{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2288.6.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2288.6.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2288.6.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2288.6.html"}],"law_id":75049,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75049,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.6","catch_line":"Agricultural operations; local regulation of certain activities","history":"2014, cc. 153, 494; 2022, c. 204.","full_text":"A\n\nNo locality shall regulate the carrying out of any of the following activities at an agricultural operation, as defined in \u00a7 3.2-300, unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public:1\n\nAgritourism activities as defined in § 3.2-6400;2\n\nThe sale of agricultural or silvicultural products, or the sale of agricultural-related or silvicultural-related items incidental to the agricultural operation;3\n\nThe preparation, processing, or sale of food products in compliance with subdivisions C 3, 4, and 5 of § 3.2-5130 or related state laws and regulations; or4\n\nOther activities or events that are usual and customary at Virginia agricultural operations.\n\t\t\t\tAny local restriction placed on an activity listed in this subsection shall be reasonable and shall take into account the economic impact of the restriction on the agricultural operation and the agricultural nature of the activity.B\n\nNo locality shall require a special exception, administrative permit not required by state law, or special use permit for any activity listed in subsection A on property that is zoned as an agricultural district or classification unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.C\n\nExcept regarding the sound generated by outdoor amplified music, no local ordinance regulating the sound generated by any activity listed in subsection A shall be more restrictive than the general noise ordinance of the locality. In permitting outdoor amplified music at an agricultural operation, the locality shall consider the effect on adjoining property owners and nearby residents.D\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not affect any entity licensed in accordance with Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 3.2-300 et seq.) of Title 3.2, to alter the provisions of § 15.2-2288.3, or to restrict the authority of any locality under Title 58.1.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":269549,"text":"No locality shall regulate the carrying out of any of the following activities at an agricultural operation, as defined in \u00a7 3.2-300, unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":269550,"text":"Agritourism activities as defined in § 3.2-6400;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":269551,"text":"The sale of agricultural or silvicultural products, or the sale of agricultural-related or silvicultural-related items incidental to the agricultural operation;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":269552,"text":"The preparation, processing, or sale of food products in compliance with subdivisions C 3, 4, and 5 of § 3.2-5130 or related state laws and regulations; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":269553,"text":"Other activities or events that are usual and customary at Virginia agricultural operations.\n\t\t\t\tAny local restriction placed on an activity listed in this subsection shall be reasonable and shall take into account the economic impact of the restriction on the agricultural operation and the agricultural nature of the activity.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":269554,"text":"No locality shall require a special exception, administrative permit not required by state law, or special use permit for any activity listed in subsection A on property that is zoned as an agricultural district or classification unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":269555,"text":"Except regarding the sound generated by outdoor amplified music, no local ordinance regulating the sound generated by any activity listed in subsection A shall be more restrictive than the general noise ordinance of the locality. In permitting outdoor amplified music at an agricultural operation, the locality shall consider the effect on adjoining property owners and nearby residents.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":269556,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not affect any entity licensed in accordance with Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 3.2-300 et seq.) of Title 3.2, to alter the provisions of § 15.2-2288.3, or to restrict the authority of any locality under Title 58.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12775,"edition_id":1,"name":"Zoning","identifier":"7","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12774,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":155213,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12775,"identifier":"7","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/7\/","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":56618,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2280","catch_line":"Zoning ordinances generally","url":"\/15.2-2280\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2280","metadata":false},{"id":56632,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2281","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of localities","url":"\/15.2-2281\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2281","metadata":false},{"id":72266,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2282","catch_line":"Regulations to be uniform","url":"\/15.2-2282\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2282","metadata":false},{"id":73825,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2283","catch_line":"Purpose of zoning ordinances","url":"\/15.2-2283\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2283","metadata":false},{"id":70348,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2283.1","catch_line":"Prohibition of sexual offender treatment office in residentially zoned subdivision","url":"\/15.2-2283.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2283.1","metadata":false},{"id":55641,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2284","catch_line":"Matters to be considered in drawing and applying zoning ordinances and districts","url":"\/15.2-2284\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2284","metadata":false},{"id":62867,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2285","catch_line":"Preparation and adoption of zoning ordinance and map and amendments thereto; 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This law was first created in 2014. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 153<\/a> and 494<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2022, chapter 204<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":81470,"section_number":"15.2-2288.3","catch_line":"Licensed farm wineries; local regulation of certain activities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2288.3\/"},{"id":62811,"section_number":"3.2-300","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-300\/"},{"id":59766,"section_number":"3.2-5130","catch_line":"Inspections required to operate food establishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-5130\/"},{"id":78622,"section_number":"3.2-6400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6400\/"},{"id":78528,"section_number":"4.1-200","catch_line":"Exemptions from licensure","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-200\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155295,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75049,"identifier":"15.2-2288.6","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.6","url":"\/15.2-2288.6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2288.6\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.6","dublin_core":{"Title":"Agricultural operations; local regulation of certain activities","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2288.6","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No locality<\/span> shall regulate the carrying out of any of the following activities at an agricultural operation, as defined in \u00a7 3.2-300<\/a>, unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Agritourism activities as defined in § 3.2-6400<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The sale of agricultural or silvicultural products, or the sale of agricultural-related or silvicultural-related items incidental to the agricultural operation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The preparation, processing, or sale of food products in compliance with subdivisions C 3, 4, and 5 of § 3.2-5130<\/a> or related state laws<\/span> and regulations; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Other activities or events that are usual and customary at Virginia agricultural operations.\n\t\t\t\tAny local restriction placed on an activity listed in this subsection shall be reasonable and shall take into account the economic impact of the restriction on the agricultural operation and the agricultural nature of the activity. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> No locality<\/span> shall require a special exception<\/span>, administrative permit not required by state law<\/span>, or special use permit for any activity listed in subsection A on property that is zoned as an agricultural district or classification unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Except regarding the sound generated by outdoor amplified music, no local ordinance<\/span> regulating the sound generated by any activity listed in subsection A shall be more restrictive than the general noise ordinance<\/span> of the locality<\/span>. In permitting outdoor amplified music at an agricultural operation, the locality<\/span> shall consider the effect on adjoining property owners and nearby residents. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not affect any entity licensed in accordance with Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200<\/a> et seq.) of Title 4.1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 3.2-300<\/a> et seq.) of Title 3.2, to alter the provisions of § 15.2-2288.3<\/a>, or to restrict the authority of any locality<\/span> under Title 58.1. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS; LOCAL REGULATION OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES (\u00a7 15.2-2288.6)\n\nA. No locality shall regulate the carrying out of any of the following\nactivities at an agricultural operation, as defined in \u00a7 3.2-300, unless there\nis a substantial impact on the health, safety, or general welfare of the public:\n\n 1. Agritourism activities as defined in § 3.2-6400;\n\n 2. The sale of agricultural or silvicultural products, or the sale of\n agricultural-related or silvicultural-related items incidental to the\n agricultural operation;\n\n 3. The preparation, processing, or sale of food products in compliance with\n subdivisions C 3, 4, and 5 of § 3.2-5130 or related state laws and\n regulations; or\n\n 4. Other activities or events that are usual and customary at Virginia\n agricultural operations.\n \t\t\t\tAny local restriction placed on an activity listed in this subsection\n shall be reasonable and shall take into account the economic impact of the\n restriction on the agricultural operation and the agricultural nature of the\n activity.\n\nB. No locality shall require a special exception, administrative permit not\nrequired by state law, or special use permit for any activity listed in\nsubsection A on property that is zoned as an agricultural district or\nclassification unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or\ngeneral welfare of the public.\n\nC. Except regarding the sound generated by outdoor amplified music, no local\nordinance regulating the sound generated by any activity listed in subsection A\nshall be more restrictive than the general noise ordinance of the locality. In\npermitting outdoor amplified music at an agricultural operation, the locality\nshall consider the effect on adjoining property owners and nearby residents.\n\nD. The provisions of this section shall not affect any entity licensed in\naccordance with Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1. Nothing in this\nsection shall be construed to affect the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 3.2-300\net seq.) of Title 3.2, to alter the provisions of § 15.2-2288.3, or to\nrestrict the authority of any locality under Title 58.1.\n\nHISTORY: 2014, cc. 153, 494; 2022, c. 204.","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}}