{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2254.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2254.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2254.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2254.html"}],"law_id":71129,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71129,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2254","catch_line":"Statutory provisions effective after ordinance adopted","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-784, 15-785, 15-794.1, 15-967.8; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-473; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c.; 2003, c. 408; 2025, c. 594.","full_text":"After the adoption of a subdivision ordinance in accordance with this chapter, the following provisions shall be effective in the territory to which the ordinance applies:\n\n1\n\nNo person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions of this article and of the subdivision ordinance.2\n\nNo plat of any subdivision shall be recorded unless and until it has been submitted to and approved by the designated agent, of the locality wherein the land to be subdivided is located; or by the designated agents, as the case may be, of each locality having a subdivision ordinance, in which any part of the land lies.3\n\nNo person shall sell or transfer any land of a subdivision, before a plat has been duly approved and recorded as provided herein, unless the subdivision was lawfully created prior to the adoption of a subdivision ordinance applicable thereto. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing the recordation of the instrument by which such land is transferred or the passage of title as between the parties to the instrument.4\n\nAny person violating the foregoing provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each lot or parcel of land so subdivided, transferred or sold and shall be required to comply with all provisions of this article and the subdivision ordinance. The description of the lot or parcel by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the transaction from the penalties or remedies herein provided.5\n\nNo clerk of any court shall file or record a plat of a subdivision required by this article to be recorded until the plat has been approved as required herein. The penalties provided by § 17.1-223 shall apply to any failure to comply with the provisions of this subsection.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":256455,"text":"After the adoption of a subdivision ordinance in accordance with this chapter, the following provisions shall be effective in the territory to which the ordinance applies:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":256456,"text":"No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions of this article and of the subdivision ordinance.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":256457,"text":"No plat of any subdivision shall be recorded unless and until it has been submitted to and approved by the designated agent, of the locality wherein the land to be subdivided is located; or by the designated agents, as the case may be, of each locality having a subdivision ordinance, in which any part of the land lies.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":256458,"text":"No person shall sell or transfer any land of a subdivision, before a plat has been duly approved and recorded as provided herein, unless the subdivision was lawfully created prior to the adoption of a subdivision ordinance applicable thereto. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing the recordation of the instrument by which such land is transferred or the passage of title as between the parties to the instrument.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":256459,"text":"Any person violating the foregoing provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each lot or parcel of land so subdivided, transferred or sold and shall be required to comply with all provisions of this article and the subdivision ordinance. The description of the lot or parcel by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the transaction from the penalties or remedies herein provided.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":256460,"text":"No clerk of any court shall file or record a plat of a subdivision required by this article to be recorded until the plat has been approved as required herein. The penalties provided by § 17.1-223 shall apply to any failure to comply with the provisions of this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14154,"edition_id":1,"name":"Land Subdivision and Development","identifier":"6","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12774,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:04","permalink":{"id":155023,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14154,"identifier":"6","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/6\/","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":83925,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2240","catch_line":"Localities to adopt ordinances regulating subdivision and development of land","url":"\/15.2-2240\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2240","metadata":false},{"id":81439,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2241","catch_line":"Mandatory provisions of a subdivision ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2241\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2241","metadata":false},{"id":69877,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2241.1","catch_line":"Bonding requirements for the acceptance of dedication for public use of certain facilities","url":"\/15.2-2241.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2241.1","metadata":false},{"id":62783,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2241.2","catch_line":"Bonding provisions for decommissioning of solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices","url":"\/15.2-2241.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2241.2","metadata":false},{"id":55314,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2242","catch_line":"Optional provisions of a subdivision ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2242\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2242","metadata":false},{"id":74283,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2243","catch_line":"Payment by subdivider of the pro rata share of the cost of certain facilities","url":"\/15.2-2243\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2243","metadata":false},{"id":69771,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2243.1","catch_line":"Payment by developer or subdivider","url":"\/15.2-2243.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2243.1","metadata":false},{"id":79464,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2244","catch_line":"Provisions for subdivision of a lot for conveyance to a family member","url":"\/15.2-2244\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2244","metadata":false},{"id":81830,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2244.1","catch_line":"Additional method for subdivision of a lot for conveyance to a family member","url":"\/15.2-2244.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2244.1","metadata":false},{"id":73711,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2244.2","catch_line":"Subdivision of a lot of property held in trust for a family member","url":"\/15.2-2244.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2244.2","metadata":false},{"id":61355,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2245","catch_line":"Provisions for periodic partial and final release of certain performance guarantees","url":"\/15.2-2245\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2245","metadata":false},{"id":60263,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2245.1","catch_line":"Stormwater management ponds; removal of trees","url":"\/15.2-2245.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2245.1","metadata":false},{"id":84876,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2246","catch_line":"Site plans submitted in accordance with zoning ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2246\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2246","metadata":false},{"id":66691,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2247","catch_line":"Applicability of subdivision ordinance to manufactured homes","url":"\/15.2-2247\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2247","metadata":false},{"id":81106,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2248","catch_line":"Application of certain municipal subdivision regulations beyond corporate limits of municipality","url":"\/15.2-2248\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2248","metadata":false},{"id":73098,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2249","catch_line":"Application of county subdivision regulations in area subject to municipal jurisdiction","url":"\/15.2-2249\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2249","metadata":false},{"id":74890,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2250","catch_line":"Disagreement between county and municipality as to regulations","url":"\/15.2-2250\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2250","metadata":false},{"id":61768,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2251","catch_line":"Local planning commission shall prepare and recommend ordinance; notice and hearing on ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2251\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2251","metadata":false},{"id":81391,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2252","catch_line":"Filing and recording of ordinance and amendments thereto","url":"\/15.2-2252\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2252","metadata":false},{"id":56433,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2253","catch_line":"Preparation and adoption of amendments to ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2253\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2253","metadata":false},{"id":71129,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2254","catch_line":"Statutory provisions effective after ordinance adopted","url":"\/15.2-2254\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2254","metadata":false},{"id":87454,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2255","catch_line":"Administration and enforcement of regulations","url":"\/15.2-2255\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2255","metadata":false},{"id":82493,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2256","catch_line":"Procedure to account for fees for common improvements","url":"\/15.2-2256\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2256","metadata":false},{"id":63483,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2257","catch_line":"Procedure to modify certain covenants in Shenandoah County","url":"\/15.2-2257\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2257","metadata":false},{"id":76956,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2258","catch_line":"Plat of proposed subdivision and site plans to be submitted for approval","url":"\/15.2-2258\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2258","metadata":false},{"id":57717,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2259","catch_line":"Designated agent to act on proposed final plat","url":"\/15.2-2259\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2259","metadata":false},{"id":66152,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2260","catch_line":"Localities may provide for submission of preliminary subdivision plats; how long valid","url":"\/15.2-2260\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2260","metadata":false},{"id":87205,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2261","catch_line":"Recorded plats or final site plans to be valid for not less than five years","url":"\/15.2-2261\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2261","metadata":false},{"id":70475,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2261.1","catch_line":"Recorded plat or final site plans; conflicting zoning conditions","url":"\/15.2-2261.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2261.1","metadata":false},{"id":62994,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2262","catch_line":"Requisites of plat","url":"\/15.2-2262\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2262","metadata":false},{"id":62496,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2263","catch_line":"Expedited land development review procedure","url":"\/15.2-2263\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2263","metadata":false},{"id":59776,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2264","catch_line":"Statement of consent to subdivision; execution; acknowledgment and recordation; notice to commissioner of the revenue or board of real estate assessors","url":"\/15.2-2264\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2264","metadata":false},{"id":62030,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2265","catch_line":"Recordation of approved plat as transfer of streets, termination of easements and rights-of-way, etc","url":"\/15.2-2265\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2265","metadata":false},{"id":76484,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2266","catch_line":"Validation of certain plats recorded before January 1, 1975","url":"\/15.2-2266\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2266","metadata":false},{"id":60990,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2267","catch_line":"Petition to restrict access to certain public streets","url":"\/15.2-2267\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2267","metadata":false},{"id":75430,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2268","catch_line":"Localities not obligated to pay for grading, paving, etc","url":"\/15.2-2268\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2268","metadata":false},{"id":63270,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2269","catch_line":"Plans and specifications for utility fixtures and systems to be submitted for approval","url":"\/15.2-2269\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2269","metadata":false},{"id":69505,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2270","catch_line":"Vacation of interests granted to a locality as a condition of site plan approval","url":"\/15.2-2270\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2270","metadata":false},{"id":60575,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2271","catch_line":"Vacation of plat before sale of lot therein; ordinance of vacation","url":"\/15.2-2271\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2271","metadata":false},{"id":74652,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2272","catch_line":"Vacation of plat after sale of lot","url":"\/15.2-2272\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2272","metadata":false},{"id":78526,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2273","catch_line":"Fee for processing application under \u00a7 15.2-2271 or \u00a7 15.2-2272","url":"\/15.2-2273\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2273","metadata":false},{"id":63615,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2274","catch_line":"Effect of vacation under \u00a7 15.2-2272","url":"\/15.2-2274\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2274","metadata":false},{"id":76597,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2275","catch_line":"Relocation or vacation of boundary lines","url":"\/15.2-2275\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2275","metadata":false},{"id":71806,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2276","catch_line":"Duty of clerk when plat vacated","url":"\/15.2-2276\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2276","metadata":false},{"id":87419,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2277","catch_line":"Franklin County may require that notice be given to deed grantees of certain disclaimers regarding responsibility for roads; county eligible to have certain streets taken into secondary system","url":"\/15.2-2277\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2277","metadata":false},{"id":67221,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2278","catch_line":"Vacating plat of subdivision","url":"\/15.2-2278\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2278","metadata":false},{"id":77000,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2279","catch_line":"Ordinances regulating the building of houses and establishing setback lines","url":"\/15.2-2279\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2279","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56433,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2253","catch_line":"Preparation and adoption of amendments to ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2253\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2253","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":87454,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2255","catch_line":"Administration and enforcement of regulations","url":"\/15.2-2255\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2255","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2254\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 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 2003, chapter 408<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 594<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":78488,"section_number":"17.1-223","catch_line":"Duty of clerk to record writings, etc., and make index","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-223\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155105,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71129,"identifier":"15.2-2254","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2254","url":"\/15.2-2254\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2254\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2254","dublin_core":{"Title":"Statutory provisions effective after ordinance adopted","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2254","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

After the adoption of a subdivision ordinance<\/span> in accordance with this chapter, the following provisions shall be effective in the territory to which the ordinance<\/span> applies:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat<\/span> of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions of this article and of the subdivision ordinance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> No plat<\/span> of any subdivision shall be recorded unless and until it has been submitted to and approved by the designated agent<\/span>, of the locality<\/span> wherein the land to be subdivided is located; or by the designated agents<\/span>, as the case may be, of each locality<\/span> having a subdivision ordinance<\/span>, in which any part of the land lies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> No person shall sell or transfer any land of a subdivision, before a plat<\/span> has been duly approved and recorded as provided herein, unless the subdivision was lawfully created prior to the adoption of a subdivision ordinance<\/span> applicable thereto. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing the recordation of the instrument by which such land is transferred or the passage of title as between the parties to the instrument. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Any person violating the foregoing provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each lot or parcel of land so subdivided, transferred or sold and shall be required to comply with all provisions of this article and the subdivision ordinance<\/span>. The description of the lot or parcel by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the transaction from the penalties or remedies herein provided. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> No clerk of any court<\/span> shall file or record a plat<\/span> of a subdivision required by this article to be recorded until the plat<\/span> has been approved as required herein. The penalties provided by § 17.1-223<\/a> shall apply to any failure to comply with the provisions of this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSTATUTORY PROVISIONS EFFECTIVE AFTER ORDINANCE ADOPTED (\u00a7 15.2-2254)\n\nAfter the adoption of a subdivision ordinance in accordance with this chapter,\nthe following provisions shall be effective in the territory to which the\nordinance applies:\n\n1. No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the\nsubdivision and without fully complying with the provisions of this article and\nof the subdivision ordinance.\n\n2. No plat of any subdivision shall be recorded unless and until it has been\nsubmitted to and approved by the designated agent, of the locality wherein the\nland to be subdivided is located; or by the designated agents, as the case may\nbe, of each locality having a subdivision ordinance, in which any part of the\nland lies.\n\n3. No person shall sell or transfer any land of a subdivision, before a plat has\nbeen duly approved and recorded as provided herein, unless the subdivision was\nlawfully created prior to the adoption of a subdivision ordinance applicable\nthereto. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing the\nrecordation of the instrument by which such land is transferred or the passage\nof title as between the parties to the instrument.\n\n4. Any person violating the foregoing provisions of this section shall be\nsubject to a fine of not more than $500 for each lot or parcel of land so\nsubdivided, transferred or sold and shall be required to comply with all\nprovisions of this article and the subdivision ordinance. The description of the\nlot or parcel by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other\ndocument used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the\ntransaction from the penalties or remedies herein provided.\n\n5. No clerk of any court shall file or record a plat of a subdivision required\nby this article to be recorded until the plat has been approved as required\nherein. The penalties provided by § 17.1-223 shall apply to any failure to\ncomply with the provisions of this subsection.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-784, 15-785, 15-794.1, 15-967.8; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7\n15.1-473; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c.; 2003, c. 408; 2025, c. 594.","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}}