{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2261.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2261.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2261.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2261.html"}],"law_id":87205,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-789, 15-967.10; 1952, c. 333; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-475; 1964, c. 498; 1975, c. 641; 1977, c. 10; 1978, c. 283; 1979, c. 111; 1980, c. 73; 1986, c. 483; 1989, cc. 471, 495; 1990, c. 171; 1992, c. 843; 1993, c. 846; 1996, c. 353; 1997, c.; 2008, c. 426; 2013, c. 509; 2020, c. 138; 2025, c. 594.","full_text":"A\n\nAn approved final subdivision plat which has been recorded or an approved final site plan, hereinafter referred to as “recorded plat or final site plan,” shall be valid for a period of not less than five years from the date of approval thereof or for such longer period as the designated agent may, at the time of approval, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development. A site plan shall be deemed final once it has been reviewed and approved by the locality if the only requirements remaining to be satisfied in order to obtain a building permit are the posting of any bonds and escrows or the submission of any other administrative documents, agreements, deposits, or fees required by the locality in order to obtain the permit. However, any fees that are customarily due and owing at the time of the agency review of the site plan shall be paid in a timely manner.B\n\n1. Upon application of the subdivider or developer filed prior to expiration of a recorded plat or final site plan, the designated agent may grant one or more extensions of such approval for additional periods as the designated agent may, at the time the extension is granted, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development, the laws, ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of the request for an extension.2\n\nIf the designated agent denies an extension requested as provided herein and the subdivider or developer contends that such denial was not properly based on the ordinance applicable thereto, the foregoing considerations for granting an extension, or was arbitrary or capricious, he may appeal to the circuit court having jurisdiction of land subject to the recorded plat or final site plan, provided that such appeal is filed with the circuit court within sixty days of the written denial by the commission or other agency.C\n\nFor so long as the final site plan remains valid in accordance with the provisions of this section, or in the case of a recorded plat for five years after approval, no change or amendment to any local ordinance, map, resolution, rule, regulation, policy or plan adopted subsequent to the date of approval of the recorded plat or final site plan shall adversely affect the right of the subdivider or developer or his successor in interest to commence and complete an approved development in accordance with the lawful terms of the recorded plat or site plan unless the change or amendment is required to comply with state law or there has been a mistake, fraud or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety or welfare.D\n\nApplication for minor modifications to recorded plats or final site plans made during the periods of validity of such plats or plans established in accordance with this section shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions hereof nor shall the approval of minor modifications extend the period of validity of such plats or plans.E\n\nThe provisions of this section shall be applicable to all recorded plats and final site plans valid on or after January 1, 1992. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to affect (i) any litigation concerning the validity of a site plan pending prior to January 1, 1992, or any such litigation nonsuited and thereafter refiled; (ii) the authority of a governing body to impose valid conditions upon approval of any special use permit, conditional use permit or special exception; (iii) the application to individual lots on recorded plats or parcels of land subject to final site plans, to the greatest extent possible, of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.); or (iv) the application to individual lots on recorded plats or parcels of land subject to final site plans of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted to comply with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, § 402 (p.) of the Stormwater Program and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Environmental Protection Agency.F\n\nAn approved final subdivision plat that has been recorded, from which any part of the property subdivided has been conveyed to third parties (other than to the developer or local jurisdiction), or a recorded plat dedicating real property to the local jurisdiction or public body that has been accepted by such grantee, shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time unless and until any portion of the property is subject to a vacation action as set forth in §§ 15.2-2270 through 15.2-2278.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":312278,"text":"An approved final subdivision plat which has been recorded or an approved final site plan, hereinafter referred to as “recorded plat or final site plan,” shall be valid for a period of not less than five years from the date of approval thereof or for such longer period as the designated agent may, at the time of approval, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development. A site plan shall be deemed final once it has been reviewed and approved by the locality if the only requirements remaining to be satisfied in order to obtain a building permit are the posting of any bonds and escrows or the submission of any other administrative documents, agreements, deposits, or fees required by the locality in order to obtain the permit. However, any fees that are customarily due and owing at the time of the agency review of the site plan shall be paid in a timely manner.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":312279,"text":"1. Upon application of the subdivider or developer filed prior to expiration of a recorded plat or final site plan, the designated agent may grant one or more extensions of such approval for additional periods as the designated agent may, at the time the extension is granted, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development, the laws, ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of the request for an extension.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B2"},"2":{"id":312280,"text":"If the designated agent denies an extension requested as provided herein and the subdivider or developer contends that such denial was not properly based on the ordinance applicable thereto, the foregoing considerations for granting an extension, or was arbitrary or capricious, he may appeal to the circuit court having jurisdiction of land subject to the recorded plat or final site plan, provided that such appeal is filed with the circuit court within sixty days of the written denial by the commission or other agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C"},"3":{"id":312281,"text":"For so long as the final site plan remains valid in accordance with the provisions of this section, or in the case of a recorded plat for five years after approval, no change or amendment to any local ordinance, map, resolution, rule, regulation, policy or plan adopted subsequent to the date of approval of the recorded plat or final site plan shall adversely affect the right of the subdivider or developer or his successor in interest to commence and complete an approved development in accordance with the lawful terms of the recorded plat or site plan unless the change or amendment is required to comply with state law or there has been a mistake, fraud or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety or welfare.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"D"},"4":{"id":312282,"text":"Application for minor modifications to recorded plats or final site plans made during the periods of validity of such plats or plans established in accordance with this section shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions hereof nor shall the approval of minor modifications extend the period of validity of such plats or plans.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"5":{"id":312283,"text":"The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all recorded plats and final site plans valid on or after January 1, 1992. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to affect (i) any litigation concerning the validity of a site plan pending prior to January 1, 1992, or any such litigation nonsuited and thereafter refiled; (ii) the authority of a governing body to impose valid conditions upon approval of any special use permit, conditional use permit or special exception; (iii) the application to individual lots on recorded plats or parcels of land subject to final site plans, to the greatest extent possible, of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.); or (iv) the application to individual lots on recorded plats or parcels of land subject to final site plans of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted to comply with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, § 402 (p.) of the Stormwater Program and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Environmental Protection Agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"6":{"id":312284,"text":"An approved final subdivision plat that has been recorded, from which any part of the property subdivided has been conveyed to third parties (other than to the developer or local jurisdiction), or a recorded plat dedicating real property to the local jurisdiction or public body that has been accepted by such grantee, shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time unless and until any portion of the property is subject to a vacation action as set forth in §§ 15.2-2270 through 15.2-2278.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2261\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\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 1952, chapter 333; in 1962, chapter 407; in 1964, chapter 498; in 1975, chapter 641; in 1977, chapter 10; in 1978, chapter 283; in 1979, chapter 111; in 1980, chapter 73; in 1986, chapter 483; in 1989, chapters 471 and 495; in 1990, chapter 171; in 1992, chapter 843; in 1993, chapter 846; in 1996, chapter 353<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 426<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 509<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 138<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 594<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76085,"section_number":"15.2-2209.1","catch_line":"Extension of approvals to address housing crisis","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2209.1\/"},{"id":54128,"section_number":"15.2-2209.1:1","catch_line":"Extension of approvals to address the COVID-19 pandemic","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2209.1_1\/"},{"id":83434,"section_number":"15.2-2220","catch_line":"Duplicate planning commission authorized for certain local governments","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2220\/"},{"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":66152,"section_number":"15.2-2260","catch_line":"Localities may provide for submission of preliminary subdivision plats; how long valid","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2260\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":69505,"section_number":"15.2-2270","catch_line":"Vacation of interests granted to a locality as a condition of site plan approval","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2270\/"},{"id":67221,"section_number":"15.2-2278","catch_line":"Vacating plat of subdivision","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2278\/"},{"id":72347,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:67","catch_line":"Cooperative state-local program","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_67\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155133,"object_type":"law","relational_id":87205,"identifier":"15.2-2261","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2261","url":"\/15.2-2261\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2261\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2261","dublin_core":{"Title":"Recorded plats or final site plans to be valid for not less than five years","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2261","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> An approved final subdivision plat<\/span> which has been recorded or an approved final site plan<\/span>, hereinafter referred to as “recorded plat<\/span> or final site plan<\/span>,” shall be valid for a period of not less than five years from the date of approval thereof or for such longer period as the designated agent<\/span> may, at the time of approval, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development<\/span>. A site plan<\/span> shall be deemed final once it has been reviewed and approved by the locality<\/span> if the only requirements remaining to be satisfied in order<\/span> to obtain a building permit are the posting of any bonds<\/span> and escrows or the submission of any other administrative documents, agreements, deposits, or fees required by the locality<\/span> in order<\/span> to obtain the permit. However, any fees that are customarily due and owing at the time of the agency review of the site plan<\/span> shall be paid in a timely manner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> 1. Upon application of the subdivider or developer filed prior to expiration of a recorded plat<\/span> or final site plan<\/span>, the designated agent<\/span> may grant one or more extensions of such approval for additional periods as the designated agent<\/span> may, at the time the extension is granted, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development<\/span>, the laws<\/span>, ordinances<\/span> and regulations in effect at the time of the request for an extension. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If the designated agent<\/span> denies an extension requested as provided herein and the subdivider or developer contends that such denial was not properly based on the ordinance<\/span> applicable thereto, the foregoing considerations for granting an extension, or was arbitrary or capricious, he may appeal<\/span> to the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> of land subject to the recorded plat<\/span> or final site plan<\/span>, provided that such appeal<\/span> is filed with the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> within sixty days of the written denial by the commission or other agency. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> For so long as the final site plan<\/span> remains valid in accordance with the provisions of this section, or in the case of a recorded plat<\/span> for five years after approval, no change or amendment to any local ordinance<\/span>, map, resolution, rule, regulation, policy or plan adopted subsequent to the date of approval of the recorded plat<\/span> or final site plan<\/span> shall adversely affect the right of the subdivider or developer or his successor in interest to commence and complete an approved development<\/span> in accordance with the lawful terms of the recorded plat<\/span> or site plan<\/span> unless the change or amendment is required to comply with state law<\/span> or there has been a mistake, fraud<\/span> or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety or welfare. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Application for minor<\/span> modifications to recorded plats<\/span> or final site plans<\/span> made during the periods of validity of such plats<\/span> or plans established in accordance with this section shall not constitute a waiver<\/span> of the provisions hereof nor shall the approval of minor<\/span> modifications extend the period of validity of such plats<\/span> or plans. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all recorded plats<\/span> and final site plans<\/span> valid on or after January 1, 1992. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to affect (i) any litigation<\/span> concerning the validity of a site plan<\/span> pending prior to January 1, 1992, or any such litigation<\/span> nonsuited and thereafter refiled; (ii) the authority of a governing body<\/span> to impose valid conditions upon approval of any special use permit, conditional use permit or special exception<\/span>; (iii) the application to individual lots on recorded plats<\/span> or parcels of land subject to final site plans<\/span>, to the greatest extent possible, of the provisions of any local ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.); or (iv) the application to individual lots on recorded plats<\/span> or parcels of land subject to final site plans<\/span> of the provisions of any local ordinance<\/span> adopted to comply with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, § 402 (p.) of the Stormwater Program and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Environmental Protection Agency. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> An approved final subdivision plat<\/span> that has been recorded, from which any part of the property subdivided has been conveyed to third parties (other than to the developer or local jurisdiction<\/span>), or a recorded plat<\/span> dedicating real property to the local jurisdiction<\/span> or public body that has been accepted by such grantee, shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time unless and until any portion of the property is subject to a vacation action as set forth in §§ 15.2-2270<\/a> through 15.2-2278<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRECORDED PLATS OR FINAL SITE PLANS TO BE VALID FOR NOT LESS THAN FIVE YEARS (\u00a7\n15.2-2261)\n\nA. An approved final subdivision plat which has been recorded or an approved\nfinal site plan, hereinafter referred to as “recorded plat or final site\nplan,” shall be valid for a period of not less than five years from the\ndate of approval thereof or for such longer period as the designated agent may,\nat the time of approval, determine to be reasonable, taking into consideration\nthe size and phasing of the proposed development. A site plan shall be deemed\nfinal once it has been reviewed and approved by the locality if the only\nrequirements remaining to be satisfied in order to obtain a building permit are\nthe posting of any bonds and escrows or the submission of any other\nadministrative documents, agreements, deposits, or fees required by the locality\nin order to obtain the permit. However, any fees that are customarily due and\nowing at the time of the agency review of the site plan shall be paid in a\ntimely manner.\n\nB. 1. Upon application of the subdivider or developer filed prior to expiration\nof a recorded plat or final site plan, the designated agent may grant one or\nmore extensions of such approval for additional periods as the designated agent\nmay, at the time the extension is granted, determine to be reasonable, taking\ninto consideration the size and phasing of the proposed development, the laws,\nordinances and regulations in effect at the time of the request for an\nextension.\n\n 2. If the designated agent denies an extension requested as provided herein\n and the subdivider or developer contends that such denial was not properly\n based on the ordinance applicable thereto, the foregoing considerations for\n granting an extension, or was arbitrary or capricious, he may appeal to the\n circuit court having jurisdiction of land subject to the recorded plat or\n final site plan, provided that such appeal is filed with the circuit court\n within sixty days of the written denial by the commission or other agency.\n\nC. For so long as the final site plan remains valid in accordance with the\nprovisions of this section, or in the case of a recorded plat for five years\nafter approval, no change or amendment to any local ordinance, map, resolution,\nrule, regulation, policy or plan adopted subsequent to the date of approval of\nthe recorded plat or final site plan shall adversely affect the right of the\nsubdivider or developer or his successor in interest to commence and complete an\napproved development in accordance with the lawful terms of the recorded plat or\nsite plan unless the change or amendment is required to comply with state law or\nthere has been a mistake, fraud or a change in circumstances substantially\naffecting the public health, safety or welfare.\n\nD. Application for minor modifications to recorded plats or final site plans\nmade during the periods of validity of such plats or plans established in\naccordance with this section shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions\nhereof nor shall the approval of minor modifications extend the period of\nvalidity of such plats or plans.\n\nE. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all recorded plats and\nfinal site plans valid on or after January 1, 1992. Nothing contained in this\nsection shall be construed to affect (i) any litigation concerning the validity\nof a site plan pending prior to January 1, 1992, or any such litigation\nnonsuited and thereafter refiled; (ii) the authority of a governing body to\nimpose valid conditions upon approval of any special use permit, conditional use\npermit or special exception; (iii) the application to individual lots on\nrecorded plats or parcels of land subject to final site plans, to the greatest\nextent possible, of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted pursuant to\nthe Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.); or (iv) the\napplication to individual lots on recorded plats or parcels of land subject to\nfinal site plans of the provisions of any local ordinance adopted to comply with\nthe requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, § 402 (p.) of the\nStormwater Program and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Environmental\nProtection Agency.\n\nF. An approved final subdivision plat that has been recorded, from which any\npart of the property subdivided has been conveyed to third parties (other than\nto the developer or local jurisdiction), or a recorded plat dedicating real\nproperty to the local jurisdiction or public body that has been accepted by such\ngrantee, shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time unless and until\nany portion of the property is subject to a vacation action as set forth in\n§§ 15.2-2270 through 15.2-2278.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-789, 15-967.10; 1952, c. 333; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7\n15.1-475; 1964, c. 498; 1975, c. 641; 1977, c. 10; 1978, c. 283; 1979, c. 111;\n1980, c. 73; 1986, c. 483; 1989, cc. 471, 495; 1990, c. 171; 1992, c. 843; 1993,\nc. 846; 1996, c. 353; 1997, c.; 2008, c. 426; 2013, c. 509; 2020, c. 138; 2025,\nc. 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}}