{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2295.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2295.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2295.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2295.1.html"}],"law_id":63677,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63677,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295.1","catch_line":"Regulation of mountain ridge construction","history":"2000, c. 732; 2013, cc. 516, 756, 793; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“Construction” means the building, alteration, repair, or improvement of any building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Crest” means the uppermost line of a mountain or chain of mountains from which the land falls away on at least two sides to a lower elevation or elevations.\n\t\t\t“Protected mountain ridge” means a ridge with (i) an elevation of 2,000 feet or more and (ii) an elevation of 500 feet or more above the elevation of an adjacent valley floor.\n\t\t\t“Ridge” means the elongated crest or series of crests at the apex or uppermost point of intersection between two opposite slopes or sides of a mountain and includes all land within 100 feet below the elevation of any portion of such line or surface along the crest.\n\t\t\t“Tall buildings or structures” means any building, structure or unit within a multi-unit building with a vertical height of more than 40 feet, as determined by ordinance, measured from the top of the natural finished grade of the crest or the natural finished grade of the high side of the slope of a ridge to the uppermost point of the building, structure or unit. “Tall buildings or structures” does not include (i) water, radio, telecommunications or television towers or any equipment for the transmission of electricity, telephone or cable television; (ii) structures of a relatively slender nature and minor vertical projections of a parent building, including, but not limited to, chimneys, flagpoles, flues, spires, steeples, belfries, cupolas, antennas, poles, wires or windmills; or (iii) any building or structure designated as a historic landmark, building or structure by the United States or by the Board of Historic Resources.B\n\nDeterminations by the governing body of heights and elevations under this section shall be conclusive.C\n\nAny locality in which a protected mountain ridge is located may, by ordinance, provide for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges. The ordinance may be designed and adopted by the locality as an overlay zone superimposed on any preexisting base zone.D\n\nAn ordinance adopted under this section may include criteria for the granting or denial of permits for the construction of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges. Any such ordinance shall provide that permit applications shall be denied if a permit application fails to provide for (i) adequate sewerage, water, and drainage facilities, including, but not limited to, facilities for drinking water and the adequate supply of water for fire protection and (ii) compliance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.).E\n\nAny locality that adopts an ordinance providing for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges shall send a copy of the ordinance to the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.F\n\nNothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair a governing body’s authority under this chapter to define and regulate uses in any existing zoning district or to adopt overlay districts regulating uses on mountainous areas as defined by the governing body.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":231925,"text":"As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“Construction” means the building, alteration, repair, or improvement of any building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Crest” means the uppermost line of a mountain or chain of mountains from which the land falls away on at least two sides to a lower elevation or elevations.\n\t\t\t“Protected mountain ridge” means a ridge with (i) an elevation of 2,000 feet or more and (ii) an elevation of 500 feet or more above the elevation of an adjacent valley floor.\n\t\t\t“Ridge” means the elongated crest or series of crests at the apex or uppermost point of intersection between two opposite slopes or sides of a mountain and includes all land within 100 feet below the elevation of any portion of such line or surface along the crest.\n\t\t\t“Tall buildings or structures” means any building, structure or unit within a multi-unit building with a vertical height of more than 40 feet, as determined by ordinance, measured from the top of the natural finished grade of the crest or the natural finished grade of the high side of the slope of a ridge to the uppermost point of the building, structure or unit. “Tall buildings or structures” does not include (i) water, radio, telecommunications or television towers or any equipment for the transmission of electricity, telephone or cable television; (ii) structures of a relatively slender nature and minor vertical projections of a parent building, including, but not limited to, chimneys, flagpoles, flues, spires, steeples, belfries, cupolas, antennas, poles, wires or windmills; or (iii) any building or structure designated as a historic landmark, building or structure by the United States or by the Board of Historic Resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":231926,"text":"Determinations by the governing body of heights and elevations under this section shall be conclusive.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":231927,"text":"Any locality in which a protected mountain ridge is located may, by ordinance, provide for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges. The ordinance may be designed and adopted by the locality as an overlay zone superimposed on any preexisting base zone.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":231928,"text":"An ordinance adopted under this section may include criteria for the granting or denial of permits for the construction of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges. Any such ordinance shall provide that permit applications shall be denied if a permit application fails to provide for (i) adequate sewerage, water, and drainage facilities, including, but not limited to, facilities for drinking water and the adequate supply of water for fire protection and (ii) compliance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.).","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":231929,"text":"Any locality that adopts an ordinance providing for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges shall send a copy of the ordinance to the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":231930,"text":"Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair a governing body’s authority under this chapter to define and regulate uses in any existing zoning district or to adopt overlay districts regulating uses on mountainous areas as defined by the governing body.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"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; appeal","url":"\/15.2-2285\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2285","metadata":false},{"id":67238,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2286","catch_line":"Permitted provisions in zoning ordinances; amendments; applicant to pay delinquent taxes; penalties","url":"\/15.2-2286\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2286","metadata":false},{"id":74667,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2286.1","catch_line":"Provisions for clustering of single-family dwellings so as to preserve open space","url":"\/15.2-2286.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2286.1","metadata":false},{"id":86307,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2287","catch_line":"Localities may require oath regarding property interest of local officials","url":"\/15.2-2287\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2287","metadata":false},{"id":69029,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2287.1","catch_line":"Disclosures in land use proceedings","url":"\/15.2-2287.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2287.1","metadata":false},{"id":82837,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288","catch_line":"Localities may not require a special use permit for certain agricultural activities","url":"\/15.2-2288\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288","metadata":false},{"id":62984,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.01","catch_line":"Localities shall not require a special use permit for certain small-scale conversion of biomass to alternative fuel","url":"\/15.2-2288.01\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.01","metadata":false},{"id":63232,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.1","catch_line":"Localities may not require a special use permit for certain residential uses","url":"\/15.2-2288.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.1","metadata":false},{"id":54122,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.2","catch_line":"Localities may not require special use permit for certain temporary structures","url":"\/15.2-2288.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.2","metadata":false},{"id":81470,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.3","catch_line":"Licensed farm wineries; local regulation of certain activities","url":"\/15.2-2288.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.3","metadata":false},{"id":72741,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.3:1","catch_line":"Limited brewery license; local regulation of certain activities","url":"\/15.2-2288.3_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":58524,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.3:2","catch_line":"Limited distiller's license; local regulation of certain activities","url":"\/15.2-2288.3_2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.3_2","metadata":false},{"id":85431,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.4","catch_line":"Extension of expiration dates for special use permits","url":"\/15.2-2288.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.4","metadata":false},{"id":76639,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.5","catch_line":"Meaning of \"cemetery\" for purposes of zoning","url":"\/15.2-2288.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.5","metadata":false},{"id":75049,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.6","catch_line":"Agricultural operations; local regulation of certain activities","url":"\/15.2-2288.6\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.6","metadata":false},{"id":63216,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.7","catch_line":"Local regulation of solar facilities","url":"\/15.2-2288.7\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.7","metadata":false},{"id":82084,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2288.8","catch_line":"Special exceptions for solar photovoltaic projects","url":"\/15.2-2288.8\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2288.8","metadata":false},{"id":73117,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2289","catch_line":"Localities may provide by ordinance for disclosure of real parties in interest","url":"\/15.2-2289\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2289","metadata":false},{"id":66254,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2290","catch_line":"Uniform regulations for manufactured housing","url":"\/15.2-2290\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2290","metadata":false},{"id":61177,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2291","catch_line":"Assisted living facilities and group homes of eight or fewer; single-family residence","url":"\/15.2-2291\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2291","metadata":false},{"id":66725,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2292","catch_line":"Zoning provisions for family day homes","url":"\/15.2-2292\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2292","metadata":false},{"id":55400,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2292.1","catch_line":"Zoning provisions for temporary family health care structures","url":"\/15.2-2292.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2292.1","metadata":false},{"id":73924,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2292.2","catch_line":"Waiver of zoning permit requirements; child day programs","url":"\/15.2-2292.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2292.2","metadata":false},{"id":82111,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2293","catch_line":"Airspace subject to zoning ordinances","url":"\/15.2-2293\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2293","metadata":false},{"id":76481,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2293.1","catch_line":"Placement of amateur radio antennas","url":"\/15.2-2293.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2293.1","metadata":false},{"id":85079,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2293.2","catch_line":"Regulation of helicopter use","url":"\/15.2-2293.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2293.2","metadata":false},{"id":82226,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2294","catch_line":"Airport safety zoning","url":"\/15.2-2294\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2294","metadata":false},{"id":64988,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295","catch_line":"Aircraft noise attenuation features in buildings and structures within airport noise zones","url":"\/15.2-2295\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295","metadata":false},{"id":63677,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295.1","catch_line":"Regulation of mountain ridge construction","url":"\/15.2-2295.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295.1","metadata":false},{"id":84804,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295.2","catch_line":"Dam break inundation zones","url":"\/15.2-2295.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295.2","metadata":false},{"id":75685,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2296","catch_line":"Conditional zoning; declaration of legislative policy and findings; purpose","url":"\/15.2-2296\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2296","metadata":false},{"id":75113,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2297","catch_line":"Same; conditions as part of a rezoning or amendment to zoning map","url":"\/15.2-2297\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2297","metadata":false},{"id":63949,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2298","catch_line":"Same; additional conditions as a part of rezoning or zoning map amendment in certain high-growth localities","url":"\/15.2-2298\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2298","metadata":false},{"id":68680,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2299","catch_line":"Same; enforcement and guarantees","url":"\/15.2-2299\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2299","metadata":false},{"id":80500,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2300","catch_line":"Same; records","url":"\/15.2-2300\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2300","metadata":false},{"id":60233,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2301","catch_line":"Same; petition for review of decision","url":"\/15.2-2301\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2301","metadata":false},{"id":74154,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2302","catch_line":"Same; amendments and variations of conditions","url":"\/15.2-2302\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2302","metadata":false},{"id":71508,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303","catch_line":"Conditional zoning in certain localities","url":"\/15.2-2303\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303","metadata":false},{"id":64570,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303.1","catch_line":"Development agreements in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-2303.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303.1","metadata":false},{"id":69744,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303.1:1","catch_line":"When certain cash proffers collected or accepted","url":"\/15.2-2303.1_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":72559,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303.2","catch_line":"Proffered cash payments and expenditures","url":"\/15.2-2303.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303.2","metadata":false},{"id":67823,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303.3","catch_line":"Cash proffers requested or accepted by a locality","url":"\/15.2-2303.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303.3","metadata":false},{"id":78647,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2303.4","catch_line":"Provisions applicable to certain conditional rezoning proffers","url":"\/15.2-2303.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2303.4","metadata":false},{"id":63382,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2304","catch_line":"Affordable dwelling unit ordinances in certain localities","url":"\/15.2-2304\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2304","metadata":false},{"id":66597,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2305","catch_line":"Affordable dwelling unit ordinances","url":"\/15.2-2305\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2305","metadata":false},{"id":70161,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2305.1","catch_line":"Affordable housing dwelling unit ordinances","url":"\/15.2-2305.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2305.1","metadata":false},{"id":73526,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2306","catch_line":"Preservation of historical sites and architectural areas; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-2306\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2306","metadata":false},{"id":83924,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2306.1","catch_line":"Creation of working waterfront development areas","url":"\/15.2-2306.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2306.1","metadata":false},{"id":56409,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2307","catch_line":"Vested rights not impaired; nonconforming uses","url":"\/15.2-2307\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2307","metadata":false},{"id":53959,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2307.1","catch_line":"Protection of established commercial fishing operations","url":"\/15.2-2307.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2307.1","metadata":false},{"id":60439,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2308","catch_line":"Boards of zoning appeals to be created; membership, organization, etc","url":"\/15.2-2308\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2308","metadata":false},{"id":60938,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2308.1","catch_line":"Boards of zoning appeals, ex parte communications, proceedings","url":"\/15.2-2308.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2308.1","metadata":false},{"id":55804,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2309","catch_line":"Powers and duties of boards of zoning appeals","url":"\/15.2-2309\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2309","metadata":false},{"id":80144,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2310","catch_line":"Applications for special exceptions and variances","url":"\/15.2-2310\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2310","metadata":false},{"id":68867,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2311","catch_line":"Appeals to board","url":"\/15.2-2311\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2311","metadata":false},{"id":82504,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2312","catch_line":"Procedure on appeal","url":"\/15.2-2312\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2312","metadata":false},{"id":61459,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2313","catch_line":"Proceedings to prevent construction of building in violation of zoning ordinance","url":"\/15.2-2313\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2313","metadata":false},{"id":64121,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2314","catch_line":"Certiorari to review decision of board","url":"\/15.2-2314\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2314","metadata":false},{"id":82707,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2315","catch_line":"Conflict with statutes, local ordinances or regulations","url":"\/15.2-2315\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2315","metadata":false},{"id":67900,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2316","catch_line":"Validation of zoning ordinances prior to 1971","url":"\/15.2-2316\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2316","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":64988,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295","catch_line":"Aircraft noise attenuation features in buildings and structures within airport noise zones","url":"\/15.2-2295\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":84804,"structure_id":12775,"section_number":"15.2-2295.2","catch_line":"Dam break inundation zones","url":"\/15.2-2295.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2295.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 732<\/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 2013, chapters 516<\/a>, 756<\/a>, and 793<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":59976,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155351,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63677,"identifier":"15.2-2295.1","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295.1","url":"\/15.2-2295.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2295.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7\/15.2-2295.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Regulation of mountain ridge construction","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2295.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“Construction<\/span>” means the building, alteration, repair, or improvement of any building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Crest<\/span>” means the uppermost line of a mountain or chain of mountains from which the land falls away on at least two sides to a lower elevation or elevations.\n\t\t\t“Protected mountain ridge<\/span>” means a ridge with (i) an elevation of 2,000 feet or more and (ii) an elevation of 500 feet or more above the elevation of an adjacent valley floor.\n\t\t\t“Ridge” means the elongated crest<\/span> or series of crests<\/span> at the apex or uppermost point of intersection between two opposite slopes or sides of a mountain and includes all land within 100 feet below the elevation of any portion of such line or surface along the crest<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Tall buildings or structures<\/span>” means any building, structure or unit within a multi-unit building with a vertical height of more than 40 feet, as determined by ordinance<\/span>, measured from the top of the natural finished grade of the crest<\/span> or the natural finished grade of the high side of the slope of a ridge to the uppermost point of the building, structure or unit. “Tall buildings or structures<\/span>” does not include (i) water, radio, telecommunications or television towers or any equipment for the transmission of electricity, telephone or cable television; (ii) structures of a relatively slender nature and minor<\/span> vertical projections of a parent building, including, but not limited to, chimneys, flagpoles, flues, spires, steeples, belfries, cupolas, antennas, poles, wires or windmills; or (iii) any building or structure designated as a historic landmark, building or structure by the United States or by the Board of Historic Resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Determinations by the governing body<\/span> of heights and elevations under this section shall be conclusive. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any locality<\/span> in which a protected mountain ridge<\/span> is located may, by ordinance<\/span>, provide for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures<\/span> on protected mountain ridges<\/span>. The ordinance<\/span> may be designed and adopted by the locality<\/span> as an overlay zone superimposed on any preexisting base zone. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> An ordinance<\/span> adopted under this section may include criteria for the granting or denial of permits for the construction<\/span> of tall buildings or structures<\/span> on protected mountain ridges<\/span>. Any such ordinance<\/span> shall provide that permit applications shall be denied if a permit application fails to provide for (i) adequate sewerage, water, and drainage facilities, including, but not limited to, facilities for drinking water and the adequate supply of water for fire protection and (ii) compliance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law<\/span> (§ 62.1-44.15:51<\/a> et seq.). <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any locality<\/span> that adopts an ordinance<\/span> providing for the regulation of the height and location of tall buildings or structures<\/span> on protected mountain ridges<\/span> shall send a copy of the ordinance<\/span> to the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair a governing body<\/span>’s authority under this chapter to define and regulate uses in any existing zoning<\/span> district or to adopt overlay districts regulating uses on mountainous areas as defined by the governing body<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREGULATION OF MOUNTAIN RIDGE CONSTRUCTION (\u00a7 15.2-2295.1)\n\nA. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t\t“Construction” means the building, alteration, repair, or\nimprovement of any building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Crest” means the uppermost line of a mountain or chain of\nmountains from which the land falls away on at least two sides to a lower\nelevation or elevations.\n\t\t\t“Protected mountain ridge” means a ridge with (i) an elevation of\n2,000 feet or more and (ii) an elevation of 500 feet or more above the elevation\nof an adjacent valley floor.\n\t\t\t“Ridge” means the elongated crest or series of crests at the apex\nor uppermost point of intersection between two opposite slopes or sides of a\nmountain and includes all land within 100 feet below the elevation of any\nportion of such line or surface along the crest.\n\t\t\t“Tall buildings or structures” means any building, structure or\nunit within a multi-unit building with a vertical height of more than 40 feet,\nas determined by ordinance, measured from the top of the natural finished grade\nof the crest or the natural finished grade of the high side of the slope of a\nridge to the uppermost point of the building, structure or unit. “Tall\nbuildings or structures” does not include (i) water, radio,\ntelecommunications or television towers or any equipment for the transmission of\nelectricity, telephone or cable television; (ii) structures of a relatively\nslender nature and minor vertical projections of a parent building, including,\nbut not limited to, chimneys, flagpoles, flues, spires, steeples, belfries,\ncupolas, antennas, poles, wires or windmills; or (iii) any building or structure\ndesignated as a historic landmark, building or structure by the United States or\nby the Board of Historic Resources.\n\nB. Determinations by the governing body of heights and elevations under this\nsection shall be conclusive.\n\nC. Any locality in which a protected mountain ridge is located may, by\nordinance, provide for the regulation of the height and location of tall\nbuildings or structures on protected mountain ridges. The ordinance may be\ndesigned and adopted by the locality as an overlay zone superimposed on any\npreexisting base zone.\n\nD. An ordinance adopted under this section may include criteria for the granting\nor denial of permits for the construction of tall buildings or structures on\nprotected mountain ridges. Any such ordinance shall provide that permit\napplications shall be denied if a permit application fails to provide for (i)\nadequate sewerage, water, and drainage facilities, including, but not limited\nto, facilities for drinking water and the adequate supply of water for fire\nprotection and (ii) compliance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§\n62.1-44.15:51 et seq.).\n\nE. Any locality that adopts an ordinance providing for the regulation of the\nheight and location of tall buildings or structures on protected mountain ridges\nshall send a copy of the ordinance to the Secretary of Natural and Historic\nResources.\n\nF. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair a governing\nbody’s authority under this chapter to define and regulate uses in any\nexisting zoning district or to adopt overlay districts regulating uses on\nmountainous areas as defined by the governing body.\n\nHISTORY: 2000, c. 732; 2013, cc. 516, 756, 793; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.","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}}