solicitation shall include reasonable notice to appropriate trade\nassociations and private businesses within a 10-mile radius of the park that\noffer similar categories of service, including private campgrounds, marinas, and\nrecreational facilities.\n\nG. Master plans shall be reviewed and updated by the Department and the Board of\nConservation and Recreation no less frequently than once every 10 years and\nshall be referenced in the Virginia Outdoors Plan.\n\nH. Materials, documents and public testimony and input produced or taken for\npurposes of park planning prior to January 1, 1999, may be utilized in lieu of\nthe process established in this section provided that it conforms with the\nrequirements of this section and that a master plan shall be developed that\nconforms with this section which shall not be deemed complete until reviewed and\napproved in accordance with subsection E.\n\nI. The planning process contained in this section satisfies the Department of\nGeneral Services master planning requirements for lands owned or managed by the\nDepartment of Conservation and Recreation. The Department of Conservation and\nRecreation&#8217;s Facility Development Plans shall continue to meet the\nDepartment of General Service&#8217;s requirements.\n\nHISTORY: 1998, c. 780; 2013, c. 43; 2015, cc. 185, 469; 2023, c. 194.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}