{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-2316.2.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-2316.2.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-2316.2.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-2316.2.html"}],"law_id":67178,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67178,"structure_id":16050,"section_number":"15.2-2316.2","catch_line":"Localities may provide for transfer of development rights","history":"2006, c. 573; 2007, cc. 363, 410; 2009, cc. 413, 731; 2010, c. 239; 2012, c. 512; 2014, c. 527; 2019, c. 701; 2024, cc. 225, 242.","full_text":"A\n\nPursuant to the provisions of this article, the governing body of any locality by ordinance may, in order to conserve and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, establish procedures, methods, and standards for the transfer of development rights within its jurisdiction. Any locality adopting or amending any such transfer of development rights ordinance shall give notice and hold a public hearing in accordance with § 15.2-2204 prior to approval by the governing body.B\n\nIn order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality shall adopt an ordinance that shall provide for:1\n\nThe issuance and recordation of the instruments necessary to sever development rights from the sending property, to convey development rights to one or more parties, or to affix development rights to one or more receiving properties. These instruments shall be executed by the property owners of the development rights being transferred, and any lien holders of such property owners. The instruments shall identify the development rights being severed, and the sending properties or the receiving properties, as applicable;2\n\nAssurance that the prohibitions against the use and development of the sending property shall bind the landowner and every successor in interest to the landowner;3\n\nThe severance of transferable development rights from the sending property;4\n\nThe purchase, sale, exchange, or other conveyance of transferable development rights, after severance, and prior to the rights being affixed to a receiving property;5\n\nA system for monitoring the severance, ownership, assignment, and transfer of transferable development rights;6\n\nA map or other description of areas designated as sending and receiving areas for the transfer of development rights between properties;7\n\nThe identification of parcels, if any, within a receiving area that are inappropriate as receiving properties;8\n\nThe permitted uses and the maximum increases in density in the receiving area;9\n\nThe minimum acreage of a sending property and the minimum reduction in density of the sending property that may be conveyed in severance or transfer of development rights;10\n\nThe development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas shall be equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed from the sending areas;11\n\nAn assessment of the infrastructure in the receiving area that identifies the ability of the area to accept increases in density and its plans to provide necessary utility services within any designated receiving area; and12\n\nThe application to be deemed approved upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance by the agent of the planning commission, or other agent designated by the locality.C\n\nIn order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality may provide in its ordinance for:1\n\nThe purchase of all or part of such development rights, which shall retire the development rights so purchased;2\n\nThe severance of development rights from existing zoned or subdivided properties as otherwise provided in subsection E;3\n\nThe owner of such development rights to make application to the locality for a real estate tax abatement for a period up to 25 years, to compensate the owner of such development rights for the fair market value of all or part of the development rights, which shall retire the number of development rights equal to the amount of the tax abatement, and such abatement is transferable with the property;4\n\nThe owner of a property to request designation by the locality of the owner’s property as a “sending property” or a “receiving property”;5\n\nThe allowance for residential density to be converted to bonus density on the receiving property by (i) an increase in the residential density on the receiving property or (ii) an increase in the square feet of commercial, industrial, or other uses on the receiving property, which upon conversion shall retire the development rights so converted;6\n\nThe receiving areas to include such urban development areas or similarly defined areas in the locality established pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1;7\n\nThe sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to generate one or more forms of renewable energy, as defined in § 56-576, subject to the provisions of the local zoning ordinance;8\n\nThe sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to produce agricultural products or forestal products, as defined in § 15.2-4302, and to include parks, campgrounds and related camping facilities; however, for purposes of this subdivision, “campgrounds” does not include use by travel trailers, motor homes, and similar vehicular type structures;9\n\nThe review of an application by the planning commission to determine whether the application complies with the provisions of the ordinance;10\n\nSuch other provisions as the locality deems necessary to aid in the implementation of the provisions of this act;11\n\nApproval of an application upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance by the agent of the planning commission; and12\n\nA requirement that development comply with any locality-adopted neighborhood design standards identified in the comprehensive plan for the receiving area in which the development shall occur, provided such design standard was adopted in the comprehensive plan and applied to the receiving area prior to the transfer of the development right.D\n\nThe locality may, by ordinance, designate receiving areas or receiving properties, add to, supplement, or amend its designations of receiving areas or receiving properties, or designate receiving areas or receiving properties that shall receive development rights only from certain sending areas or sending properties specified by the locality, so long as the development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas are equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed in the sending areas.E\n\nAny proposed severance or transfer of development rights shall only be initiated upon application by the property owners of the sending properties, development rights, or receiving properties as otherwise provided herein.F\n\nA locality may not require property owners to sever or transfer development rights as a condition of the development of any property.G\n\nThe owner of a property may sever development rights from the sending property, pursuant to the provisions of this act. An application to transfer development rights to one or more receiving properties, for the purpose of affixing such rights thereto, shall only be initiated upon application by the owner of such development rights and the owners of the receiving properties.H\n\nDevelopment rights severed pursuant to this article shall be interests in real property and shall be considered as such for purposes of conveyance and taxation. Once a deed for transferable development rights, created pursuant to this act, has been recorded in the land records of the office of the circuit court clerk for the locality to reflect the transferable development rights sold, conveyed, or otherwise transferred by the owner of the sending property, the development rights shall vest in the grantee and may be transferred by such grantee to a successor in interest. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the owner of the sending property from recording a deed covenant against the sending property severing the development rights on said property, with the owner of the sending property retaining ownership of the severed development rights. Any transfer of the development rights to a property in a receiving area shall be in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance adopted pursuant to this article.I\n\nFor the purposes of ad valorem real property taxation, the value of a transferable development right shall be deemed appurtenant to the sending property until the transferable development right is severed from and recorded as a distinct interest in real property, or the transferable development right is used at a receiving property and becomes appurtenant thereto. Once a transferable development right is severed from the sending property, the assessment of the fee interest in the sending property shall reflect any change in the fair market value that results from the inability of the owner of the fee interest to use such property for such uses terminated by the severance of the transferable development right. Upon severance from the sending property and recordation as a distinct interest in real property, the transferable development right shall be assessed at its fair market value on a separate real estate tax bill sent to the owner of said development right as taxable real estate in accordance with Article 1 (§ 58.1-3200 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.J\n\nThe owner of a sending property from which development rights are severed shall provide a copy of the instrument, showing the deed book and page number, or instrument or GPIN, to the real estate tax assessor for the locality.K\n\nLocalities, from time to time as the locality designates sending and receiving areas, shall incorporate the map identified in subdivision B 6 into the comprehensive plan.L\n\nNo amendment to the zoning map, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning ordinance with respect to the zoning district applicable thereto initiated by the governing body, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or downzone the uses, or the density of uses permitted in the zoning district applicable to any property to which development rights have been transferred, shall be effective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud, or a material change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare.M\n\nA county adopting an ordinance pursuant to this article may designate eligible receiving areas in any incorporated town within such county, if the governing body of the town has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.N\n\nAny county and an adjacent city may enter voluntarily into an agreement to permit the county to designate eligible receiving areas in the city if the governing body of the city has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county. The city council shall designate areas it deems suitable as receiving areas and shall designate the maximum increases in density in each such receiving area. However, if any such agreement contains any provision addressing any issue provided for in Chapter 32 (\u00a7 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (\u00a7 15.2-3300 et seq.), 36 (\u00a7 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (\u00a7 15.2-3800 et seq.), 39 (\u00a7 15.2-3900 et seq.), or 41 (\u00a7 15.2-4100 et seq.), the agreement shall be subject to the review and implementation process established by Chapter 34 (\u00a7 15.2-3400 et seq.). The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.1\n\nThe terms and conditions of the density transfer agreement as provided in this subsection shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be approved by the governing body of each locality participating in the agreement, provided the governing body of each such locality first holds a public hearing, which shall be advertised as required by § 15.2-2204.2\n\nThe governing bodies shall petition a circuit court having jurisdiction in one or more of the localities for an order affirming the proposed agreement. The circuit court shall be limited in its decision to either affirming or denying the agreement and shall have no authority, without the express approval of each local governing body, to amend or change the terms or conditions of the agreement, but shall have the authority to validate the agreement and give it full force and effect. The circuit court shall affirm the agreement unless the court finds either that the agreement is contrary to the best interests of the Commonwealth or that it is not in the best interests of each of the parties thereto.3\n\nThe agreement shall not become binding on the localities until affirmed by the court under this subsection. Once approved by the circuit court, the agreement shall also bind future local governing bodies of the localities.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":243486,"text":"Pursuant to the provisions of this article, the governing body of any locality by ordinance may, in order to conserve and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, establish procedures, methods, and standards for the transfer of development rights within its jurisdiction. Any locality adopting or amending any such transfer of development rights ordinance shall give notice and hold a public hearing in accordance with § 15.2-2204 prior to approval by the governing body.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":243487,"text":"In order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality shall adopt an ordinance that shall provide for:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":243488,"text":"The issuance and recordation of the instruments necessary to sever development rights from the sending property, to convey development rights to one or more parties, or to affix development rights to one or more receiving properties. These instruments shall be executed by the property owners of the development rights being transferred, and any lien holders of such property owners. The instruments shall identify the development rights being severed, and the sending properties or the receiving properties, as applicable;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":243489,"text":"Assurance that the prohibitions against the use and development of the sending property shall bind the landowner and every successor in interest to the landowner;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":243490,"text":"The severance of transferable development rights from the sending property;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":243491,"text":"The purchase, sale, exchange, or other conveyance of transferable development rights, after severance, and prior to the rights being affixed to a receiving property;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":243492,"text":"A system for monitoring the severance, ownership, assignment, and transfer of transferable development rights;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":243493,"text":"A map or other description of areas designated as sending and receiving areas for the transfer of development rights between properties;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":243494,"text":"The identification of parcels, if any, within a receiving area that are inappropriate as receiving properties;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"9":{"id":243495,"text":"The permitted uses and the maximum increases in density in the receiving area;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"10":{"id":243496,"text":"The minimum acreage of a sending property and the minimum reduction in density of the sending property that may be conveyed in severance or transfer of development rights;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"11":{"id":243497,"text":"The development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas shall be equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed from the sending areas;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"B11"},"12":{"id":243498,"text":"An assessment of the infrastructure in the receiving area that identifies the ability of the area to accept increases in density and its plans to provide necessary utility services within any designated receiving area; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"B11","prefix_anchor":"B11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B10","next_prefix":"B12"},"13":{"id":243499,"text":"The application to be deemed approved upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance by the agent of the planning commission, or other agent designated by the locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"B12","prefix_anchor":"B12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B11","next_prefix":"C"},"14":{"id":243500,"text":"In order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality may provide in its ordinance for:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B12","next_prefix":"C1"},"15":{"id":243501,"text":"The purchase of all or part of such development rights, which shall retire the development rights so purchased;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"16":{"id":243502,"text":"The severance of development rights from existing zoned or subdivided properties as otherwise provided in subsection E;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"17":{"id":243503,"text":"The owner of such development rights to make application to the locality for a real estate tax abatement for a period up to 25 years, to compensate the owner of such development rights for the fair market value of all or part of the development rights, which shall retire the number of development rights equal to the amount of the tax abatement, and such abatement is transferable with the property;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"18":{"id":243504,"text":"The owner of a property to request designation by the locality of the owner’s property as a “sending property” or a “receiving property”;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"19":{"id":243505,"text":"The allowance for residential density to be converted to bonus density on the receiving property by (i) an increase in the residential density on the receiving property or (ii) an increase in the square feet of commercial, industrial, or other uses on the receiving property, which upon conversion shall retire the development rights so converted;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"20":{"id":243506,"text":"The receiving areas to include such urban development areas or similarly defined areas in the locality established pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"C7"},"21":{"id":243507,"text":"The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to generate one or more forms of renewable energy, as defined in § 56-576, subject to the provisions of the local zoning ordinance;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"C7","prefix_anchor":"C7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"C8"},"22":{"id":243508,"text":"The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to produce agricultural products or forestal products, as defined in § 15.2-4302, and to include parks, campgrounds and related camping facilities; however, for purposes of this subdivision, “campgrounds” does not include use by travel trailers, motor homes, and similar vehicular type structures;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"C8","prefix_anchor":"C8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C7","next_prefix":"C9"},"23":{"id":243509,"text":"The review of an application by the planning commission to determine whether the application complies with the provisions of the ordinance;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"C9","prefix_anchor":"C9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C8","next_prefix":"C10"},"24":{"id":243510,"text":"Such other provisions as the locality deems necessary to aid in the implementation of the provisions of this act;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"C10","prefix_anchor":"C10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C9","next_prefix":"C11"},"25":{"id":243511,"text":"Approval of an application upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance by the agent of the planning commission; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"C11","prefix_anchor":"C11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C10","next_prefix":"C12"},"26":{"id":243512,"text":"A requirement that development comply with any locality-adopted neighborhood design standards identified in the comprehensive plan for the receiving area in which the development shall occur, provided such design standard was adopted in the comprehensive plan and applied to the receiving area prior to the transfer of the development right.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"C12","prefix_anchor":"C12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C11","next_prefix":"D"},"27":{"id":243513,"text":"The locality may, by ordinance, designate receiving areas or receiving properties, add to, supplement, or amend its designations of receiving areas or receiving properties, or designate receiving areas or receiving properties that shall receive development rights only from certain sending areas or sending properties specified by the locality, so long as the development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas are equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed in the sending areas.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C12","next_prefix":"E"},"28":{"id":243514,"text":"Any proposed severance or transfer of development rights shall only be initiated upon application by the property owners of the sending properties, development rights, or receiving properties as otherwise provided herein.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"29":{"id":243515,"text":"A locality may not require property owners to sever or transfer development rights as a condition of the development of any property.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"30":{"id":243516,"text":"The owner of a property may sever development rights from the sending property, pursuant to the provisions of this act. An application to transfer development rights to one or more receiving properties, for the purpose of affixing such rights thereto, shall only be initiated upon application by the owner of such development rights and the owners of the receiving properties.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"31":{"id":243517,"text":"Development rights severed pursuant to this article shall be interests in real property and shall be considered as such for purposes of conveyance and taxation. Once a deed for transferable development rights, created pursuant to this act, has been recorded in the land records of the office of the circuit court clerk for the locality to reflect the transferable development rights sold, conveyed, or otherwise transferred by the owner of the sending property, the development rights shall vest in the grantee and may be transferred by such grantee to a successor in interest. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the owner of the sending property from recording a deed covenant against the sending property severing the development rights on said property, with the owner of the sending property retaining ownership of the severed development rights. Any transfer of the development rights to a property in a receiving area shall be in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance adopted pursuant to this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"32":{"id":243518,"text":"For the purposes of ad valorem real property taxation, the value of a transferable development right shall be deemed appurtenant to the sending property until the transferable development right is severed from and recorded as a distinct interest in real property, or the transferable development right is used at a receiving property and becomes appurtenant thereto. Once a transferable development right is severed from the sending property, the assessment of the fee interest in the sending property shall reflect any change in the fair market value that results from the inability of the owner of the fee interest to use such property for such uses terminated by the severance of the transferable development right. Upon severance from the sending property and recordation as a distinct interest in real property, the transferable development right shall be assessed at its fair market value on a separate real estate tax bill sent to the owner of said development right as taxable real estate in accordance with Article 1 (§ 58.1-3200 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"33":{"id":243519,"text":"The owner of a sending property from which development rights are severed shall provide a copy of the instrument, showing the deed book and page number, or instrument or GPIN, to the real estate tax assessor for the locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"K"},"34":{"id":243520,"text":"Localities, from time to time as the locality designates sending and receiving areas, shall incorporate the map identified in subdivision B 6 into the comprehensive plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"L"},"35":{"id":243521,"text":"No amendment to the zoning map, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning ordinance with respect to the zoning district applicable thereto initiated by the governing body, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or downzone the uses, or the density of uses permitted in the zoning district applicable to any property to which development rights have been transferred, shall be effective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud, or a material change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare.","type":"section","prefixes":["L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"L","prefix_anchor":"L","level":1,"prior_prefix":"K","next_prefix":"M"},"36":{"id":243522,"text":"A county adopting an ordinance pursuant to this article may designate eligible receiving areas in any incorporated town within such county, if the governing body of the town has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.","type":"section","prefixes":["M"],"prefix":"M","entire_prefix":"M","prefix_anchor":"M","level":1,"prior_prefix":"L","next_prefix":"N"},"37":{"id":243523,"text":"Any county and an adjacent city may enter voluntarily into an agreement to permit the county to designate eligible receiving areas in the city if the governing body of the city has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county. The city council shall designate areas it deems suitable as receiving areas and shall designate the maximum increases in density in each such receiving area. However, if any such agreement contains any provision addressing any issue provided for in Chapter 32 (\u00a7 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (\u00a7 15.2-3300 et seq.), 36 (\u00a7 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (\u00a7 15.2-3800 et seq.), 39 (\u00a7 15.2-3900 et seq.), or 41 (\u00a7 15.2-4100 et seq.), the agreement shall be subject to the review and implementation process established by Chapter 34 (\u00a7 15.2-3400 et seq.). The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the receiving property is located.","type":"section","prefixes":["N"],"prefix":"N","entire_prefix":"N","prefix_anchor":"N","level":1,"prior_prefix":"M","next_prefix":"N1"},"38":{"id":243524,"text":"The terms and conditions of the density transfer agreement as provided in this subsection shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be approved by the governing body of each locality participating in the agreement, provided the governing body of each such locality first holds a public hearing, which shall be advertised as required by § 15.2-2204.","type":"section","prefixes":["N","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"N1","prefix_anchor":"N1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"N","next_prefix":"N2"},"39":{"id":243525,"text":"The governing bodies shall petition a circuit court having jurisdiction in one or more of the localities for an order affirming the proposed agreement. The circuit court shall be limited in its decision to either affirming or denying the agreement and shall have no authority, without the express approval of each local governing body, to amend or change the terms or conditions of the agreement, but shall have the authority to validate the agreement and give it full force and effect. The circuit court shall affirm the agreement unless the court finds either that the agreement is contrary to the best interests of the Commonwealth or that it is not in the best interests of each of the parties thereto.","type":"section","prefixes":["N","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"N2","prefix_anchor":"N2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"N1","next_prefix":"N3"},"40":{"id":243526,"text":"The agreement shall not become binding on the localities until affirmed by the court under this subsection. Once approved by the circuit court, the agreement shall also bind future local governing bodies of the localities.","type":"section","prefixes":["N","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"N3","prefix_anchor":"N3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"N2"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16050,"edition_id":1,"name":"Transfer of Development Rights","identifier":"7.1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12774,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:04:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:04:43","permalink":{"id":155479,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16050,"identifier":"7.1","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/","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":63008,"structure_id":16050,"section_number":"15.2-2316.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-2316.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/15.2-2316.1","metadata":false},{"id":67178,"structure_id":16050,"section_number":"15.2-2316.2","catch_line":"Localities may provide for transfer of development rights","url":"\/15.2-2316.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/15.2-2316.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63008,"structure_id":16050,"section_number":"15.2-2316.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-2316.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/15.2-2316.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-2316.2\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2006. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 573<\/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 7 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 2007, chapters 363<\/a> and 410<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 413<\/a> and 731<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 239<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 512<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 527<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 701<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 225<\/a> and 242<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"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":87087,"section_number":"15.2-2223.1","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to include urban development areas","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2223.1\/"},{"id":55382,"section_number":"15.2-3200","catch_line":"Boundaries of cities and towns to remain as established until changed","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3200\/"},{"id":63407,"section_number":"15.2-3300","catch_line":"Purposes of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3300\/"},{"id":75841,"section_number":"15.2-3400","catch_line":"Voluntary settlements among local governments","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3400\/"},{"id":57952,"section_number":"15.2-3600","catch_line":"Petition for incorporation of community; appointment of special court","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3600\/"},{"id":80368,"section_number":"15.2-3800","catch_line":"Ordinance petitioning court for city status; appointment of special court","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3800\/"},{"id":78407,"section_number":"15.2-3900","catch_line":"Transition authorized","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3900\/"},{"id":78761,"section_number":"15.2-4100","catch_line":"City may change to town status","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4100\/"},{"id":61769,"section_number":"15.2-4302","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4302\/"},{"id":62210,"section_number":"56-576","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-576\/"},{"id":78692,"section_number":"58.1-3200","catch_line":"Real estate subject to local taxation; taxable real estate defined; leaseholds","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3200\/"}],"permalink":{"id":155485,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67178,"identifier":"15.2-2316.2","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/15.2-2316.2","url":"\/15.2-2316.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-2316.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/22\/7.1\/15.2-2316.2","dublin_core":{"Title":"Localities may provide for transfer of development rights","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-2316.2","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Pursuant to the provisions of this article, the governing body<\/span> of any locality<\/span> by ordinance<\/span> may, in order<\/span> to conserve and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, establish procedures, methods, and standards for the transfer of development rights<\/span> within its jurisdiction<\/span>. Any locality<\/span> adopting or amending any such transfer of development rights<\/span> ordinance<\/span> shall give notice and hold a public hearing<\/span> in accordance with § 15.2-2204<\/a> prior to approval by the governing body<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> In order<\/span> to implement the provisions of this act, a locality<\/span> shall adopt an ordinance<\/span> that shall provide for: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The issuance and recordation of the instruments necessary to sever development rights from the sending property<\/span>, to convey development rights to one or more parties, or to affix development rights to one or more receiving properties. These instruments shall be executed by the property owners of the development rights being transferred, and any lien<\/span> holders of such property owners. The instruments shall identify the development rights being severed, and the sending properties or the receiving properties, as applicable; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Assurance that the prohibitions against the use and development of the sending property<\/span> shall bind the landowner and every successor in interest to the landowner; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The severance of transferable development rights<\/span> from the sending property<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The purchase, sale, exchange, or other conveyance of transferable development rights<\/span>, after severance, and prior to the rights being affixed to a receiving property<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> A system for monitoring the severance, ownership, assignment, and transfer of transferable development rights<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A map or other description of areas designated as sending and receiving areas<\/span> for the transfer of development rights<\/span> between properties; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The identification of parcels, if any, within a receiving area<\/span> that are inappropriate as receiving properties; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The permitted uses and the maximum increases in density in the receiving area<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> The minimum acreage of a sending property<\/span> and the minimum reduction in density of the sending property<\/span> that may be conveyed in severance or transfer of development rights<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> The development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas<\/span> shall be equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed from the sending areas<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> An assessment of the infrastructure in the receiving area<\/span> that identifies the ability of the area to accept increases in density and its plans to provide necessary utility services within any designated receiving area<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> The application to be deemed approved upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance<\/span> by the agent of the planning commission, or other agent designated by the locality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In order<\/span> to implement the provisions of this act, a locality<\/span> may provide in its ordinance<\/span> for: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The purchase of all or part of such development rights, which shall retire the development rights so purchased; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The severance of development rights<\/span> from existing zoned or subdivided properties as otherwise provided in subsection E; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The owner of such development rights to make application to the locality<\/span> for a real estate tax abatement for a period up to 25 years, to compensate the owner of such development rights for the fair market value of all or part of the development rights, which shall retire the number of development rights equal to the amount of the tax abatement, and such abatement is transferable with the property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The owner of a property to request designation by the locality<\/span> of the owner’s property as a “sending property<\/span>” or a “receiving property<\/span>”; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The allowance for residential density to be converted to bonus density on the receiving property<\/span> by (i) an increase in the residential density on the receiving property<\/span> or (ii) an increase in the square feet of commercial, industrial, or other uses on the receiving property<\/span>, which upon conversion shall retire the development rights so converted; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The receiving areas<\/span> to include such urban development areas or similarly defined areas in the locality<\/span> established pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights<\/span>, to generate one or more forms of renewable energy, as defined in § 56-576<\/a>, subject to the provisions of the local zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights<\/span>, to produce agricultural products or forestal products, as defined in § 15.2-4302<\/a>, and to include parks, campgrounds and related camping facilities; however, for purposes of this subdivision, “campgrounds” does not include use by travel trailers, motor homes, and similar vehicular type structures; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> The review of an application by the planning commission to determine whether the application complies with the provisions of the ordinance<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Such other provisions as the locality<\/span> deems necessary to aid in the implementation of the provisions of this act; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Approval of an application upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance<\/span> by the agent of the planning commission; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> A requirement that development comply with any locality<\/span>-adopted neighborhood design standards identified in the comprehensive plan for the receiving area<\/span> in which the development shall occur, provided such design standard was adopted in the comprehensive plan and applied to the receiving area<\/span> prior to the transfer of the development right. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The locality<\/span> may, by ordinance<\/span>, designate receiving areas<\/span> or receiving properties, add to, supplement, or amend<\/span> its designations of receiving areas<\/span> or receiving properties, or designate receiving areas<\/span> or receiving properties that shall receive development rights only from certain sending areas<\/span> or sending properties specified by the locality<\/span>, so long as the development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas<\/span> are equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be severed in the sending areas<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any proposed severance or transfer of development rights<\/span> shall only be initiated upon application by the property owners of the sending properties, development rights, or receiving properties as otherwise provided herein. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> A locality<\/span> may not require property owners to sever or transfer development rights as a condition of the development of any property. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The owner of a property may sever development rights from the sending property<\/span>, pursuant to the provisions of this act. An application to transfer development rights to one or more receiving properties, for the purpose of affixing such rights thereto, shall only be initiated upon application by the owner of such development rights and the owners of the receiving properties. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Development rights severed pursuant to this article shall be interests in real property and shall be considered as such for purposes of conveyance and taxation. Once a deed for transferable development rights<\/span>, created pursuant to this act, has been recorded in the land records of the office of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> clerk for the locality<\/span> to reflect the transferable development rights<\/span> sold, conveyed, or otherwise transferred by the owner of the sending property<\/span>, the development rights shall vest in the grantee and may be transferred by such grantee to a successor in interest. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the owner of the sending property<\/span> from recording a deed covenant against the sending property<\/span> severing the development rights on said property, with the owner of the sending property<\/span> retaining ownership of the severed development rights. Any transfer of the development rights to a property in a receiving area<\/span> shall be in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> For the purposes of ad valorem real property taxation, the value of a transferable development right shall be deemed appurtenant to the sending property<\/span> until the transferable development right is severed from and recorded as a distinct interest in real property, or the transferable development right is used at a receiving property<\/span> and becomes appurtenant thereto. Once a transferable development right is severed from the sending property<\/span>, the assessment of the fee interest in the sending property<\/span> shall reflect any change in the fair market value that results from the inability of the owner of the fee interest to use such property for such uses terminated by the severance of the transferable development right. Upon severance from the sending property<\/span> and recordation as a distinct interest in real property, the transferable development right shall be assessed at its fair market value on a separate real estate tax bill sent to the owner of said development right as taxable real estate in accordance with Article 1 (§ 58.1-3200<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the sending property<\/span> is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property<\/span>, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the receiving property<\/span> is located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> The owner of a sending property<\/span> from which development rights are severed shall provide a copy of the instrument, showing the deed book and page number, or instrument or GPIN, to the real estate tax assessor for the locality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> Localities, from time to time as the locality<\/span> designates sending and receiving areas<\/span>, shall incorporate the map identified in subdivision B 6 into the comprehensive plan. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

L.<\/span> No amendment to the zoning<\/span> map, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span> with respect to the zoning<\/span> district applicable thereto initiated by the governing body<\/span>, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or downzone the uses, or the density of uses permitted in the zoning<\/span> district applicable to any property to which development rights have been transferred, shall be effective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud<\/span>, or a material<\/span> change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

M.<\/span> A county<\/span> adopting an ordinance<\/span> pursuant to this article may designate eligible receiving areas<\/span> in any incorporated town<\/span> within such county<\/span>, if the governing body<\/span> of the town<\/span> has also amended its zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span> to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas<\/span> in the county<\/span>. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the sending property<\/span> is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property<\/span>, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the receiving property<\/span> is located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

N.<\/span> Any county<\/span> and an adjacent city<\/span> may enter voluntarily into an agreement to permit the county<\/span> to designate eligible receiving areas<\/span> in the city<\/span> if the governing body<\/span> of the city<\/span> has also amended its zoning<\/span> ordinance<\/span> to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas<\/span> in the county<\/span>. The city<\/span> council<\/span> shall designate areas it deems suitable as receiving areas<\/span> and shall designate the maximum increases in density in each such receiving area<\/span>. However, if any such agreement contains any provision addressing any issue<\/span> provided for in Chapter 32 (\u00a7 15.2-3200<\/a> et seq.), 33 (\u00a7 15.2-3300<\/a> et seq.), 36 (\u00a7 15.2-3600<\/a> et seq.), 38 (\u00a7 15.2-3800<\/a> et seq.), 39 (\u00a7 15.2-3900<\/a> et seq.), or 41 (\u00a7 15.2-4100<\/a> et seq.), the agreement shall be subject to the review and implementation process established by Chapter 34 (\u00a7 15.2-3400<\/a> et seq.). The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the sending property<\/span> is located, until such time as the development right becomes attached to a receiving property<\/span>, at which time it shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction<\/span> where the receiving property<\/span> is located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The terms and conditions of the density transfer agreement as provided in this subsection shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be approved by the governing body<\/span> of each locality<\/span> participating in the agreement, provided the governing body<\/span> of each such locality<\/span> first holds a public hearing<\/span>, which shall be advertised as required by § 15.2-2204<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The governing bodies shall petition<\/span> a circuit<\/span> court<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> in one or more of the localities for an order<\/span> affirming the proposed agreement. The circuit<\/span> court<\/span> shall be limited in its decision to either affirming or denying the agreement and shall have no authority, without the express approval of each local governing body<\/span>, to amend<\/span> or change the terms or conditions of the agreement, but shall have the authority to validate the agreement and give it full force and effect. The circuit<\/span> court<\/span> shall affirm<\/span> the agreement unless the court<\/span> finds either that the agreement is contrary to the best interests of the Commonwealth or that it is not in the best interests of each of the parties thereto. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The agreement shall not become binding on the localities until affirmed<\/span> by the court<\/span> under this subsection. Once approved by the circuit<\/span> court<\/span>, the agreement shall also bind future local governing bodies of the localities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLOCALITIES MAY PROVIDE FOR TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (\u00a7 15.2-2316.2)\n\nA. Pursuant to the provisions of this article, the governing body of any\nlocality by ordinance may, in order to conserve and promote the public health,\nsafety, and general welfare, establish procedures, methods, and standards for\nthe transfer of development rights within its jurisdiction. Any locality\nadopting or amending any such transfer of development rights ordinance shall\ngive notice and hold a public hearing in accordance with § 15.2-2204 prior\nto approval by the governing body.\n\nB. In order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality shall adopt an\nordinance that shall provide for:\n\n 1. The issuance and recordation of the instruments necessary to sever\n development rights from the sending property, to convey development rights to\n one or more parties, or to affix development rights to one or more receiving\n properties. These instruments shall be executed by the property owners of the\n development rights being transferred, and any lien holders of such property\n owners. The instruments shall identify the development rights being severed,\n and the sending properties or the receiving properties, as applicable;\n\n 2. Assurance that the prohibitions against the use and development of the\n sending property shall bind the landowner and every successor in interest to\n the landowner;\n\n 3. The severance of transferable development rights from the sending property;\n\n 4. The purchase, sale, exchange, or other conveyance of transferable\n development rights, after severance, and prior to the rights being affixed to\n a receiving property;\n\n 5. A system for monitoring the severance, ownership, assignment, and transfer\n of transferable development rights;\n\n 6. A map or other description of areas designated as sending and receiving\n areas for the transfer of development rights between properties;\n\n 7. The identification of parcels, if any, within a receiving area that are\n inappropriate as receiving properties;\n\n 8. The permitted uses and the maximum increases in density in the receiving\n area;\n\n 9. The minimum acreage of a sending property and the minimum reduction in\n density of the sending property that may be conveyed in severance or transfer\n of development rights;\n\n 10. The development rights permitted to be attached in the receiving areas\n shall be equal to or greater than the development rights permitted to be\n severed from the sending areas;\n\n 11. An assessment of the infrastructure in the receiving area that identifies\n the ability of the area to accept increases in density and its plans to\n provide necessary utility services within any designated receiving area; and\n\n 12. The application to be deemed approved upon the determination of compliance\n with the ordinance by the agent of the planning commission, or other agent\n designated by the locality.\n\nC. In order to implement the provisions of this act, a locality may provide in\nits ordinance for:\n\n 1. The purchase of all or part of such development rights, which shall retire\n the development rights so purchased;\n\n 2. The severance of development rights from existing zoned or subdivided\n properties as otherwise provided in subsection E;\n\n 3. The owner of such development rights to make application to the locality\n for a real estate tax abatement for a period up to 25 years, to compensate the\n owner of such development rights for the fair market value of all or part of\n the development rights, which shall retire the number of development rights\n equal to the amount of the tax abatement, and such abatement is transferable\n with the property;\n\n 4. The owner of a property to request designation by the locality of the\n owner’s property as a “sending property” or a\n “receiving property”;\n\n 5. The allowance for residential density to be converted to bonus density on\n the receiving property by (i) an increase in the residential density on the\n receiving property or (ii) an increase in the square feet of commercial,\n industrial, or other uses on the receiving property, which upon conversion\n shall retire the development rights so converted;\n\n 6. The receiving areas to include such urban development areas or similarly\n defined areas in the locality established pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1;\n\n 7. The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to\n generate one or more forms of renewable energy, as defined in § 56-576,\n subject to the provisions of the local zoning ordinance;\n\n 8. The sending properties, subsequent to severance of development rights, to\n produce agricultural products or forestal products, as defined in §\n 15.2-4302, and to include parks, campgrounds and related camping facilities;\n however, for purposes of this subdivision, “campgrounds” does not\n include use by travel trailers, motor homes, and similar vehicular type\n structures;\n\n 9. The review of an application by the planning commission to determine\n whether the application complies with the provisions of the ordinance;\n\n 10. Such other provisions as the locality deems necessary to aid in the\n implementation of the provisions of this act;\n\n 11. Approval of an application upon the determination of compliance with the\n ordinance by the agent of the planning commission; and\n\n 12. A requirement that development comply with any locality-adopted\n neighborhood design standards identified in the comprehensive plan for the\n receiving area in which the development shall occur, provided such design\n standard was adopted in the comprehensive plan and applied to the receiving\n area prior to the transfer of the development right.\n\nD. The locality may, by ordinance, designate receiving areas or receiving\nproperties, add to, supplement, or amend its designations of receiving areas or\nreceiving properties, or designate receiving areas or receiving properties that\nshall receive development rights only from certain sending areas or sending\nproperties specified by the locality, so long as the development rights\npermitted to be attached in the receiving areas are equal to or greater than the\ndevelopment rights permitted to be severed in the sending areas.\n\nE. Any proposed severance or transfer of development rights shall only be\ninitiated upon application by the property owners of the sending properties,\ndevelopment rights, or receiving properties as otherwise provided herein.\n\nF. A locality may not require property owners to sever or transfer development\nrights as a condition of the development of any property.\n\nG. The owner of a property may sever development rights from the sending\nproperty, pursuant to the provisions of this act. An application to transfer\ndevelopment rights to one or more receiving properties, for the purpose of\naffixing such rights thereto, shall only be initiated upon application by the\nowner of such development rights and the owners of the receiving properties.\n\nH. Development rights severed pursuant to this article shall be interests in\nreal property and shall be considered as such for purposes of conveyance and\ntaxation. Once a deed for transferable development rights, created pursuant to\nthis act, has been recorded in the land records of the office of the circuit\ncourt clerk for the locality to reflect the transferable development rights\nsold, conveyed, or otherwise transferred by the owner of the sending property,\nthe development rights shall vest in the grantee and may be transferred by such\ngrantee to a successor in interest. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent\nthe owner of the sending property from recording a deed covenant against the\nsending property severing the development rights on said property, with the\nowner of the sending property retaining ownership of the severed development\nrights. Any transfer of the development rights to a property in a receiving area\nshall be in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance adopted pursuant to\nthis article.\n\nI. For the purposes of ad valorem real property taxation, the value of a\ntransferable development right shall be deemed appurtenant to the sending\nproperty until the transferable development right is severed from and recorded\nas a distinct interest in real property, or the transferable development right\nis used at a receiving property and becomes appurtenant thereto. Once a\ntransferable development right is severed from the sending property, the\nassessment of the fee interest in the sending property shall reflect any change\nin the fair market value that results from the inability of the owner of the fee\ninterest to use such property for such uses terminated by the severance of the\ntransferable development right. Upon severance from the sending property and\nrecordation as a distinct interest in real property, the transferable\ndevelopment right shall be assessed at its fair market value on a separate real\nestate tax bill sent to the owner of said development right as taxable real\nestate in accordance with Article 1 (§ 58.1-3200 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of\nTitle 58.1. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the\nlocal jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the\ndevelopment right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it\nshall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the\nreceiving property is located.\n\nJ. The owner of a sending property from which development rights are severed\nshall provide a copy of the instrument, showing the deed book and page number,\nor instrument or GPIN, to the real estate tax assessor for the locality.\n\nK. Localities, from time to time as the locality designates sending and\nreceiving areas, shall incorporate the map identified in subdivision B 6 into\nthe comprehensive plan.\n\nL. No amendment to the zoning map, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning\nordinance with respect to the zoning district applicable thereto initiated by\nthe governing body, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or downzone\nthe uses, or the density of uses permitted in the zoning district applicable to\nany property to which development rights have been transferred, shall be\neffective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud, or\na material change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health,\nsafety, or welfare.\n\nM. A county adopting an ordinance pursuant to this article may designate\neligible receiving areas in any incorporated town within such county, if the\ngoverning body of the town has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate\nthe same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending\nareas in the county. The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate\nby the local jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time\nas the development right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time\nit shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the\nreceiving property is located.\n\nN. Any county and an adjacent city may enter voluntarily into an agreement to\npermit the county to designate eligible receiving areas in the city if the\ngoverning body of the city has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate\nthe same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending\nareas in the county. The city council shall designate areas it deems suitable as\nreceiving areas and shall designate the maximum increases in density in each\nsuch receiving area. However, if any such agreement contains any provision\naddressing any issue provided for in Chapter 32 (\u00a7 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (\u00a7\n15.2-3300 et seq.), 36 (\u00a7 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (\u00a7 15.2-3800 et seq.), 39 (\u00a7\n15.2-3900 et seq.), or 41 (\u00a7 15.2-4100 et seq.), the agreement shall be subject\nto the review and implementation process established by Chapter 34 (\u00a7 15.2-3400\net seq.). The development right shall be taxed as taxable real estate by the\nlocal jurisdiction where the sending property is located, until such time as the\ndevelopment right becomes attached to a receiving property, at which time it\nshall be taxed as taxable real estate by the local jurisdiction where the\nreceiving property is located.\n\n 1. The terms and conditions of the density transfer agreement as provided in\n this subsection shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be\n approved by the governing body of each locality participating in the\n agreement, provided the governing body of each such locality first holds a\n public hearing, which shall be advertised as required by § 15.2-2204.\n\n 2. The governing bodies shall petition a circuit court having jurisdiction in\n one or more of the localities for an order affirming the proposed agreement.\n The circuit court shall be limited in its decision to either affirming or\n denying the agreement and shall have no authority, without the express\n approval of each local governing body, to amend or change the terms or\n conditions of the agreement, but shall have the authority to validate the\n agreement and give it full force and effect. The circuit court shall affirm\n the agreement unless the court finds either that the agreement is contrary to\n the best interests of the Commonwealth or that it is not in the best interests\n of each of the parties thereto.\n\n 3. The agreement shall not become binding on the localities until affirmed by\n the court under this subsection. Once approved by the circuit court, the\n agreement shall also bind future local governing bodies of the localities.\n\nHISTORY: 2006, c. 573; 2007, cc. 363, 410; 2009, cc. 413, 731; 2010, c. 239;\n2012, c. 512; 2014, c. 527; 2019, c. 701; 2024, cc. 225, 242.","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}}