{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2232.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2232.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2232.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2232.html"}],"law_id":74569,"edition_id":1,"section_id":74569,"structure_id":13039,"section_number":"15.2-2232","catch_line":"Legal status of plan","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-909, 15-923, 15-964.10; 1958, c. 389; 1960, c. 567; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-456; 1964, c. 528; 1966, c. 596; 1968, c. 290; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 291; 1978, c. 584; 1982, c. 39; 1987, c. 312; 1989, c. 532; 1990, c. 633; 1997, cc. 587, 858; 1998, c. 683; 2007, c. 801; 2009, cc. 670, 690; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 613; 2018, cc. 175, 318; 2020, c. 665; 2022, c. 181.","full_text":"A\n\nWhenever a local planning commission recommends a comprehensive plan or part thereof for the locality and such plan has been approved and adopted by the governing body, it shall control the general or approximate location, character and extent of each feature shown on the plan. Thereafter, unless a feature is already shown on the adopted master plan or part thereof or is deemed so under subsection D, no street or connection to an existing street, park or other public area, public building or public structure, public utility facility or public service corporation facility other than a railroad facility or an underground natural gas or underground electric distribution facility of a public utility as defined in subdivision (b) of § 56-265.1 within its certificated service territory, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or authorized, unless and until the general location or approximate location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and approved by the commission as being substantially in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any such determination, the commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, hold a public hearing, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204. Following the adoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan by the Commonwealth Transportation Board pursuant to § 33.2-353 and written notification to the affected local governments, each local government through which one or more of the designated corridors of statewide significance traverses, shall, at a minimum, note such corridor or corridors on the transportation plan map included in its comprehensive plan for information purposes at the next regular update of the transportation plan map. Prior to the next regular update of the transportation plan map, the local government shall acknowledge the existence of corridors of statewide significance within its boundaries.B\n\nThe commission shall communicate its findings to the governing body, indicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The governing body may overrule the action of the commission by a vote of a majority of its membership. Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of a submission, unless the time is extended by the governing body, shall be deemed approval. The owner or owners or their agents may appeal the decision of the commission to the governing body within 10 days after the decision of the commission. The appeal shall be by written petition to the governing body setting forth the reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be heard and determined within 60 days from its filing. A majority vote of the governing body shall overrule the commission.C\n\nWidening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change of use of streets or public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving, repair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service extensions of public utilities or public service corporations shall not require approval unless such work involves a change in location or extent of a street or public area.D\n\nAny public area, facility, park or use as set forth in subsection A which is identified within, but not the entire subject of, a submission under either § 15.2-2258 for subdivision or subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286 for development or both may be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master plan, and, therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and approval by the commission or the governing body, provided that the governing body has by ordinance or resolution defined standards governing the construction, establishment or authorization of such public area, facility, park or use or has approved it through acceptance of a proffer made pursuant to § 15.2-2303.E\n\nApproval and funding of a public telecommunications facility on or before July 1, 2012, by the Virginia Public Broadcasting Board pursuant to Article 12 (§ 2.2-2426 et seq.) of Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 or after July 1, 2012, by the Board of Education pursuant to § 22.1-20.1 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section and local zoning ordinances with respect to such facility with the exception of television and radio towers and structures not necessary to house electronic apparatus. The exemption provided for in this subsection shall not apply to facilities existing or approved by the Virginia Public Telecommunications Board prior to July 1, 1990. The Board of Education shall notify the governing body of the locality in advance of any meeting where approval of any such facility shall be acted upon.F\n\nOn any application for a telecommunications facility, the commission’s decision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Failure of the commission to act on any such application for a telecommunications facility under subsection A submitted on or after July 1, 1998, within 90 days of such submission shall be deemed approval of the application by the commission unless the governing body has authorized an extension of time for consideration or the applicant has agreed to an extension of time. The governing body may extend the time required for action by the local commission by no more than 60 additional days. If the commission has not acted on the application by the end of the extension, or by the end of such longer period as may be agreed to by the applicant, the application is deemed approved by the commission.G\n\nA proposed telecommunications tower or a facility constructed by an entity organized pursuant to Chapter 9.1 (§ 56-231.15 et seq.) of Title 56 shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan and commission approval shall not be required if the proposed telecommunications tower or facility is located in a zoning district that allows such telecommunications towers or facilities by right.H\n\nA solar facility subject to subsection A shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan if (i) such proposed solar facility is located in a zoning district that allows such solar facilities by right; (ii) such proposed solar facility is designed to serve the electricity or thermal needs of the property upon which such facility is located, or will be owned or operated by an eligible customer-generator or eligible agricultural customer-generator under § 56-594 or 56-594.01 or by a small agricultural generator under § 56-594.2; or (iii) the locality waives the requirement that solar facilities be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. All other solar facilities shall be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan in accordance with this section. However, a locality may allow for a substantial accord review for such solar facilities to be advertised and approved concurrently in a public hearing process with a rezoning, special exception, or other approval process.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":267982,"text":"Whenever a local planning commission recommends a comprehensive plan or part thereof for the locality and such plan has been approved and adopted by the governing body, it shall control the general or approximate location, character and extent of each feature shown on the plan. Thereafter, unless a feature is already shown on the adopted master plan or part thereof or is deemed so under subsection D, no street or connection to an existing street, park or other public area, public building or public structure, public utility facility or public service corporation facility other than a railroad facility or an underground natural gas or underground electric distribution facility of a public utility as defined in subdivision (b) of § 56-265.1 within its certificated service territory, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or authorized, unless and until the general location or approximate location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and approved by the commission as being substantially in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any such determination, the commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, hold a public hearing, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204. Following the adoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan by the Commonwealth Transportation Board pursuant to § 33.2-353 and written notification to the affected local governments, each local government through which one or more of the designated corridors of statewide significance traverses, shall, at a minimum, note such corridor or corridors on the transportation plan map included in its comprehensive plan for information purposes at the next regular update of the transportation plan map. Prior to the next regular update of the transportation plan map, the local government shall acknowledge the existence of corridors of statewide significance within its boundaries.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":267983,"text":"The commission shall communicate its findings to the governing body, indicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The governing body may overrule the action of the commission by a vote of a majority of its membership. Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of a submission, unless the time is extended by the governing body, shall be deemed approval. The owner or owners or their agents may appeal the decision of the commission to the governing body within 10 days after the decision of the commission. The appeal shall be by written petition to the governing body setting forth the reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be heard and determined within 60 days from its filing. A majority vote of the governing body shall overrule the commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":267984,"text":"Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change of use of streets or public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving, repair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service extensions of public utilities or public service corporations shall not require approval unless such work involves a change in location or extent of a street or public area.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":267985,"text":"Any public area, facility, park or use as set forth in subsection A which is identified within, but not the entire subject of, a submission under either § 15.2-2258 for subdivision or subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286 for development or both may be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master plan, and, therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and approval by the commission or the governing body, provided that the governing body has by ordinance or resolution defined standards governing the construction, establishment or authorization of such public area, facility, park or use or has approved it through acceptance of a proffer made pursuant to § 15.2-2303.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":267986,"text":"Approval and funding of a public telecommunications facility on or before July 1, 2012, by the Virginia Public Broadcasting Board pursuant to Article 12 (§ 2.2-2426 et seq.) of Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 or after July 1, 2012, by the Board of Education pursuant to § 22.1-20.1 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section and local zoning ordinances with respect to such facility with the exception of television and radio towers and structures not necessary to house electronic apparatus. The exemption provided for in this subsection shall not apply to facilities existing or approved by the Virginia Public Telecommunications Board prior to July 1, 1990. The Board of Education shall notify the governing body of the locality in advance of any meeting where approval of any such facility shall be acted upon.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":267987,"text":"On any application for a telecommunications facility, the commission’s decision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Failure of the commission to act on any such application for a telecommunications facility under subsection A submitted on or after July 1, 1998, within 90 days of such submission shall be deemed approval of the application by the commission unless the governing body has authorized an extension of time for consideration or the applicant has agreed to an extension of time. The governing body may extend the time required for action by the local commission by no more than 60 additional days. If the commission has not acted on the application by the end of the extension, or by the end of such longer period as may be agreed to by the applicant, the application is deemed approved by the commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":267988,"text":"A proposed telecommunications tower or a facility constructed by an entity organized pursuant to Chapter 9.1 (§ 56-231.15 et seq.) of Title 56 shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan and commission approval shall not be required if the proposed telecommunications tower or facility is located in a zoning district that allows such telecommunications towers or facilities by right.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":267989,"text":"A solar facility subject to subsection A shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan if (i) such proposed solar facility is located in a zoning district that allows such solar facilities by right; (ii) such proposed solar facility is designed to serve the electricity or thermal needs of the property upon which such facility is located, or will be owned or operated by an eligible customer-generator or eligible agricultural customer-generator under § 56-594 or 56-594.01 or by a small agricultural generator under § 56-594.2; or (iii) the locality waives the requirement that solar facilities be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. All other solar facilities shall be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan in accordance with this section. However, a locality may allow for a substantial accord review for such solar facilities to be advertised and approved concurrently in a public hearing process with a rezoning, special exception, or other approval process.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"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":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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2232\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 22 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 1958, chapter 389; in 1960, chapter 567; in 1962, chapter 407; in 1964, chapter 528; in 1966, chapter 596; in 1968, chapter 290; in 1975, chapter 641; in 1976, chapter 291; in 1978, chapter 584; in 1982, chapter 39; in 1987, chapter 312; in 1989, chapter 532; in 1990, chapter 633; in 1997, chapters 587<\/a> and 858<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 683<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 801<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 670<\/a> and 690<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 613<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 175<\/a> and 318<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 665<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 181<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62783,"section_number":"15.2-2241.2","catch_line":"Bonding provisions for decommissioning of solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2241.2\/"},{"id":60851,"section_number":"15.2-816.1","catch_line":"Underground electric distribution, telecommunications, cable, and other utility facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-816.1\/"},{"id":75556,"section_number":"56-265.2","catch_line":"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.2\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":86211,"section_number":"56-585.1:10","catch_line":"Program for electric infrastructure serving business parks","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-585.1_10\/"},{"id":75808,"section_number":"56-585.1:5","catch_line":"Pilot program for underground transmission lines","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-585.1_5\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":73996,"section_number":"15.2-2204","catch_line":"Advertisement of plans, ordinances, etc.; joint public hearings; written notice of certain amendments","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2204\/"},{"id":76956,"section_number":"15.2-2258","catch_line":"Plat of proposed subdivision and site plans to be submitted for approval","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2258\/"},{"id":67238,"section_number":"15.2-2286","catch_line":"Permitted provisions in zoning ordinances; amendments; applicant to pay delinquent taxes; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2286\/"},{"id":67838,"section_number":"2.2-2426","catch_line":"Repealed","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2426\/"},{"id":56082,"section_number":"22.1-20.1","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Board related to public broadcasting stations; disbursement of funds","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-20.1\/"},{"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":77567,"section_number":"56-231.15","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-231.15\/"},{"id":85772,"section_number":"56-265.1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.1\/"},{"id":76060,"section_number":"56-594","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-594\/"},{"id":74615,"section_number":"56-594.01","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions for electric cooperative service territories","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-594.01\/"},{"id":78424,"section_number":"56-594.2","catch_line":"Small agricultural generators","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-594.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":154987,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74569,"identifier":"15.2-2232","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2232","url":"\/15.2-2232\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2232\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/3\/15.2-2232","dublin_core":{"Title":"Legal status of plan","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2232","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Whenever a local planning commission<\/span> recommends a comprehensive plan or part thereof for the locality<\/span> and such plan has been approved and adopted by the governing body<\/span>, it shall control the general or approximate location, character and extent of each feature shown on the plan. Thereafter, unless a feature is already shown on the adopted master plan or part thereof or is deemed so under subsection D, no street<\/span> or connection to an existing street<\/span>, park or other public area, public building or public structure, public utility facility or public service corporation facility other than a railroad facility or an underground natural gas or underground electric distribution facility of a public utility as defined in subdivision (b) of § 56-265.1<\/a> within its certificated service territory, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or authorized, unless and until the general location or approximate location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and approved by the commission as being substantially in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any such determination, the commission may, and at the direction of the governing body<\/span> shall, hold a public hearing<\/span>, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204<\/a>. Following the adoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan by the Commonwealth Transportation Board pursuant to § 33.2-353<\/a> and written notification to the affected local governments<\/span>, each local government<\/span> through which one or more of the designated corridors of statewide significance traverses, shall, at a minimum, note such corridor or corridors on the transportation plan map included in its comprehensive plan for information purposes at the next regular update of the transportation plan map. Prior to the next regular update of the transportation plan map, the local government<\/span> shall acknowledge the existence of corridors of statewide significance within its boundaries. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The commission shall communicate its findings<\/span> to the governing body<\/span>, indicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The governing body<\/span> may overrule<\/span> the action of the commission by a vote of a majority of its membership. Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of a submission, unless the time is extended by the governing body<\/span>, shall be deemed approval. The owner or owners or their agents may appeal<\/span> the decision of the commission to the governing body<\/span> within 10 days after the decision of the commission. The appeal<\/span> shall be by written petition<\/span> to the governing body<\/span> setting forth the reasons for the appeal<\/span>. The appeal<\/span> shall be heard and determined within 60 days from its filing. A majority vote of the governing body<\/span> shall overrule<\/span> the commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change of use of streets<\/span> or public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving, repair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service extensions of public utilities or public service corporations shall not require approval unless such work involves a change in location or extent of a street<\/span> or public area. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any public area, facility, park or use as set forth in subsection A which is identified within, but not the entire subject of, a submission under either § 15.2-2258<\/a> for subdivision or subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286<\/a> for development<\/span> or both may be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master plan, and, therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and approval by the commission or the governing body<\/span>, provided that the governing body<\/span> has by ordinance<\/span> or resolution defined standards governing the construction, establishment or authorization of such public area, facility, park or use or has approved it through acceptance of a proffer made pursuant to § 15.2-2303<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Approval and funding of a public telecommunications facility on or before July 1, 2012, by the Virginia Public Broadcasting Board pursuant to Article 12 (§ 2.2-2426<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 or after July 1, 2012, by the Board of Education pursuant to § 22.1-20.1<\/a> shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section and local zoning<\/span> ordinances<\/span> with respect to such facility with the exception of television and radio towers and structures not necessary to house electronic apparatus. The exemption provided for in this subsection shall not apply to facilities existing or approved by the Virginia Public Telecommunications Board prior to July 1, 1990. The Board of Education shall notify the governing body<\/span> of the locality<\/span> in advance of any meeting where approval of any such facility shall be acted upon. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> On any application for a telecommunications facility, the commission’s decision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Failure of the commission to act on any such application for a telecommunications facility under subsection A submitted on or after July 1, 1998, within 90 days of such submission shall be deemed approval of the application by the commission unless the governing body<\/span> has authorized an extension of time for consideration or the applicant has agreed to an extension of time. The governing body<\/span> may extend the time required for action by the local commission by no more than 60 additional days. If the commission has not acted on the application by the end of the extension, or by the end of such longer period as may be agreed to by the applicant, the application is deemed approved by the commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> A proposed telecommunications tower or a facility constructed by an entity organized pursuant to Chapter 9.1 (§ 56-231.15<\/a> et seq.) of Title 56 shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan and commission approval shall not be required if the proposed telecommunications tower or facility is located in a zoning<\/span> district that allows such telecommunications towers or facilities by right. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> A solar facility subject to subsection A shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan if (i) such proposed solar facility is located in a zoning<\/span> district that allows such solar facilities by right; (ii) such proposed solar facility is designed to serve the electricity or thermal needs of the property upon which such facility is located, or will be owned or operated by an eligible customer-generator or eligible agricultural customer-generator under § 56-594<\/a> or 56-594.01<\/a> or by a small agricultural generator under § 56-594.2<\/a>; or (iii) the locality<\/span> waives<\/span> the requirement that solar facilities be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. All other solar facilities shall be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan in accordance with this section. However, a locality<\/span> may allow for a substantial accord review for such solar facilities to be advertised and approved concurrently in a public hearing<\/span> process with a rezoning, special exception<\/span>, or other approval process. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLEGAL STATUS OF PLAN (\u00a7 15.2-2232)\n\nA. Whenever a local planning commission recommends a comprehensive plan or part\nthereof for the locality and such plan has been approved and adopted by the\ngoverning body, it shall control the general or approximate location, character\nand extent of each feature shown on the plan. Thereafter, unless a feature is\nalready shown on the adopted master plan or part thereof or is deemed so under\nsubsection D, no street or connection to an existing street, park or other\npublic area, public building or public structure, public utility facility or\npublic service corporation facility other than a railroad facility or an\nunderground natural gas or underground electric distribution facility of a\npublic utility as defined in subdivision (b) of § 56-265.1 within its\ncertificated service territory, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be\nconstructed, established or authorized, unless and until the general location or\napproximate location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and\napproved by the commission as being substantially in accord with the adopted\ncomprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any such determination,\nthe commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, hold a\npublic hearing, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204. Following the\nadoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan by the Commonwealth Transportation\nBoard pursuant to § 33.2-353 and written notification to the affected local\ngovernments, each local government through which one or more of the designated\ncorridors of statewide significance traverses, shall, at a minimum, note such\ncorridor or corridors on the transportation plan map included in its\ncomprehensive plan for information purposes at the next regular update of the\ntransportation plan map. Prior to the next regular update of the transportation\nplan map, the local government shall acknowledge the existence of corridors of\nstatewide significance within its boundaries.\n\nB. The commission shall communicate its findings to the governing body,\nindicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The\ngoverning body may overrule the action of the commission by a vote of a majority\nof its membership. Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of a\nsubmission, unless the time is extended by the governing body, shall be deemed\napproval. The owner or owners or their agents may appeal the decision of the\ncommission to the governing body within 10 days after the decision of the\ncommission. The appeal shall be by written petition to the governing body\nsetting forth the reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be heard and\ndetermined within 60 days from its filing. A majority vote of the governing body\nshall overrule the commission.\n\nC. Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change of use of\nstreets or public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving,\nrepair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service\nextensions of public utilities or public service corporations shall not require\napproval unless such work involves a change in location or extent of a street or\npublic area.\n\nD. Any public area, facility, park or use as set forth in subsection A which is\nidentified within, but not the entire subject of, a submission under either\n§ 15.2-2258 for subdivision or subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286 for\ndevelopment or both may be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master\nplan, and, therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and\napproval by the commission or the governing body, provided that the governing\nbody has by ordinance or resolution defined standards governing the\nconstruction, establishment or authorization of such public area, facility, park\nor use or has approved it through acceptance of a proffer made pursuant to\n§ 15.2-2303.\n\nE. Approval and funding of a public telecommunications facility on or before\nJuly 1, 2012, by the Virginia Public Broadcasting Board pursuant to Article 12\n(§ 2.2-2426 et seq.) of Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 or after July 1, 2012, by\nthe Board of Education pursuant to § 22.1-20.1 shall be deemed to satisfy\nthe requirements of this section and local zoning ordinances with respect to\nsuch facility with the exception of television and radio towers and structures\nnot necessary to house electronic apparatus. The exemption provided for in this\nsubsection shall not apply to facilities existing or approved by the Virginia\nPublic Telecommunications Board prior to July 1, 1990. The Board of Education\nshall notify the governing body of the locality in advance of any meeting where\napproval of any such facility shall be acted upon.\n\nF. On any application for a telecommunications facility, the commission’s\ndecision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications\nAct of 1996. Failure of the commission to act on any such application for a\ntelecommunications facility under subsection A submitted on or after July 1,\n1998, within 90 days of such submission shall be deemed approval of the\napplication by the commission unless the governing body has authorized an\nextension of time for consideration or the applicant has agreed to an extension\nof time. The governing body may extend the time required for action by the local\ncommission by no more than 60 additional days. If the commission has not acted\non the application by the end of the extension, or by the end of such longer\nperiod as may be agreed to by the applicant, the application is deemed approved\nby the commission.\n\nG. A proposed telecommunications tower or a facility constructed by an entity\norganized pursuant to Chapter 9.1 (§ 56-231.15 et seq.) of Title 56 shall\nbe deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan and\ncommission approval shall not be required if the proposed telecommunications\ntower or facility is located in a zoning district that allows such\ntelecommunications towers or facilities by right.\n\nH. A solar facility subject to subsection A shall be deemed to be substantially\nin accord with the comprehensive plan if (i) such proposed solar facility is\nlocated in a zoning district that allows such solar facilities by right; (ii)\nsuch proposed solar facility is designed to serve the electricity or thermal\nneeds of the property upon which such facility is located, or will be owned or\noperated by an eligible customer-generator or eligible agricultural\ncustomer-generator under § 56-594 or 56-594.01 or by a small agricultural\ngenerator under § 56-594.2; or (iii) the locality waives the requirement\nthat solar facilities be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive\nplan. All other solar facilities shall be reviewed for substantial accord with\nthe comprehensive plan in accordance with this section. However, a locality may\nallow for a substantial accord review for such solar facilities to be advertised\nand approved concurrently in a public hearing process with a rezoning, special\nexception, or other approval process.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-909, 15-923, 15-964.10; 1958, c. 389; 1960, c. 567;\n1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-456; 1964, c. 528; 1966, c. 596; 1968, c. 290; 1975, c.\n641; 1976, c. 291; 1978, c. 584; 1982, c. 39; 1987, c. 312; 1989, c. 532; 1990,\nc. 633; 1997, cc. 587, 858; 1998, c. 683; 2007, c. 801; 2009, cc. 670, 690;\n2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 613; 2018, cc. 175, 318; 2020, c. 665; 2022, c.\n181.","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}}