{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2200.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2200.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2200.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2200.html"}],"law_id":67218,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67218,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2200","catch_line":"Declaration of legislative intent","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-891.1, 15-900, 15-916, 15-961; 1950, pp. 487, 889; 1956, c. 497; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-427; 1975, c. 641; 1981, c. 418; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2013, cc. 149, 213.","full_text":"This chapter is intended to encourage localities to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development of communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully planned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral resources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that the concerns of military installations be recognized and taken into account in consideration of future development of areas immediately surrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders shall be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be provided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and forestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":243668,"text":"This chapter is intended to encourage localities to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development of communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully planned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral resources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that the concerns of military installations be recognized and taken into account in consideration of future development of areas immediately surrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders shall be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be provided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and forestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13080,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12774,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","permalink":{"id":154797,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13080,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12774,"edition_id":1,"name":"Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning","identifier":"22","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":154795,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12774,"identifier":"22","token":"15.2\/II\/22","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":67218,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2200","catch_line":"Declaration of legislative intent","url":"\/15.2-2200\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2200","metadata":false},{"id":77758,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2201","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-2201\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2201","metadata":false},{"id":73449,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2202","catch_line":"Duties of state agencies; electric utilities","url":"\/15.2-2202\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2202","metadata":false},{"id":63989,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2203","catch_line":"Existing planning commissions and boards of zoning appeals; validation of plans previously adopted","url":"\/15.2-2203\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2203","metadata":false},{"id":73996,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2204","catch_line":"Advertisement of plans, ordinances, etc.; joint public hearings; written notice of certain amendments","url":"\/15.2-2204\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2204","metadata":false},{"id":78283,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2205","catch_line":"Additional notice of planning or zoning matters","url":"\/15.2-2205\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2205","metadata":false},{"id":65873,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2206","catch_line":"When locality may require applicant to give notice; how given","url":"\/15.2-2206\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2206","metadata":false},{"id":64104,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2207","catch_line":"Public notice of juvenile residential care facilities in certain localities","url":"\/15.2-2207\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2207","metadata":false},{"id":72291,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2208","catch_line":"Restraining violations of chapter","url":"\/15.2-2208\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2208","metadata":false},{"id":60413,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2208.1","catch_line":"Damages for unconstitutional grant or denial by locality of certain permits and approvals","url":"\/15.2-2208.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2208.1","metadata":false},{"id":55396,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2208.2","catch_line":"Damages for an enforcement action undertaken by a locality with willful disregard for applicable law","url":"\/15.2-2208.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2208.2","metadata":false},{"id":75882,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209","catch_line":"Civil penalties for violations of zoning ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2209\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209","metadata":false},{"id":76085,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209.1","catch_line":"Extension of approvals to address housing crisis","url":"\/15.2-2209.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209.1","metadata":false},{"id":54128,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209.1:1","catch_line":"Extension of approvals to address the COVID-19 pandemic","url":"\/15.2-2209.1_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":55192,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209.1:2","catch_line":"Extension of land use approvals for solar photovoltaic projects","url":"\/15.2-2209.1_2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":83217,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209.2","catch_line":"Public infrastructure maintenance bonds","url":"\/15.2-2209.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209.2","metadata":false},{"id":64238,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2209.3","catch_line":"Residential land development and construction fee transparency; annual report","url":"\/15.2-2209.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2209.3","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":77758,"structure_id":13080,"section_number":"15.2-2201","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-2201\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2201","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2200\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 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 1956, chapter 497; in 1962, chapter 407; in 1975, chapter 641; in 1981, chapter 418; in 1996, chapters 585<\/a> and 600<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 149<\/a> and 213<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":75516,"section_number":"10.1-1321.1","catch_line":"When application for permit considered complete","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1321.1\/"},{"id":61363,"section_number":"10.1-659","catch_line":"Flood protection programs; coordination","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-659\/"},{"id":71811,"section_number":"15.2-107","catch_line":"Advertisement and enactment of certain fees and levies","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-107\/"},{"id":57664,"section_number":"15.2-2121","catch_line":"Regulations as to water, sewer and other facilities in subdivisions and development plans","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2121\/"},{"id":85298,"section_number":"15.2-2210","catch_line":"Creation of local planning commissions; participation in planning district commissions or joint local commissions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2210\/"},{"id":73825,"section_number":"15.2-2283","catch_line":"Purpose of zoning ordinances","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2283\/"},{"id":82967,"section_number":"15.2-3548","catch_line":"Effect on town charter","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3548\/"},{"id":63924,"section_number":"15.2-3916","catch_line":"Creation of townships; effect on town charters; right of certain townships to obtain city status","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3916\/"},{"id":63692,"section_number":"15.2-735.1","catch_line":"Affordable dwelling unit ordinance; permitting certain densities in the comprehensive plan","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-735.1\/"},{"id":85083,"section_number":"15.2-907","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring illegal drug use or other criminal activity","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-907\/"},{"id":63709,"section_number":"25.1-401","catch_line":"Scope of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/25.1-401\/"},{"id":86265,"section_number":"33.2-1218","catch_line":"Removal of billboard signs under this chapter prohibited without just compensation","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1218\/"},{"id":76138,"section_number":"33.2-291","catch_line":"Local authorities subordinate to Authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-291\/"},{"id":83762,"section_number":"45.2-2117","catch_line":" State and local authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-2117\/"},{"id":82691,"section_number":"46.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-100\/"},{"id":68253,"section_number":"46.2-1305","catch_line":"Regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on roadways and parking areas in residential subdivisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1305\/"},{"id":61549,"section_number":"58.1-4109","catch_line":"Submission of preferred casino gaming operator by eligible host city; application for operator's license; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4109\/"},{"id":82281,"section_number":"58.1-4110","catch_line":"Issuance of operator's license to preferred casino gaming operator; standards for licensure; temporary casino gaming allowed under certain conditions","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4110\/"},{"id":81248,"section_number":"62.1-248.1","catch_line":"When application for permit considered complete","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-248.1\/"},{"id":62679,"section_number":"62.1-266","catch_line":"Ground water withdrawal permits","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-266\/"},{"id":69161,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:3","catch_line":"When application for permit considered complete","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_3\/"},{"id":73051,"section_number":"62.1-44.17:1","catch_line":"Permits for confined animal feeding operations","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.17_1\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":154799,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67218,"identifier":"15.2-2200","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2200","url":"\/15.2-2200\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2200\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/1\/15.2-2200","dublin_core":{"Title":"Declaration of legislative intent","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2200","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

This chapter is intended to encourage localities to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development<\/span> of communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully planned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral resources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that the concerns of military installations<\/span> be recognized and taken into account in consideration of future development<\/span> of areas immediately surrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders shall be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be provided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and forestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT (\u00a7 15.2-2200)\n\nThis chapter is intended to encourage localities to improve the public health,\nsafety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future\ndevelopment of communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully\nplanned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility,\nhealth, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral\nresources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in\nfuture growth; that the concerns of military installations be recognized and\ntaken into account in consideration of future development of areas immediately\nsurrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders\nshall be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be\nprovided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and\nforestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant\nwith the efficient and economical use of public funds.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-891.1, 15-900, 15-916, 15-961; 1950, pp. 487, 889;\n1956, c. 497; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-427; 1975, c. 641; 1981, c. 418; 1996, cc.\n585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2013, cc. 149, 213.","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}}