{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-4303.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-4303.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-4303.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-4303.html"}],"law_id":84802,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84802,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4303","catch_line":"Power of localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees; maps; sample form","history":"1977, c. 681, \u00a7 15.1-1509; 1978, c. 604; 1979, c. 377; 1984, c. 20; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 667; 2011, cc. 344, 355.","full_text":"A\n\nEach locality shall have the authority to promulgate forms and to enact ordinances to effectuate this chapter. The locality may charge a reasonable fee for each application submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not exceed $500 or the costs of processing and reviewing an application, whichever is less.B\n\nThe locality shall prescribe application forms for districts that include but need not be limited to the following information:1\n\nThe general location of the district;2\n\nThe total acreage in the district or acreage to be added to an existing district;3\n\nThe name, address, and signature of each landowner applying for creation of a district or an addition to an existing district and the acreage each owner owns within the district or addition;4\n\nThe conditions proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309;5\n\nThe period before first review proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309; and6\n\nThe date of application, date of final action by the local governing body and whether approved, modified or rejected.C\n\nThe application form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or both, prescribed by the locality that clearly show the boundaries of the proposed district and each addition and boundaries of properties owned by each applicant, and any other features as prescribed by the locality.D\n\nFor each notice required by this chapter to be sent to a landowner, notice shall be sent by first-class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the application hereunder or on the current real estate tax assessment books or maps. A representative of the local planning commission or local governing body shall make affidavit that such mailing has been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the case.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":303843,"text":"Each locality shall have the authority to promulgate forms and to enact ordinances to effectuate this chapter. The locality may charge a reasonable fee for each application submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not exceed $500 or the costs of processing and reviewing an application, whichever is less.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":303844,"text":"The locality shall prescribe application forms for districts that include but need not be limited to the following information:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":303845,"text":"The general location of the district;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":303846,"text":"The total acreage in the district or acreage to be added to an existing district;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":303847,"text":"The name, address, and signature of each landowner applying for creation of a district or an addition to an existing district and the acreage each owner owns within the district or addition;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":303848,"text":"The conditions proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":303849,"text":"The period before first review proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":303850,"text":"The date of application, date of final action by the local governing body and whether approved, modified or rejected.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":303851,"text":"The application form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or both, prescribed by the locality that clearly show the boundaries of the proposed district and each addition and boundaries of properties owned by each applicant, and any other features as prescribed by the locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":303852,"text":"For each notice required by this chapter to be sent to a landowner, notice shall be sent by first-class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the application hereunder or on the current real estate tax assessment books or maps. A representative of the local planning commission or local governing body shall make affidavit that such mailing has been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the case.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13499,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act","identifier":"43","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12721,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","permalink":{"id":157997,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13499,"identifier":"43","token":"15.2\/IV\/43","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/43\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12721,"edition_id":1,"name":"Other Governmental Entities","identifier":"IV","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":157897,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12721,"identifier":"IV","token":"15.2\/IV","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/","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":83266,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4300","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/15.2-4300\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4300","metadata":false},{"id":78071,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4301","catch_line":"Declaration of policy findings and purpose","url":"\/15.2-4301\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4301","metadata":false},{"id":61769,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4302","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-4302\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4302","metadata":false},{"id":84802,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4303","catch_line":"Power of localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees; maps; sample form","url":"\/15.2-4303\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4303","metadata":false},{"id":67090,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4304","catch_line":"Agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee","url":"\/15.2-4304\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4304","metadata":false},{"id":55800,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4305","catch_line":"Application for creation of district in one or more localities; size and location of parcels","url":"\/15.2-4305\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4305","metadata":false},{"id":67788,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4306","catch_line":"Criteria for evaluating application","url":"\/15.2-4306\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4306","metadata":false},{"id":82465,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4307","catch_line":"Review of application; notice; hearing","url":"\/15.2-4307\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4307","metadata":false},{"id":54465,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4308","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-4308\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4308","metadata":false},{"id":58833,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4309","catch_line":"Hearing; creation of district; conditions; notice","url":"\/15.2-4309\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4309","metadata":false},{"id":56331,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4310","catch_line":"Additions to a district","url":"\/15.2-4310\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4310","metadata":false},{"id":78028,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4311","catch_line":"Review of districts","url":"\/15.2-4311\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4311","metadata":false},{"id":77285,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4312","catch_line":"Effects of districts","url":"\/15.2-4312\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4312","metadata":false},{"id":66279,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4313","catch_line":"Proposals as to land acquisition or construction within district","url":"\/15.2-4313\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4313","metadata":false},{"id":83920,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4314","catch_line":"Withdrawal of land from a district; termination of a district","url":"\/15.2-4314\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4314","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":61769,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4302","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-4302\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4302","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67090,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4304","catch_line":"Agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee","url":"\/15.2-4304\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4304","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-4303\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1977. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 681 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. Unfortunately, the 1977 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. 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 1978, chapter 604; in 1979, chapter 377; in 1984, chapter 20; in 1987, chapter 552; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 667<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 344<\/a> and 355<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67788,"section_number":"15.2-4306","catch_line":"Criteria for evaluating application","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4306\/"},{"id":77285,"section_number":"15.2-4312","catch_line":"Effects of districts","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4312\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58833,"section_number":"15.2-4309","catch_line":"Hearing; creation of district; conditions; notice","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4309\/"}],"permalink":{"id":158011,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84802,"identifier":"15.2-4303","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4303","url":"\/15.2-4303\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-4303\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4303","dublin_core":{"Title":"Power of localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees; maps; sample form","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-4303","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Each locality<\/span> shall have the authority to promulgate forms and to enact ordinances<\/span> to effectuate this chapter. The locality<\/span> may charge a reasonable fee for each application<\/span> submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not exceed $500 or the costs of processing and reviewing an application<\/span>, whichever is less. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The locality<\/span> shall prescribe application<\/span> forms for districts<\/span> that include but need not be limited to the following information: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The general location of the district<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The total acreage in the district<\/span> or acreage to be added to an existing district<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The name, address, and signature of each landowner<\/span> applying for creation of a district<\/span> or an addition to an existing district<\/span> and the acreage each owner owns within the district<\/span> or addition; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The conditions proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The period before first review proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309<\/a>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The date of application<\/span>, date of final action by the local governing body<\/span> and whether approved, modified or rejected. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The application<\/span> form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or both, prescribed by the locality<\/span> that clearly show the boundaries of the proposed district<\/span> and each addition and boundaries of properties owned by each applicant, and any other features as prescribed by the locality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> For each notice required by this chapter to be sent to a landowner<\/span>, notice shall be sent by first-class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the application<\/span> hereunder or on the current real estate tax assessment books or maps. A representative of the local planning commission or local governing body<\/span> shall make affidavit<\/span> that such mailing has been made and file such affidavit<\/span> with the papers in the case. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOWER OF LOCALITIES TO ENACT ORDINANCES; APPLICATION FORM AND FEES; MAPS; SAMPLE\nFORM (\u00a7 15.2-4303)\n\nA. Each locality shall have the authority to promulgate forms and to enact\nordinances to effectuate this chapter. The locality may charge a reasonable fee\nfor each application submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not\nexceed $500 or the costs of processing and reviewing an application, whichever\nis less.\n\nB. The locality shall prescribe application forms for districts that include but\nneed not be limited to the following information:\n\n 1. The general location of the district;\n\n 2. The total acreage in the district or acreage to be added to an existing\n district;\n\n 3. The name, address, and signature of each landowner applying for creation of\n a district or an addition to an existing district and the acreage each owner\n owns within the district or addition;\n\n 4. The conditions proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309;\n\n 5. The period before first review proposed by the applicant pursuant to §\n 15.2-4309; and\n\n 6. The date of application, date of final action by the local governing body\n and whether approved, modified or rejected.\n\nC. The application form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or\nboth, prescribed by the locality that clearly show the boundaries of the\nproposed district and each addition and boundaries of properties owned by each\napplicant, and any other features as prescribed by the locality.\n\nD. For each notice required by this chapter to be sent to a landowner, notice\nshall be sent by first-class mail to the last known address of such owner as\nshown on the application hereunder or on the current real estate tax assessment\nbooks or maps. A representative of the local planning commission or local\ngoverning body shall make affidavit that such mailing has been made and file\nsuch affidavit with the papers in the case.\n\nHISTORY: 1977, c. 681, \u00a7 15.1-1509; 1978, c. 604; 1979, c. 377; 1984, c. 20;\n1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 667; 2011, cc. 344, 355.","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}}