{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-730.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-730.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-730.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-730.html"}],"law_id":63910,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63910,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-730","catch_line":"Civil penalties for violations of zoning ordinance","history":"1985, c. 415, \u00a7 15.1-687.8; 1992, c. 298; 1997, c. 587.","full_text":"Notwithstanding subdivision A 5 of \u00a7 15.2-2286, a county may adopt an ordinance which establishes a uniform schedule of civil penalties for violations of specified provisions of the zoning ordinances regulating the storage of junk and the repair of motor vehicles. Such schedule of offenses shall not include any zoning violation resulting in injury to any person, and the existence of a civil penalty shall not preclude action by the zoning administrator under subdivision A 4 of \u00a7 15.2-2286 or action by the governing body under \u00a7 15.2-2208.\n\t\tThis schedule of civil penalties may allow for progressively higher penalties for subsequent offenses whether or not the subsequent offenses arise from the same set of operative facts; however, the penalty for any one violation shall be a fine of not more than fifty dollars. Each day during which the violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense. However, in no event shall specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts be charged more frequently than once in any ten-day period, and in no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts result in civil penalties which exceed a total of $250. Designation of a particular zoning ordinance violation for a civil penalty pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions, and except for any violation resulting in injury to any person, such designation shall preclude the prosecution of a violation as a criminal misdemeanor.\n\t\tAny person summoned for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the treasurer of the county prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand trial and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment of court.\n\t\tIf a person charged with a scheduled violation does not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit liability, the violation shall be tried in the general district court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided for in Title 8.01. In any trial for a scheduled violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the county to show the liability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence. An admission of liability or finding of liability shall not be a criminal conviction for any purpose.\n\t\tNo provision herein shall be construed to allow the imposition of civil penalties: (i) for enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code; (ii) for activities related to land development or activities related to the construction or repair of buildings and other structures; or (iii) for violation of any provision of a local zoning ordinance relating to the posting of signs on public property or public rights-of-way.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":232760,"text":"Notwithstanding subdivision A 5 of \u00a7 15.2-2286, a county may adopt an ordinance which establishes a uniform schedule of civil penalties for violations of specified provisions of the zoning ordinances regulating the storage of junk and the repair of motor vehicles. Such schedule of offenses shall not include any zoning violation resulting in injury to any person, and the existence of a civil penalty shall not preclude action by the zoning administrator under subdivision A 4 of \u00a7 15.2-2286 or action by the governing body under \u00a7 15.2-2208.\n\t\tThis schedule of civil penalties may allow for progressively higher penalties for subsequent offenses whether or not the subsequent offenses arise from the same set of operative facts; however, the penalty for any one violation shall be a fine of not more than fifty dollars. Each day during which the violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense. However, in no event shall specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts be charged more frequently than once in any ten-day period, and in no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts result in civil penalties which exceed a total of $250. Designation of a particular zoning ordinance violation for a civil penalty pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions, and except for any violation resulting in injury to any person, such designation shall preclude the prosecution of a violation as a criminal misdemeanor.\n\t\tAny person summoned for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the treasurer of the county prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand trial and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment of court.\n\t\tIf a person charged with a scheduled violation does not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit liability, the violation shall be tried in the general district court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided for in Title 8.01. In any trial for a scheduled violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the county to show the liability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence. An admission of liability or finding of liability shall not be a criminal conviction for any purpose.\n\t\tNo provision herein shall be construed to allow the imposition of civil penalties: (i) for enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code; (ii) for activities related to land development or activities related to the construction or repair of buildings and other structures; or (iii) for violation of any provision of a local zoning ordinance relating to the posting of signs on public property or public rights-of-way.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13942,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Powers; County Manager Plan","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13941,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:22","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:22","permalink":{"id":151879,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13942,"identifier":"2","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2","url":"\/15.2\/I\/7\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13941,"edition_id":1,"name":"County Manager Plan of Government","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13138,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:22","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:22","permalink":{"id":151867,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13941,"identifier":"7","token":"15.2\/I\/7","url":"\/15.2\/I\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13138,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions; Charters; Other Forms and Organization of Counties","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:20","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:20","permalink":{"id":151281,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13138,"identifier":"I","token":"15.2\/I","url":"\/15.2\/I\/","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":81778,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-702","catch_line":"County board; membership, terms, chairman, etc","url":"\/15.2-702\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-702","metadata":false},{"id":84414,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-702.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-702.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-702.1","metadata":false},{"id":84753,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-703","catch_line":"Interference by members of board in appointments and removals of personnel","url":"\/15.2-703\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-703","metadata":false},{"id":79639,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-704","catch_line":"Appointment of clerk of board; powers and duties; obligations and penalties","url":"\/15.2-704\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-704","metadata":false},{"id":80202,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-705","catch_line":"Election of members of board; filling vacancies","url":"\/15.2-705\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-705","metadata":false},{"id":85157,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-705.1","catch_line":"Instant runoff voting","url":"\/15.2-705.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-705.1","metadata":false},{"id":68323,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-706","catch_line":"Duties of county manager; compensation; appointment of officers and employees","url":"\/15.2-706\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-706","metadata":false},{"id":62617,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-707","catch_line":"Bonds of county officers and employees","url":"\/15.2-707\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-707","metadata":false},{"id":59246,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-708","catch_line":"Term of office of county manager; salary and performance of duties; acting manager in case of temporary absence or disability; removal or suspension","url":"\/15.2-708\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-708","metadata":false},{"id":66195,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-709","catch_line":"Investigation of county officers or employees","url":"\/15.2-709\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-709","metadata":false},{"id":77826,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-709.1","catch_line":"Applicant preemployment information in Arlington County","url":"\/15.2-709.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-709.1","metadata":false},{"id":61586,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-709.2","catch_line":"County auditor","url":"\/15.2-709.2\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-709.2","metadata":false},{"id":82185,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-710","catch_line":"Budget; county manager to be executive and administrative officer; financial condition of county","url":"\/15.2-710\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-710","metadata":false},{"id":72214,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-711","catch_line":"Certification and payment of payrolls","url":"\/15.2-711\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-711","metadata":false},{"id":55153,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-712","catch_line":"Certification and payment of certain vouchers","url":"\/15.2-712\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-712","metadata":false},{"id":63873,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-713","catch_line":"Means of transferring funds","url":"\/15.2-713\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-713","metadata":false},{"id":64908,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-714","catch_line":"Depository for county funds","url":"\/15.2-714\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-714","metadata":false},{"id":72151,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-715","catch_line":"Abolition of offices and distribution of duties","url":"\/15.2-715\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-715","metadata":false},{"id":60187,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-716","catch_line":"Referendum for establishment of department of real estate assessments; board of equalization; general reassessments in county where department established","url":"\/15.2-716\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-716","metadata":false},{"id":73122,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-716.1","catch_line":"Board of Equalization","url":"\/15.2-716.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-716.1","metadata":false},{"id":86535,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-717","catch_line":"Time in which to contest real property assessments","url":"\/15.2-717\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-717","metadata":false},{"id":84346,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-718","catch_line":"Postponement of payment of certain assessments","url":"\/15.2-718\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-718","metadata":false},{"id":55814,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-719","catch_line":"Immobilization, etc., of certain vehicles","url":"\/15.2-719\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-719","metadata":false},{"id":68805,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-719.1","catch_line":"Naming U.S. Route 29","url":"\/15.2-719.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-719.1","metadata":false},{"id":81735,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-720","catch_line":"Employee salary reduction agreements","url":"\/15.2-720\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-720","metadata":false},{"id":71742,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-720.1","catch_line":"Employee benefits; residence in county","url":"\/15.2-720.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-720.1","metadata":false},{"id":87230,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-721","catch_line":"Civil service commission","url":"\/15.2-721\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-721","metadata":false},{"id":83765,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-722","catch_line":"Personnel studies","url":"\/15.2-722\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-722","metadata":false},{"id":67529,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-723","catch_line":"Grievances by police officers","url":"\/15.2-723\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-723","metadata":false},{"id":85257,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-724","catch_line":"Choice of powers where sanitary district involved","url":"\/15.2-724\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-724","metadata":false},{"id":61930,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-725","catch_line":"Commission on human rights; subpoena requests","url":"\/15.2-725\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-725","metadata":false},{"id":76557,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-726","catch_line":"Acquisition of easements","url":"\/15.2-726\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-726","metadata":false},{"id":79003,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-727","catch_line":"Payment of certain assessments","url":"\/15.2-727\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-727","metadata":false},{"id":65246,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-728","catch_line":"Title insurance for county real estate","url":"\/15.2-728\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-728","metadata":false},{"id":81593,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-729","catch_line":"Relocation assistance programs","url":"\/15.2-729\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-729","metadata":false},{"id":63910,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-730","catch_line":"Civil penalties for violations of zoning ordinance","url":"\/15.2-730\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-730","metadata":false},{"id":64533,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-731","catch_line":"Retirement benefits for part-time employees","url":"\/15.2-731\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-731","metadata":false},{"id":57805,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-732","catch_line":"Peddlers; itinerant merchants","url":"\/15.2-732\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-732","metadata":false},{"id":85500,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-733","catch_line":"Summons for violations of litter control ordinances","url":"\/15.2-733\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-733","metadata":false},{"id":84718,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-734","catch_line":"Purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property","url":"\/15.2-734\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-734","metadata":false},{"id":82794,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-735","catch_line":"Local housing fund and voluntary coordinated housing preservation and development districts","url":"\/15.2-735\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-735","metadata":false},{"id":63692,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-735.1","catch_line":"Affordable dwelling unit ordinance; permitting certain densities in the comprehensive plan","url":"\/15.2-735.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-735.1","metadata":false},{"id":62979,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-736","catch_line":"State benefits for certain employees","url":"\/15.2-736\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-736","metadata":false},{"id":61946,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-737","catch_line":"Tenant relocation payments","url":"\/15.2-737\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-737","metadata":false},{"id":65650,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-738","catch_line":"Modification of grievance procedure","url":"\/15.2-738\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-738","metadata":false},{"id":65775,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-739","catch_line":"Diversion of certain waters","url":"\/15.2-739\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-739","metadata":false},{"id":54997,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-740","catch_line":"Authority to impose assessments for local improvements; purposes","url":"\/15.2-740\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-740","metadata":false},{"id":68797,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-741","catch_line":"Regulation of child-care services and facilities in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-741\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-741","metadata":false},{"id":73278,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-742","catch_line":"Lighting level regulation","url":"\/15.2-742\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-742","metadata":false},{"id":75816,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-743","catch_line":"Fee for certain vacations, encroachments, and abandonments","url":"\/15.2-743\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-743","metadata":false},{"id":74105,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-744","catch_line":"Authority of county board to impose civil penalties for wrongful demolition, razing or moving of historic buildings","url":"\/15.2-744\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-744","metadata":false},{"id":74318,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-745","catch_line":"Ordinance for installment collection of taxes","url":"\/15.2-745\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-745","metadata":false},{"id":68300,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-746","catch_line":"Board possesses general power of management","url":"\/15.2-746\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-746","metadata":false},{"id":66479,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-747","catch_line":"Board may prohibit and penalize acts which are misdemeanors under state law","url":"\/15.2-747\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-747","metadata":false},{"id":70678,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-748","catch_line":"Annexation by city","url":"\/15.2-748\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-748","metadata":false},{"id":58883,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-749","catch_line":"Certain referenda in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-749\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-749","metadata":false},{"id":67785,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-750","catch_line":"Board may accept dedication of rights to develop real property","url":"\/15.2-750\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-750","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81593,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-729","catch_line":"Relocation assistance programs","url":"\/15.2-729\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-729","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64533,"structure_id":13942,"section_number":"15.2-731","catch_line":"Retirement benefits for part-time employees","url":"\/15.2-731\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-731","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-730\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1985. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 415 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 1985 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 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 1992, chapter 298; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":72291,"section_number":"15.2-2208","catch_line":"Restraining violations of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2208\/"},{"id":67238,"section_number":"15.2-2286","catch_line":"Permitted provisions in zoning ordinances; amendments; applicant to pay delinquent taxes; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2286\/"}],"permalink":{"id":152021,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63910,"identifier":"15.2-730","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-730","url":"\/15.2-730\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-730\/","token":"15.2\/I\/7\/2\/15.2-730","dublin_core":{"Title":"Civil penalties for violations of zoning ordinance","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-730","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Notwithstanding subdivision A 5 of \u00a7 15.2-2286<\/a>, a county<\/span> may adopt an ordinance<\/span> which establishes a uniform schedule of civil penalties for violations of specified provisions of the zoning ordinances<\/span> regulating the storage of junk and the repair of motor vehicles. Such schedule of offenses<\/span> shall not include any zoning violation resulting in injury to any person, and the existence of a civil penalty<\/span> shall not preclude action by the zoning administrator under subdivision A 4 of \u00a7 15.2-2286<\/a> or action by the governing body<\/span> under \u00a7 15.2-2208<\/a>.\n\t\tThis schedule of civil penalties may allow for progressively higher penalties for subsequent offenses<\/span> whether or not the subsequent offenses<\/span> arise from the same set of operative facts<\/span>; however, the penalty<\/span> for any one violation shall be a fine of not more than fifty dollars. Each day during which the violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense<\/span>. However, in no event shall specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts<\/span> be charged more frequently than once in any ten-day period, and in no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts<\/span> result in civil penalties which exceed a total of $250. Designation of a particular zoning ordinance<\/span> violation for a civil penalty<\/span> pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions<\/span>, and except for any violation resulting in injury to any person, such designation shall preclude the prosecution<\/span> of a violation as a criminal misdemeanor<\/span>.\n\t\tAny person summoned for a scheduled violation may make an appearance<\/span> in person or in writing by mail to the treasurer of the county<\/span> prior to the date fixed for trial<\/span> in court<\/span>. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver<\/span> of trial<\/span>, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty<\/span> established for the offense<\/span> charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand trial<\/span> and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment<\/span> of court<\/span>.\n\t\tIf a person charged with a scheduled violation does not elect to enter a waiver<\/span> of trial<\/span> and admit liability, the violation shall be tried in the general district court<\/span> in the same manner and with the same right of appeal<\/span> as provided for in Title 8.01. In any trial<\/span> for a scheduled violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the county<\/span> to show the liability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence<\/span>. An admission of liability or finding<\/span> of liability shall not be a criminal conviction<\/span> for any purpose.\n\t\tNo provision herein shall be construed to allow the imposition of civil penalties: (i) for enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code; (ii) for activities related to land development or activities related to the construction or repair of buildings and other structures; or (iii) for violation of any provision of a local zoning ordinance<\/span> relating to the posting of signs on public property or public rights-of-way.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF ZONING ORDINANCE (\u00a7 15.2-730)\n\nNotwithstanding subdivision A 5 of \u00a7 15.2-2286, a county may adopt an ordinance\nwhich establishes a uniform schedule of civil penalties for violations of\nspecified provisions of the zoning ordinances regulating the storage of junk and\nthe repair of motor vehicles. Such schedule of offenses shall not include any\nzoning violation resulting in injury to any person, and the existence of a civil\npenalty shall not preclude action by the zoning administrator under subdivision\nA 4 of \u00a7 15.2-2286 or action by the governing body under \u00a7 15.2-2208.\n\t\tThis schedule of civil penalties may allow for progressively higher penalties\nfor subsequent offenses whether or not the subsequent offenses arise from the\nsame set of operative facts; however, the penalty for any one violation shall be\na fine of not more than fifty dollars. Each day during which the violation is\nfound to have existed shall constitute a separate offense. However, in no event\nshall specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts be\ncharged more frequently than once in any ten-day period, and in no event shall a\nseries of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts\nresult in civil penalties which exceed a total of $250. Designation of a\nparticular zoning ordinance violation for a civil penalty pursuant to this\nsection shall be in lieu of criminal sanctions, and except for any violation\nresulting in injury to any person, such designation shall preclude the\nprosecution of a violation as a criminal misdemeanor.\n\t\tAny person summoned for a scheduled violation may make an appearance in person\nor in writing by mail to the treasurer of the county prior to the date fixed for\ntrial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit\nliability, and pay the civil penalty established for the offense charged. Such\npersons shall be informed of their right to stand trial and that a signature to\nan admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment of\ncourt.\n\t\tIf a person charged with a scheduled violation does not elect to enter a\nwaiver of trial and admit liability, the violation shall be tried in the general\ndistrict court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided\nfor in Title 8.01. In any trial for a scheduled violation authorized by this\nsection, it shall be the burden of the county to show the liability of the\nviolator by a preponderance of the evidence. An admission of liability or\nfinding of liability shall not be a criminal conviction for any purpose.\n\t\tNo provision herein shall be construed to allow the imposition of civil\npenalties: (i) for enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code; (ii) for\nactivities related to land development or activities related to the construction\nor repair of buildings and other structures; or (iii) for violation of any\nprovision of a local zoning ordinance relating to the posting of signs on public\nproperty or public rights-of-way.\n\nHISTORY: 1985, c. 415, \u00a7 15.1-687.8; 1992, c. 298; 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}}