{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2272.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2272.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2272.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2272.html"}],"law_id":74652,"edition_id":1,"section_id":74652,"structure_id":14154,"section_number":"15.2-2272","catch_line":"Vacation of plat after sale of lot","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-793, 15-967.17; 1950, p. 722; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7 15.1-482; 1975, c. 641; 1990, c. 719; 1994, c. 341; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225, 242.","full_text":"In cases where any lot has been sold, the plat or part thereof may be vacated according to either of the following methods:\n\n1\n\nBy instrument in writing agreeing to the vacation signed by all the owners of lots shown on the plat and also signed on behalf of the governing body of the locality in which the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated lies for the purpose of showing the approval of the vacation by the governing body. In cases involving drainage easements or street rights-of-way where the vacation does not impede or alter drainage or access for any lot owners other than those lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area, the governing body shall only be required to obtain the signatures of the lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area. The word “owners” shall not include lien creditors except those whose debts are secured by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and shall not include any consort of an owner. The instrument of vacation shall be acknowledged in the manner of a deed and filed for record in the clerk’s office of any court in which the plat is recorded.2\n\nBy ordinance of the governing body of the locality in which the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated lies on motion of one of its members or on application of any interested person. The ordinance shall not be adopted until after notice has been given as required by § 15.2-2204. Any person may appear at the meeting for the purpose of objecting to the adoption of the ordinance. An appeal from the adoption of the ordinance may be filed within thirty days with the circuit court having jurisdiction of the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated. Upon appeal the court may nullify the ordinance if it finds that the owner of any lot shown on the plat will be irreparably damaged. If no appeal from the adoption of the ordinance is filed within the time above provided or if the ordinance is upheld on appeal, a certified copy of the ordinance of vacation may be recorded in the clerk’s office of any court in which the plat is recorded.\n\t\t\tRoads within the secondary system of highways may be vacated under either of the preceding methods and the action will constitute abandonment of the road, provided the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated has been the subject of a rezoning or special exception application approved following public hearings required by § 15.2-2204 and provided the Commissioner of Highways or his agent is notified in writing prior to the public hearing, and provided further that the vacation is necessary in order to implement a proffered condition accepted by the governing body pursuant to §§ 15.2-2297, 15.2-2298 or 15.2-2303 or to implement a condition of special exception approval. All abandonments of roads within the secondary system of highways sought to be effected according to either of the preceding methods before July 1, 1994, are hereby validated, notwithstanding any defects or deficiencies in the proceeding; however, property rights which have vested subsequent to the attempted vacation are not impaired by such validation. The manner of reversion shall not be affected by this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":268291,"text":"In cases where any lot has been sold, the plat or part thereof may be vacated according to either of the following methods:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":268292,"text":"By instrument in writing agreeing to the vacation signed by all the owners of lots shown on the plat and also signed on behalf of the governing body of the locality in which the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated lies for the purpose of showing the approval of the vacation by the governing body. In cases involving drainage easements or street rights-of-way where the vacation does not impede or alter drainage or access for any lot owners other than those lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area, the governing body shall only be required to obtain the signatures of the lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area. The word “owners” shall not include lien creditors except those whose debts are secured by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and shall not include any consort of an owner. The instrument of vacation shall be acknowledged in the manner of a deed and filed for record in the clerk’s office of any court in which the plat is recorded.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":268293,"text":"By ordinance of the governing body of the locality in which the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated lies on motion of one of its members or on application of any interested person. The ordinance shall not be adopted until after notice has been given as required by § 15.2-2204. Any person may appear at the meeting for the purpose of objecting to the adoption of the ordinance. An appeal from the adoption of the ordinance may be filed within thirty days with the circuit court having jurisdiction of the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated. Upon appeal the court may nullify the ordinance if it finds that the owner of any lot shown on the plat will be irreparably damaged. If no appeal from the adoption of the ordinance is filed within the time above provided or if the ordinance is upheld on appeal, a certified copy of the ordinance of vacation may be recorded in the clerk’s office of any court in which the plat is recorded.\n\t\t\tRoads within the secondary system of highways may be vacated under either of the preceding methods and the action will constitute abandonment of the road, provided the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated has been the subject of a rezoning or special exception application approved following public hearings required by § 15.2-2204 and provided the Commissioner of Highways or his agent is notified in writing prior to the public hearing, and provided further that the vacation is necessary in order to implement a proffered condition accepted by the governing body pursuant to §§ 15.2-2297, 15.2-2298 or 15.2-2303 or to implement a condition of special exception approval. All abandonments of roads within the secondary system of highways sought to be effected according to either of the preceding methods before July 1, 1994, are hereby validated, notwithstanding any defects or deficiencies in the proceeding; however, property rights which have vested subsequent to the attempted vacation are not impaired by such validation. The manner of reversion shall not be affected by this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2272\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 6 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 1990, chapter 719; in 1994, chapter 341<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 225<\/a> and 242<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62030,"section_number":"15.2-2265","catch_line":"Recordation of approved plat as transfer of streets, termination of easements and rights-of-way, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2265\/"},{"id":78526,"section_number":"15.2-2273","catch_line":"Fee for processing application under \u00a7 15.2-2271 or \u00a7 15.2-2272","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2273\/"},{"id":63615,"section_number":"15.2-2274","catch_line":"Effect of vacation under \u00a7 15.2-2272","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2274\/"},{"id":67221,"section_number":"15.2-2278","catch_line":"Vacating plat of subdivision","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2278\/"},{"id":65000,"section_number":"33.2-925","catch_line":"Alternative method of abandoning roads","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-925\/"}],"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":75113,"section_number":"15.2-2297","catch_line":"Same; conditions as part of a rezoning or amendment to zoning map","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2297\/"},{"id":63949,"section_number":"15.2-2298","catch_line":"Same; additional conditions as a part of rezoning or zoning map amendment in certain high-growth localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2298\/"},{"id":71508,"section_number":"15.2-2303","catch_line":"Conditional zoning in certain localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2303\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155181,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74652,"identifier":"15.2-2272","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2272","url":"\/15.2-2272\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2272\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/6\/15.2-2272","dublin_core":{"Title":"Vacation of plat after sale of lot","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2272","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In cases where any lot has been sold, the plat<\/span> or part thereof may be vacated according to either of the following methods:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> By instrument in writing agreeing to the vacation signed by all the owners of lots shown on the plat<\/span> and also signed on behalf of the governing body<\/span> of the locality<\/span> in which the land shown on the plat<\/span> or part thereof to be vacated lies for the purpose of showing the approval of the vacation by the governing body<\/span>. In cases involving drainage easements or street<\/span> rights-of-way where the vacation does not impede or alter drainage or access for any lot owners other than those lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area, the governing body<\/span> shall only be required to obtain the signatures of the lot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area. The word “owners” shall not include lien<\/span> creditors<\/span> except those whose debts are secured by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and shall not include any consort of an owner. The instrument of vacation shall be acknowledged in the manner of a deed and filed for record in the clerk’s office of any court<\/span> in which the plat<\/span> is recorded. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> By ordinance<\/span> of the governing body<\/span> of the locality<\/span> in which the land shown on the plat<\/span> or part thereof to be vacated lies on motion<\/span> of one of its members or on application of any interested person. The ordinance<\/span> shall not be adopted until after notice has been given as required by § 15.2-2204<\/a>. Any person may appear at the meeting for the purpose of objecting to the adoption of the ordinance<\/span>. An appeal<\/span> from the adoption of the ordinance<\/span> may be filed within thirty days with the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> of the land shown on the plat<\/span> or part thereof to be vacated. Upon appeal<\/span> the court<\/span> may nullify the ordinance<\/span> if it finds that the owner of any lot shown on the plat<\/span> will be irreparably damaged. If no appeal<\/span> from the adoption of the ordinance<\/span> is filed within the time above provided or if the ordinance<\/span> is upheld on appeal<\/span>, a certified copy of the ordinance<\/span> of vacation may be recorded in the clerk’s office of any court<\/span> in which the plat<\/span> is recorded.\n\t\t\tRoads within the secondary system of highways may be vacated under either of the preceding methods and the action will constitute abandonment of the road, provided the land shown on the plat<\/span> or part thereof to be vacated has been the subject of a rezoning or special exception<\/span> application approved following public hearings<\/span> required by § 15.2-2204<\/a> and provided the Commissioner of Highways or his agent is notified in writing prior to the public hearing<\/span>, and provided further that the vacation is necessary in order<\/span> to implement a proffered condition accepted by the governing body<\/span> pursuant to §§ 15.2-2297<\/a>, 15.2-2298<\/a> or 15.2-2303<\/a> or to implement a condition of special exception<\/span> approval. All abandonments of roads within the secondary system of highways sought to be effected according to either of the preceding methods before July 1, 1994, are hereby validated, notwithstanding any defects or deficiencies in the proceeding; however, property rights which have vested subsequent to the attempted vacation are not impaired by such validation. The manner of reversion shall not be affected by this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nVACATION OF PLAT AFTER SALE OF LOT (\u00a7 15.2-2272)\n\nIn cases where any lot has been sold, the plat or part thereof may be vacated\naccording to either of the following methods:\n\n1. By instrument in writing agreeing to the vacation signed by all the owners of\nlots shown on the plat and also signed on behalf of the governing body of the\nlocality in which the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated lies\nfor the purpose of showing the approval of the vacation by the governing body.\nIn cases involving drainage easements or street rights-of-way where the vacation\ndoes not impede or alter drainage or access for any lot owners other than those\nlot owners immediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area, the\ngoverning body shall only be required to obtain the signatures of the lot owners\nimmediately adjoining or contiguous to the vacated area. The word\n“owners” shall not include lien creditors except those whose debts\nare secured by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and shall not include any\nconsort of an owner. The instrument of vacation shall be acknowledged in the\nmanner of a deed and filed for record in the clerk’s office of any court\nin which the plat is recorded.\n\n2. By ordinance of the governing body of the locality in which the land shown on\nthe plat or part thereof to be vacated lies on motion of one of its members or\non application of any interested person. The ordinance shall not be adopted\nuntil after notice has been given as required by § 15.2-2204. Any person\nmay appear at the meeting for the purpose of objecting to the adoption of the\nordinance. An appeal from the adoption of the ordinance may be filed within\nthirty days with the circuit court having jurisdiction of the land shown on the\nplat or part thereof to be vacated. Upon appeal the court may nullify the\nordinance if it finds that the owner of any lot shown on the plat will be\nirreparably damaged. If no appeal from the adoption of the ordinance is filed\nwithin the time above provided or if the ordinance is upheld on appeal, a\ncertified copy of the ordinance of vacation may be recorded in the clerk’s\noffice of any court in which the plat is recorded.\n\t\t\tRoads within the secondary system of highways may be vacated under either of\nthe preceding methods and the action will constitute abandonment of the road,\nprovided the land shown on the plat or part thereof to be vacated has been the\nsubject of a rezoning or special exception application approved following public\nhearings required by § 15.2-2204 and provided the Commissioner of Highways\nor his agent is notified in writing prior to the public hearing, and provided\nfurther that the vacation is necessary in order to implement a proffered\ncondition accepted by the governing body pursuant to §§ 15.2-2297,\n15.2-2298 or 15.2-2303 or to implement a condition of special exception\napproval. All abandonments of roads within the secondary system of highways\nsought to be effected according to either of the preceding methods before July\n1, 1994, are hereby validated, notwithstanding any defects or deficiencies in\nthe proceeding; however, property rights which have vested subsequent to the\nattempted vacation are not impaired by such validation. The manner of reversion\nshall not be affected by this section.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 15-793, 15-967.17; 1950, p. 722; 1962, c. 407, \u00a7\n15.1-482; 1975, c. 641; 1990, c. 719; 1994, c. 341; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225,\n242.","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}}