{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2224.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2224.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2224.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2224.html"}],"law_id":81151,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-964.1; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-447; 1975, c. 641; 1977, c. 228; 1980, c. 322; 1981, c. 418; 1988, c. 438; 1990, c. 97; 1991, c. 280; 1993, cc. 758, 770; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 564; 2007, c. 761; 2008, c. 491; 2018, cc. 420, 691; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 532.","full_text":"A\n\nIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commission shall survey and study such matters as the following:1\n\nUse of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production of food and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development, trends of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas, groundwater and surface water availability, quality, and sustainability, geologic factors, population factors, employment, environmental and economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage, flood control and flood damage prevention measures, dam break inundation zones and potential impacts to downstream properties to the extent that information concerning such information exists and is available to the local planning authority, the transmission of electricity, broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and any estimated cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportation improvements, and any cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in both the locality and planning district within which it is situated, and any other matters relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.\n\t\t\t\tHowever, if a locality chooses not to survey and study historic areas, then the locality shall include historic areas in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic Resources. Furthermore, if a locality chooses not to survey and study mineral resources, then the locality shall include mineral resources in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Energy. The requirement to study the production of food and fiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981.2\n\nProbable future economic and population growth of the territory and requirements therefor.B\n\nThe comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shall include a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unless otherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may include but need not be limited to:1\n\nAn official map;2\n\nA capital improvements program;3\n\nA subdivision ordinance;4\n\nA zoning ordinance and zoning district maps;5\n\nA mineral resource map;6\n\nA recreation and sports resource map; and7\n\nA map of dam break inundation zones.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":290875,"text":"In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commission shall survey and study such matters as the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":290876,"text":"Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production of food and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development, trends of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas, groundwater and surface water availability, quality, and sustainability, geologic factors, population factors, employment, environmental and economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage, flood control and flood damage prevention measures, dam break inundation zones and potential impacts to downstream properties to the extent that information concerning such information exists and is available to the local planning authority, the transmission of electricity, broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and any estimated cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportation improvements, and any cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in both the locality and planning district within which it is situated, and any other matters relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.\n\t\t\t\tHowever, if a locality chooses not to survey and study historic areas, then the locality shall include historic areas in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic Resources. Furthermore, if a locality chooses not to survey and study mineral resources, then the locality shall include mineral resources in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Energy. The requirement to study the production of food and fiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":290877,"text":"Probable future economic and population growth of the territory and requirements therefor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"B"},"3":{"id":290878,"text":"The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shall include a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unless otherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may include but need not be limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B1"},"4":{"id":290879,"text":"An official map;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"5":{"id":290880,"text":"A capital improvements program;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"6":{"id":290881,"text":"A subdivision ordinance;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"7":{"id":290882,"text":"A zoning ordinance and zoning district maps;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"8":{"id":290883,"text":"A mineral resource map;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"9":{"id":290884,"text":"A recreation and sports resource map; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"10":{"id":290885,"text":"A map of dam break inundation zones.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6"}},"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}],"previous_section":{"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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2224\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 15 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 1962, chapter 407; in 1975, chapter 641; in 1977, chapter 228; in 1980, chapter 322; in 1981, chapter 418; in 1988, chapter 438; in 1990, chapter 97; in 1991, chapter 280; in 1993, chapters 758 and 770; in 1996, chapters 585<\/a> and 600<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 564<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 761<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 491<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 420<\/a> and 691<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":154951,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81151,"identifier":"15.2-2224","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2224","url":"\/15.2-2224\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2224\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2224","dublin_core":{"Title":" Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan; implementation of plan","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2224","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commission<\/span> shall survey and study such matters as the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production of food and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development<\/span>, trends of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas<\/span>, groundwater and surface water availability, quality, and sustainability, geologic factors, population factors, employment, environmental and economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage, flood control and flood damage prevention measures, dam break inundation zones and potential impacts to downstream properties to the extent that information concerning such information exists and is available to the local planning authority, the transmission of electricity, broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and any estimated cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportation improvements, and any cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in both the locality<\/span> and planning district within which it is situated, and any other matters relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.\n\t\t\t\tHowever, if a locality<\/span> chooses not to survey and study historic areas<\/span>, then the locality<\/span> shall include historic areas<\/span> in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic Resources. Furthermore, if a locality<\/span> chooses not to survey and study mineral resources, then the locality<\/span> shall include mineral resources in the comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Energy. The requirement to study the production of food and fiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Probable future economic and population growth of the territory and requirements therefor. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shall include a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unless otherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may include but need not be limited to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> An official map<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A capital improvements program; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A subdivision ordinance<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> A zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span> and zoning<\/span> district maps; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> A mineral resource map; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A recreation and sports resource map; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> A map of dam break inundation zones. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\n SURVEYS AND STUDIES TO BE MADE IN PREPARATION OF PLAN; IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN\n(\u00a7 15.2-2224)\n\nA. In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commission\nshall survey and study such matters as the following:\n\n 1. Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production of\n food and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development, trends\n of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas, groundwater and\n surface water availability, quality, and sustainability, geologic factors,\n population factors, employment, environmental and economic factors, existing\n public facilities, drainage, flood control and flood damage prevention\n measures, dam break inundation zones and potential impacts to downstream\n properties to the extent that information concerning such information exists\n and is available to the local planning authority, the transmission of\n electricity, broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and any estimated\n cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportation improvements, and any\n cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in both the locality and\n planning district within which it is situated, and any other matters relating\n to the subject matter and general purposes of the comprehensive plan.\n \t\t\t\tHowever, if a locality chooses not to survey and study historic areas,\n then the locality shall include historic areas in the comprehensive plan, if\n such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic\n Resources. Furthermore, if a locality chooses not to survey and study mineral\n resources, then the locality shall include mineral resources in the\n comprehensive plan, if such areas are identified and surveyed by the\n Department of Energy. The requirement to study the production of food and\n fiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981.\n\n 2. Probable future economic and population growth of the territory and\n requirements therefor.\n\nB. The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shall\ninclude a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unless\notherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may include\nbut need not be limited to:\n\n 1. An official map;\n\n 2. A capital improvements program;\n\n 3. A subdivision ordinance;\n\n 4. A zoning ordinance and zoning district maps;\n\n 5. A mineral resource map;\n\n 6. A recreation and sports resource map; and\n\n 7. A map of dam break inundation zones.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-964.1; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-447; 1975, c. 641; 1977,\nc. 228; 1980, c. 322; 1981, c. 418; 1988, c. 438; 1990, c. 97; 1991, c. 280;\n1993, cc. 758, 770; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 564; 2007, c.\n761; 2008, c. 491; 2018, cc. 420, 691; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 532.","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}}