{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2223.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2223.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2223.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2223.html"}],"law_id":56779,"edition_id":1,"section_id":56779,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose","history":"1975, c. 641, \u00a7 15.1-446.1; 1976, c. 650; 1977, c. 228; 1988, c. 268; 1989, c. 532; 1990, c. 19; 1993, cc. 116, 758; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c.; 2003, c. 811; 2004, cc. 691, 799; 2005, cc. 466, 699; 2006, cc. 527, 563, 564; 2007, c. 761; 2012, cc. 729, 733; 2013, cc. 561, 585, 646, 656; 2014, cc. 397, 443; 2018, cc. 420, 691, 796, 828; 2023, cc. 353, 354, 424; 2025, c. 570.","full_text":"A\n\nThe local planning commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction and every governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction.\n\t\t\tIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of growth, and of the probable future requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the territory that will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.\n\t\t\tThe comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement, shown on the plan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be.B\n\n1. As part of the comprehensive plan, each locality shall develop a transportation plan that designates a system of transportation infrastructure needs and recommendations that include the designation of new and expanded transportation facilities and that support the planned development of the territory covered by the plan and shall include, as appropriate, roadways, bicycle accommodations, pedestrian accommodations, railways, bridges, waterways, airports, ports, freight corridors, and public transportation facilities. The plan shall recognize and differentiate among a hierarchy of roads such as expressways, arterials, and collectors. In developing the plan, the locality shall take into consideration how to align transportation infrastructure and facilities with affordable, accessible housing and community services that are located within the territory to facilitate community integration of the elderly and persons with disabilities. The Department of Transportation shall, upon request, provide localities with technical assistance in preparing such transportation plan.2\n\nThe transportation plan shall include a map that shows road and transportation improvements, including the cost estimates of such road and transportation improvements from the Department of Transportation, taking into account the current and future needs of residents in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated.3\n\nThe transportation plan and any amendment to such plan pursuant to § 15.2-2229 shall be consistent with the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Statewide Transportation Plan developed pursuant to § 33.2-353, the Six-Year Improvement Program adopted pursuant to subsection B of § 33.2-214, and the location of routes to be followed by roads comprising systems of state highways pursuant to subsection A of § 33.2-208. The locality shall consult with the Department of Transportation to assure such consistency is achieved. The transportation plan need reflect only those changes in the annual update of the Six-Year Improvement Program that are deemed to be significant, new, expanded, or relocated roadways.4\n\nPrior to the adoption of the transportation plan or any amendment to such plan, the locality shall submit such plan or amendment to the Department of Transportation for review and comment. The Department of Transportation shall conduct its review and provide written comments to the locality on the consistency of the transportation plan or any amendment to the provisions of subdivision 1. The Department of Transportation shall provide such written comments to the locality within 90 days of receipt of the plan or amendment, or such other shorter period of time as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Department of Transportation and the locality.5\n\nThe locality shall submit a copy of the adopted transportation plan or any amendment to such plan to the Department of Transportation for informational purposes. If the Department of Transportation determines that such plan or amendment is not consistent with the provisions of subdivision 1, the Department of Transportation shall notify the Commonwealth Transportation Board so that the Board may take appropriate action in accordance with subsection F of § 33.2-214.6\n\nIf the adopted transportation plan designates corridors planned to be served by mass transit, as defined in § 33.2-100, a portion of its allocation from (i) the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority distribution specified in subdivision B 1 of § 33.2-2510, (ii) the commercial and industrial real property tax revenue specified in § 58.1-3221.3, and (iii) the secondary system road construction program, as described in Article 5 (§ 33.2-351 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 33.2, may be used for the purpose of utility undergrounding in the planned corridor, if the locality matches 100 percent of the state allocation.7\n\nEach locality’s amendments to its transportation plan shall be made on or before its ongoing scheduled date for updating its transportation plan.C\n\nThe comprehensive plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show the locality’s long-range recommendations for the general development of the territory covered by the plan. It may include:1\n\nThe designation of areas for various types of public and private development and use, such as residential, including age-restricted housing, tiny homes, or accessory dwelling units; business; industrial; agricultural; mineral resources; conservation; active and passive recreation; public service; and flood plain and drainage. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “tiny home” means a dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor area, excluding lofts, and the term “accessory dwelling unit” means an independent dwelling unit on a single-family dwelling lot with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to a single-family dwelling unit or in a detached structure on a lot containing a single-family dwelling;2\n\nThe designation of a system of community service facilities such as parks, sports playing fields, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings and institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like;3\n\nThe designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other treatment;4\n\nThe designation of areas for the implementation of reasonable measures to provide for the continued availability, quality, and sustainability of groundwater and surface water;5\n\nA capital improvements program, a subdivision ordinance, a zoning ordinance, and zoning district maps, mineral resource district maps, and agricultural and forestal district maps, where applicable;6\n\nThe location of existing or proposed recycling centers;7\n\nThe location of military bases, military installations, and military airports and their adjacent safety areas; and8\n\nThe designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of 150 kilovolts or more.D\n\nThe comprehensive plan shall include the designation of areas and implementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents of all levels of income in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated.E\n\nThe comprehensive plan shall consider strategies to provide broadband infrastructure that is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents and businesses in the locality. To this end, local planning commissions may consult with and receive technical assistance from the Center for Innovative Technology, among other resources.F\n\nThe comprehensive plan is encouraged to consider strategies to address resilience. As used in this subsection, “resilience” means the capability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to social well-being, health, the economy, and the environment.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":207758,"text":"The local planning commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction and every governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction.\n\t\t\tIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of growth, and of the probable future requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the territory that will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.\n\t\t\tThe comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement, shown on the plan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":207759,"text":"1. As part of the comprehensive plan, each locality shall develop a transportation plan that designates a system of transportation infrastructure needs and recommendations that include the designation of new and expanded transportation facilities and that support the planned development of the territory covered by the plan and shall include, as appropriate, roadways, bicycle accommodations, pedestrian accommodations, railways, bridges, waterways, airports, ports, freight corridors, and public transportation facilities. The plan shall recognize and differentiate among a hierarchy of roads such as expressways, arterials, and collectors. In developing the plan, the locality shall take into consideration how to align transportation infrastructure and facilities with affordable, accessible housing and community services that are located within the territory to facilitate community integration of the elderly and persons with disabilities. The Department of Transportation shall, upon request, provide localities with technical assistance in preparing such transportation plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B2"},"2":{"id":207760,"text":"The transportation plan shall include a map that shows road and transportation improvements, including the cost estimates of such road and transportation improvements from the Department of Transportation, taking into account the current and future needs of residents in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B3"},"3":{"id":207761,"text":"The transportation plan and any amendment to such plan pursuant to § 15.2-2229 shall be consistent with the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Statewide Transportation Plan developed pursuant to § 33.2-353, the Six-Year Improvement Program adopted pursuant to subsection B of § 33.2-214, and the location of routes to be followed by roads comprising systems of state highways pursuant to subsection A of § 33.2-208. The locality shall consult with the Department of Transportation to assure such consistency is achieved. The transportation plan need reflect only those changes in the annual update of the Six-Year Improvement Program that are deemed to be significant, new, expanded, or relocated roadways.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"4":{"id":207762,"text":"Prior to the adoption of the transportation plan or any amendment to such plan, the locality shall submit such plan or amendment to the Department of Transportation for review and comment. The Department of Transportation shall conduct its review and provide written comments to the locality on the consistency of the transportation plan or any amendment to the provisions of subdivision 1. The Department of Transportation shall provide such written comments to the locality within 90 days of receipt of the plan or amendment, or such other shorter period of time as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Department of Transportation and the locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"5":{"id":207763,"text":"The locality shall submit a copy of the adopted transportation plan or any amendment to such plan to the Department of Transportation for informational purposes. If the Department of Transportation determines that such plan or amendment is not consistent with the provisions of subdivision 1, the Department of Transportation shall notify the Commonwealth Transportation Board so that the Board may take appropriate action in accordance with subsection F of § 33.2-214.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"6":{"id":207764,"text":"If the adopted transportation plan designates corridors planned to be served by mass transit, as defined in § 33.2-100, a portion of its allocation from (i) the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority distribution specified in subdivision B 1 of § 33.2-2510, (ii) the commercial and industrial real property tax revenue specified in § 58.1-3221.3, and (iii) the secondary system road construction program, as described in Article 5 (§ 33.2-351 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 33.2, may be used for the purpose of utility undergrounding in the planned corridor, if the locality matches 100 percent of the state allocation.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"7":{"id":207765,"text":"Each locality’s amendments to its transportation plan shall be made on or before its ongoing scheduled date for updating its transportation plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":207766,"text":"The comprehensive plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show the locality’s long-range recommendations for the general development of the territory covered by the plan. It may include:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"C1"},"9":{"id":207767,"text":"The designation of areas for various types of public and private development and use, such as residential, including age-restricted housing, tiny homes, or accessory dwelling units; business; industrial; agricultural; mineral resources; conservation; active and passive recreation; public service; and flood plain and drainage. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “tiny home” means a dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor area, excluding lofts, and the term “accessory dwelling unit” means an independent dwelling unit on a single-family dwelling lot with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to a single-family dwelling unit or in a detached structure on a lot containing a single-family dwelling;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"10":{"id":207768,"text":"The designation of a system of community service facilities such as parks, sports playing fields, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings and institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"11":{"id":207769,"text":"The designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other treatment;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"12":{"id":207770,"text":"The designation of areas for the implementation of reasonable measures to provide for the continued availability, quality, and sustainability of groundwater and surface water;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"13":{"id":207771,"text":"A capital improvements program, a subdivision ordinance, a zoning ordinance, and zoning district maps, mineral resource district maps, and agricultural and forestal district maps, where applicable;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"14":{"id":207772,"text":"The location of existing or proposed recycling centers;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"C7"},"15":{"id":207773,"text":"The location of military bases, military installations, and military airports and their adjacent safety areas; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"C7","prefix_anchor":"C7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"C8"},"16":{"id":207774,"text":"The designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of 150 kilovolts or more.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"C8","prefix_anchor":"C8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C7","next_prefix":"D"},"17":{"id":207775,"text":"The comprehensive plan shall include the designation of areas and implementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents of all levels of income in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C8","next_prefix":"E"},"18":{"id":207776,"text":"The comprehensive plan shall consider strategies to provide broadband infrastructure that is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents and businesses in the locality. To this end, local planning commissions may consult with and receive technical assistance from the Center for Innovative Technology, among other resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"19":{"id":207777,"text":"The comprehensive plan is encouraged to consider strategies to address resilience. As used in this subsection, “resilience” means the capability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to social well-being, health, the economy, and the environment.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13039,"edition_id":1,"name":"The Comprehensive Plan","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12774,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","permalink":{"id":154925,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13039,"identifier":"3","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/3\/","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":56779,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose","url":"\/15.2-2223\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223","metadata":false},{"id":87087,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.1","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to include urban development areas","url":"\/15.2-2223.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.1","metadata":false},{"id":68417,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.2","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to include coastal resource management guidance","url":"\/15.2-2223.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.2","metadata":false},{"id":55415,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.3","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan shall incorporate strategies to combat projected sea-level rise and recurrent flooding","url":"\/15.2-2223.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.3","metadata":false},{"id":72170,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.4","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan shall provide for transit-oriented development","url":"\/15.2-2223.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.4","metadata":false},{"id":84226,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.5","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan shall address manufactured housing","url":"\/15.2-2223.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.5","metadata":false},{"id":81151,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2224","catch_line":" Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan; implementation of plan","url":"\/15.2-2224\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2224","metadata":false},{"id":61112,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2225","catch_line":"Notice and hearing on plan; recommendation by local planning commission to governing body; posting of plan on website","url":"\/15.2-2225\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2225","metadata":false},{"id":69001,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2226","catch_line":"Adoption or disapproval of plan by governing body","url":"\/15.2-2226\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2226","metadata":false},{"id":63697,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2227","catch_line":"Return of plan to local planning commission; resubmission","url":"\/15.2-2227\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2227","metadata":false},{"id":74378,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2228","catch_line":"Adoption of parts of plan","url":"\/15.2-2228\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2228","metadata":false},{"id":54102,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2229","catch_line":"Amendments","url":"\/15.2-2229\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2229","metadata":false},{"id":69077,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2230","catch_line":"Plan to be reviewed at least once every five years","url":"\/15.2-2230\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2230","metadata":false},{"id":79536,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2230.1","catch_line":"Public facilities study","url":"\/15.2-2230.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2230.1","metadata":false},{"id":73268,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2231","catch_line":"Inclusion of incorporated towns in county plan; inclusion of adjacent unincorporated territory in municipal plan","url":"\/15.2-2231\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2231","metadata":false},{"id":74569,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2232","catch_line":"Legal status of plan","url":"\/15.2-2232\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2232","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":87087,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2223.1","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to include urban development areas","url":"\/15.2-2223.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2223\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1975. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 641 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. Unfortunately, the 1975 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 18 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 1976, chapter 650; in 1977, chapter 228; in 1988, chapter 268; in 1989, chapter 532; in 1990, chapter 19; in 1993, chapters 116 and 758; in 1996, chapters 585<\/a> and 600<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 811<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 691<\/a> and 799<\/a>; in 2005, chapters 466<\/a> and 699<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 527<\/a>, 563<\/a>, and 564<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 761<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 729<\/a> and 733<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 561<\/a>, 585<\/a>, 646<\/a>, and 656<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 397<\/a> and 443<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 420<\/a>, 691<\/a>, 796<\/a>, and 828<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 353<\/a>, 354<\/a>, and 424<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 570<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76310,"section_number":"15.2-2222.1","catch_line":"Coordination of state and local transportation planning","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2222.1\/"},{"id":75113,"section_number":"15.2-2297","catch_line":"Same; conditions as part of a rezoning or amendment to zoning map","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2297\/"},{"id":63949,"section_number":"15.2-2298","catch_line":"Same; additional conditions as a part of rezoning or zoning map amendment in certain high-growth localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2298\/"},{"id":78647,"section_number":"15.2-2303.4","catch_line":"Provisions applicable to certain conditional rezoning proffers","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2303.4\/"},{"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":57318,"section_number":"33.2-214","catch_line":"Transportation; Six-Year Improvement Program","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-214\/"},{"id":78990,"section_number":"56-265.2:1","catch_line":"Approval by Commission required for construction of certain gas pipelines and related facilities; notice and hearing","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.2_1\/"},{"id":71170,"section_number":"56-46.1","catch_line":"Commission to consider environmental, economic, and improvements in service reliability factors in approving construction of electrical utility facilities; approval required for construction of certain electrical transmission lines; notice and hearings","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-46.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":54102,"section_number":"15.2-2229","catch_line":"Amendments","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2229\/"},{"id":63006,"section_number":"33.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-100\/"},{"id":79659,"section_number":"33.2-208","catch_line":"Location of routes","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-208\/"},{"id":57318,"section_number":"33.2-214","catch_line":"Transportation; Six-Year Improvement Program","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-214\/"},{"id":61552,"section_number":"33.2-2510","catch_line":"Use of certain revenues by the Authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-2510\/"},{"id":72011,"section_number":"33.2-351","catch_line":"Definition of \"allocation.\"","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-351\/"},{"id":71190,"section_number":"33.2-353","catch_line":"Commonwealth Transportation Board to develop and update Statewide Transportation Plan","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-353\/"},{"id":63213,"section_number":"58.1-3221.3","catch_line":"Classification of certain commercial and industrial real property and taxation of such property by certain localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3221.3\/"}],"permalink":{"id":154927,"object_type":"law","relational_id":56779,"identifier":"15.2-2223","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223","url":"\/15.2-2223\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2223\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2223","dublin_core":{"Title":"Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2223","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The local planning commission<\/span> shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development<\/span> of the territory within its jurisdiction<\/span> and every governing body<\/span> shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction<\/span>.\n\t\t\tIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of growth, and of the probable future requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development<\/span> of the territory that will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order<\/span>, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.\n\t\t\tThe comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement, shown on the plan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> 1. As part of the comprehensive plan, each locality<\/span> shall develop a transportation plan that designates a system of transportation infrastructure needs and recommendations that include the designation of new and expanded transportation facilities and that support the planned development<\/span> of the territory covered by the plan and shall include, as appropriate, roadways, bicycle accommodations, pedestrian accommodations, railways, bridges, waterways, airports, ports, freight corridors, and public transportation facilities. The plan shall recognize and differentiate among a hierarchy of roads such as expressways, arterials, and collectors. In developing the plan, the locality<\/span> shall take into consideration how to align transportation infrastructure and facilities with affordable, accessible housing and community services<\/span> that are located within the territory to facilitate community integration of the elderly and persons with disabilities. The Department of Transportation shall, upon request, provide localities with technical assistance in preparing such transportation plan. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The transportation plan shall include a map that shows road and transportation improvements, including the cost estimates of such road and transportation improvements from the Department of Transportation, taking into account the current and future needs of residents in the locality<\/span> while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality<\/span> is situated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The transportation plan and any amendment to such plan pursuant to § 15.2-2229<\/a> shall be consistent with the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Statewide Transportation Plan developed pursuant to § 33.2-353<\/a>, the Six-Year Improvement Program adopted pursuant to subsection B of § 33.2-214<\/a>, and the location of routes to be followed by roads comprising systems of state highways pursuant to subsection A of § 33.2-208<\/a>. The locality<\/span> shall consult with the Department of Transportation to assure such consistency is achieved. The transportation plan need reflect only those changes in the annual update of the Six-Year Improvement Program that are deemed to be significant, new, expanded, or relocated roadways. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Prior to the adoption of the transportation plan or any amendment to such plan, the locality<\/span> shall submit such plan or amendment to the Department of Transportation for review and comment. The Department of Transportation shall conduct its review and provide written comments to the locality<\/span> on the consistency of the transportation plan or any amendment to the provisions of subdivision 1. The Department of Transportation shall provide such written comments to the locality<\/span> within 90 days of receipt of the plan or amendment, or such other shorter period of time as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Department of Transportation and the locality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The locality<\/span> shall submit a copy of the adopted transportation plan or any amendment to such plan to the Department of Transportation for informational purposes. If the Department of Transportation determines that such plan or amendment is not consistent with the provisions of subdivision 1, the Department of Transportation shall notify the Commonwealth Transportation Board so that the Board may take appropriate action in accordance with subsection F of § 33.2-214<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> If the adopted transportation plan designates corridors planned to be served by mass transit, as defined in § 33.2-100<\/a>, a portion of its allocation from (i) the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority distribution specified in subdivision B 1 of § 33.2-2510<\/a>, (ii) the commercial and industrial real property tax revenue specified in § 58.1-3221.3<\/a>, and (iii) the secondary system road construction program, as described in Article 5 (§ 33.2-351<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 33.2, may be used for the purpose of utility undergrounding in the planned corridor, if the locality<\/span> matches 100 percent of the state allocation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Each locality<\/span>’s amendments to its transportation plan shall be made on or before its ongoing scheduled date for updating its transportation plan. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The comprehensive plan, with the accompanying maps, plats<\/span>, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show the locality<\/span>’s long-range recommendations for the general development<\/span> of the territory covered by the plan. It may include: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The designation of areas for various types of public and private development<\/span> and use, such as residential, including age-restricted housing, tiny homes<\/span>, or accessory dwelling units<\/span>; business; industrial; agricultural; mineral resources; conservation; active and passive recreation; public service; and flood plain and drainage. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “tiny home<\/span>” means a dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor area, excluding lofts, and the term “accessory dwelling unit<\/span>” means an independent dwelling unit on a single-family dwelling lot with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. An accessory dwelling unit<\/span> may be within or attached to a single-family dwelling unit or in a detached structure on a lot containing a single-family dwelling; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The designation of a system of community service<\/span> facilities such as parks, sports playing fields, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings and institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other treatment; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The designation of areas for the implementation of reasonable measures to provide for the continued availability, quality, and sustainability of groundwater and surface water; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> A capital improvements program, a subdivision ordinance<\/span>, a zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span>, and zoning<\/span> district maps, mineral resource district maps, and agricultural and forestal district maps, where applicable; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The location of existing or proposed recycling centers; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The location of military bases, military installations<\/span>, and military airports and their adjacent safety areas; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of 150 kilovolts or more. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The comprehensive plan shall include the designation of areas and implementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents of all levels of income in the locality<\/span> while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality<\/span> is situated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The comprehensive plan shall consider strategies to provide broadband infrastructure that is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents and businesses in the locality<\/span>. To this end, local planning commissions<\/span> may consult with and receive technical assistance from the Center for Innovative Technology, among other resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The comprehensive plan is encouraged to consider strategies to address resilience<\/span>. As used in this subsection, “resilience<\/span>” means the capability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to social well-being, health, the economy, and the environment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO BE PREPARED AND ADOPTED; SCOPE AND PURPOSE (\u00a7 15.2-2223)\n\nA. The local planning commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive\nplan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction and\nevery governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under\nits jurisdiction.\n\t\t\tIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the commission shall make careful\nand comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of\ngrowth, and of the probable future requirements of its territory and\ninhabitants. The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding\nand accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the\nterritory that will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and\nresources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience,\nprosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants, including the elderly and\npersons with disabilities.\n\t\t\tThe comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate\nthe general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature,\nincluding any road improvement and any transportation improvement, shown on the\nplan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be\nextended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed\nin use as the case may be.\n\nB. 1. As part of the comprehensive plan, each locality shall develop a\ntransportation plan that designates a system of transportation infrastructure\nneeds and recommendations that include the designation of new and expanded\ntransportation facilities and that support the planned development of the\nterritory covered by the plan and shall include, as appropriate, roadways,\nbicycle accommodations, pedestrian accommodations, railways, bridges, waterways,\nairports, ports, freight corridors, and public transportation facilities. The\nplan shall recognize and differentiate among a hierarchy of roads such as\nexpressways, arterials, and collectors. In developing the plan, the locality\nshall take into consideration how to align transportation infrastructure and\nfacilities with affordable, accessible housing and community services that are\nlocated within the territory to facilitate community integration of the elderly\nand persons with disabilities. The Department of Transportation shall, upon\nrequest, provide localities with technical assistance in preparing such\ntransportation plan.\n\n 2. The transportation plan shall include a map that shows road and\n transportation improvements, including the cost estimates of such road and\n transportation improvements from the Department of Transportation, taking into\n account the current and future needs of residents in the locality while\n considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which\n the locality is situated.\n\n 3. The transportation plan and any amendment to such plan pursuant to §\n 15.2-2229 shall be consistent with the Commonwealth Transportation\n Board’s Statewide Transportation Plan developed pursuant to §\n 33.2-353, the Six-Year Improvement Program adopted pursuant to subsection B of\n § 33.2-214, and the location of routes to be followed by roads comprising\n systems of state highways pursuant to subsection A of § 33.2-208. The\n locality shall consult with the Department of Transportation to assure such\n consistency is achieved. The transportation plan need reflect only those\n changes in the annual update of the Six-Year Improvement Program that are\n deemed to be significant, new, expanded, or relocated roadways.\n\n 4. Prior to the adoption of the transportation plan or any amendment to such\n plan, the locality shall submit such plan or amendment to the Department of\n Transportation for review and comment. The Department of Transportation shall\n conduct its review and provide written comments to the locality on the\n consistency of the transportation plan or any amendment to the provisions of\n subdivision 1. The Department of Transportation shall provide such written\n comments to the locality within 90 days of receipt of the plan or amendment,\n or such other shorter period of time as may be otherwise agreed upon by the\n Department of Transportation and the locality.\n\n 5. The locality shall submit a copy of the adopted transportation plan or any\n amendment to such plan to the Department of Transportation for informational\n purposes. If the Department of Transportation determines that such plan or\n amendment is not consistent with the provisions of subdivision 1, the\n Department of Transportation shall notify the Commonwealth Transportation\n Board so that the Board may take appropriate action in accordance with\n subsection F of § 33.2-214.\n\n 6. If the adopted transportation plan designates corridors planned to be\n served by mass transit, as defined in § 33.2-100, a portion of its\n allocation from (i) the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority\n distribution specified in subdivision B 1 of § 33.2-2510, (ii) the\n commercial and industrial real property tax revenue specified in §\n 58.1-3221.3, and (iii) the secondary system road construction program, as\n described in Article 5 (§ 33.2-351 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 33.2,\n may be used for the purpose of utility undergrounding in the planned corridor,\n if the locality matches 100 percent of the state allocation.\n\n 7. Each locality’s amendments to its transportation plan shall be made\n on or before its ongoing scheduled date for updating its transportation plan.\n\nC. The comprehensive plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and\ndescriptive matter, shall show the locality’s long-range recommendations\nfor the general development of the territory covered by the plan. It may\ninclude:\n\n 1. The designation of areas for various types of public and private\n development and use, such as residential, including age-restricted housing,\n tiny homes, or accessory dwelling units; business; industrial; agricultural;\n mineral resources; conservation; active and passive recreation; public\n service; and flood plain and drainage. For purposes of this subdivision, the\n term “tiny home” means a dwelling that is 400 square feet or less\n in floor area, excluding lofts, and the term “accessory dwelling\n unit” means an independent dwelling unit on a single-family dwelling lot\n with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. An accessory dwelling unit\n may be within or attached to a single-family dwelling unit or in a detached\n structure on a lot containing a single-family dwelling;\n\n 2. The designation of a system of community service facilities such as parks,\n sports playing fields, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings and\n institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community\n centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like;\n\n 3. The designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other\n treatment;\n\n 4. The designation of areas for the implementation of reasonable measures to\n provide for the continued availability, quality, and sustainability of\n groundwater and surface water;\n\n 5. A capital improvements program, a subdivision ordinance, a zoning\n ordinance, and zoning district maps, mineral resource district maps, and\n agricultural and forestal district maps, where applicable;\n\n 6. The location of existing or proposed recycling centers;\n\n 7. The location of military bases, military installations, and military\n airports and their adjacent safety areas; and\n\n 8. The designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of\n 150 kilovolts or more.\n\nD. The comprehensive plan shall include the designation of areas and\nimplementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance\nof affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs\nof residents of all levels of income in the locality while considering the\ncurrent and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is\nsituated.\n\nE. The comprehensive plan shall consider strategies to provide broadband\ninfrastructure that is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of\nresidents and businesses in the locality. To this end, local planning\ncommissions may consult with and receive technical assistance from the Center\nfor Innovative Technology, among other resources.\n\nF. The comprehensive plan is encouraged to consider strategies to address\nresilience. As used in this subsection, “resilience” means the\ncapability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant\nmulti-hazard threats with minimum damage to social well-being, health, the\neconomy, and the environment.\n\nHISTORY: 1975, c. 641, \u00a7 15.1-446.1; 1976, c. 650; 1977, c. 228; 1988, c. 268;\n1989, c. 532; 1990, c. 19; 1993, cc. 116, 758; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c.;\n2003, c. 811; 2004, cc. 691, 799; 2005, cc. 466, 699; 2006, cc. 527, 563, 564;\n2007, c. 761; 2012, cc. 729, 733; 2013, cc. 561, 585, 646, 656; 2014, cc. 397,\n443; 2018, cc. 420, 691, 796, 828; 2023, cc. 353, 354, 424; 2025, c. 570.","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}}