{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-4306.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-4306.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-4306.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-4306.html"}],"law_id":67788,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67788,"structure_id":13499,"section_number":"15.2-4306","catch_line":"Criteria for evaluating application","history":"1977, c. 681, \u00a7 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587.","full_text":"Land being considered for inclusion in a district may be evaluated by the advisory committee and the planning commission through the Virginia Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a local LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local planning commission and the advisory committee, and at any public hearing at which an application that has been filed pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-4303 is being considered:\n\n1\n\nThe agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district or addition and in areas adjacent thereto;2\n\nThe presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the district and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or forestal production;3\n\nThe nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the district and in areas adjacent thereto;4\n\nLocal developmental patterns and needs;5\n\nThe comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations;6\n\nThe environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district for agricultural and forestal uses; and7\n\nAny other matter which may be relevant.\n\t\t\tIn judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant agricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate, topography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal products, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of agriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions and such other factors as may be relevant.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":245567,"text":"Land being considered for inclusion in a district may be evaluated by the advisory committee and the planning commission through the Virginia Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a local LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local planning commission and the advisory committee, and at any public hearing at which an application that has been filed pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-4303 is being considered:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":245568,"text":"The agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district or addition and in areas adjacent thereto;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":245569,"text":"The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the district and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or forestal production;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":245570,"text":"The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the district and in areas adjacent thereto;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":245571,"text":"Local developmental patterns and needs;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":245572,"text":"The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":245573,"text":"The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district for agricultural and forestal uses; and","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":245574,"text":"Any other matter which may be relevant.\n\t\t\tIn judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant agricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate, topography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal products, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of agriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions and such other factors as may be relevant.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-4306\/","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 1979, chapter 377; in 1981, chapter 546; in 1984, chapter 20; in 1985, chapter 13; in 1987, chapter 552; in 1993, chapters 745 and 761; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":84802,"section_number":"15.2-4303","catch_line":"Power of localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees; maps; sample form","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-4303\/"}],"permalink":{"id":158023,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67788,"identifier":"15.2-4306","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4306","url":"\/15.2-4306\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-4306\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/43\/15.2-4306","dublin_core":{"Title":"Criteria for evaluating application","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-4306","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Land being considered for inclusion in a district<\/span> may be evaluated by the advisory committee<\/span> and the planning commission through the Virginia Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a local LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local planning commission and the advisory committee<\/span>, and at any public hearing<\/span> at which an application<\/span> that has been filed pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-4303<\/a> is being considered:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district<\/span> or addition and in areas adjacent thereto; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the district<\/span> and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or forestal production<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the district<\/span> and in areas adjacent thereto; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Local developmental patterns and needs; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district<\/span> for agricultural and forestal uses; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Any other matter which may be relevant.\n\t\t\tIn judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant agricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate, topography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal products<\/span>, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of agriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions and such other factors as may be relevant. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCRITERIA FOR EVALUATING APPLICATION (\u00a7 15.2-4306)\n\nLand being considered for inclusion in a district may be evaluated by the\nadvisory committee and the planning commission through the Virginia Land\nEvaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a\nlocal LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local\nplanning commission and the advisory committee, and at any public hearing at\nwhich an application that has been filed pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-4303 is being\nconsidered:\n\n1. The agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district or\naddition and in areas adjacent thereto;\n\n2. The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal\nlands within the district and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in\nactive agricultural or forestal production;\n\n3. The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry\nwithin the district and in areas adjacent thereto;\n\n4. Local developmental patterns and needs;\n\n5. The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations;\n\n6. The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district for\nagricultural and forestal uses; and\n\n7. Any other matter which may be relevant.\n\t\t\tIn judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant\nagricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate,\ntopography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal\nproducts, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of\nagriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions\nand such other factors as may be relevant.\n\nHISTORY: 1977, c. 681, \u00a7 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20;\n1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587.","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}}