{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-851.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-851.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-851.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-851.html"}],"law_id":57662,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57662,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-851","catch_line":"Expedited land development review procedure","history":"1989, c. 735, \u00a7 15.1-783.01; 1990, c. 822; 1997, c. 587; 2009, c. 309.","full_text":"A\n\nA county may establish, by ordinance, a separate processing procedure for the review of preliminary and final subdivision and site plans and other development plans certified by licensed professional engineers, architects, landscape architects and land surveyors who are also licensed pursuant to § 54.1-408 and recommended for submission by persons who have received special training in such county’s land development ordinances and regulations. The purpose of such separate review procedure is to provide a procedure to expedite the county’s review of certain qualified land development plans. If a separate procedure is established, the county shall establish within the adopted ordinance the criteria for qualification of persons and whose work is eligible to use the separate procedure as well as a procedure for determining if the qualifications are met by persons applying to use the separate procedure. Persons who satisfy the criteria of subsection B below shall qualify as plans examiners. Plans reviewed and recommended for submission by plans examiners and certified by the appropriately licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor shall qualify for the separate processing procedure.B\n\nThe qualifications of those persons who may participate in this program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:1\n\nA bachelor of science degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or related science or equivalent experience or a land surveyor certified pursuant to § 54.1-408.2\n\nSuccessful completion of an educational program specified by the county.3\n\nA minimum of two years of land development engineering design experience acceptable to the county.4\n\nAttendance at continuing educational courses specified by the county.5\n\nConsistent preparation and submission of plans which meet all applicable ordinances and regulations.C\n\nIf an expedited review procedure is adopted by the board of supervisors pursuant to this section, the board of supervisors shall establish an advisory plans examiner board which shall make recommendations to the board of supervisors on the general operation of the program, on the general qualifications of those who may participate in the expedited processing procedure, on initial and continuing educational programs needed to qualify and maintain qualification for such a program, and on the general administration and operation of such a program. In addition, the plans examiner board shall submit recommendations to the board of supervisors as to those persons who meet the established qualifications for participation in the program and as to whether those persons who have previously qualified to participate in the program should be disqualified, suspended or otherwise disciplined. The plans examiner board shall consist of six members who shall be appointed by the board of supervisors for staggered four-year terms. Initial terms may be less than four years so as to provide for staggered terms. The plans examiner board shall consist of three persons in private practice as licensed professional engineers or land surveyors certified pursuant to § 54.1-408, at least one of whom shall be a certified land surveyor; one person employed by the county government; one person employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation who shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member; and one citizen member. All plans examiner board members who serve as licensed engineers or as certified surveyors must maintain their professional license or certification as a condition of holding office, and all such persons shall have at least two years of experience in land development procedures of the county. The citizen member shall meet the qualifications provided in § 54.1-107. However, such member, notwithstanding the proscription of provision (i) of § 54.1-107, shall have training as an engineer or surveyor and may be currently licensed, certified or practicing his profession.D\n\nThe expedited land development program shall include an educational program conducted under the auspices of a public institution of higher education. The instructors in the educational program shall consist of persons in the private and public sectors who are qualified to prepare land development plans. The educational program shall include the comprehensive and detailed study of county ordinances and regulations relating to plans and how they are applied.E\n\nThe separate processing system may include a review of selected or random aspects of plans rather than a detailed review of all aspects. However, it shall also include periodic detailed review of plans prepared by persons who qualify for the system.F\n\nIn no event shall this section relieve persons who prepare and submit plans of the responsibilities and obligations which they would otherwise have with regard to the preparation of plans, nor shall it relieve the county of its obligation to review other plans in the time periods and manner prescribed by law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":211246,"text":"A county may establish, by ordinance, a separate processing procedure for the review of preliminary and final subdivision and site plans and other development plans certified by licensed professional engineers, architects, landscape architects and land surveyors who are also licensed pursuant to § 54.1-408 and recommended for submission by persons who have received special training in such county’s land development ordinances and regulations. The purpose of such separate review procedure is to provide a procedure to expedite the county’s review of certain qualified land development plans. If a separate procedure is established, the county shall establish within the adopted ordinance the criteria for qualification of persons and whose work is eligible to use the separate procedure as well as a procedure for determining if the qualifications are met by persons applying to use the separate procedure. Persons who satisfy the criteria of subsection B below shall qualify as plans examiners. Plans reviewed and recommended for submission by plans examiners and certified by the appropriately licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor shall qualify for the separate processing procedure.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":211247,"text":"The qualifications of those persons who may participate in this program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":211248,"text":"A bachelor of science degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or related science or equivalent experience or a land surveyor certified pursuant to § 54.1-408.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":211249,"text":"Successful completion of an educational program specified by the county.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":211250,"text":"A minimum of two years of land development engineering design experience acceptable to the county.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":211251,"text":"Attendance at continuing educational courses specified by the county.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":211252,"text":"Consistent preparation and submission of plans which meet all applicable ordinances and regulations.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"C"},"7":{"id":211253,"text":"If an expedited review procedure is adopted by the board of supervisors pursuant to this section, the board of supervisors shall establish an advisory plans examiner board which shall make recommendations to the board of supervisors on the general operation of the program, on the general qualifications of those who may participate in the expedited processing procedure, on initial and continuing educational programs needed to qualify and maintain qualification for such a program, and on the general administration and operation of such a program. In addition, the plans examiner board shall submit recommendations to the board of supervisors as to those persons who meet the established qualifications for participation in the program and as to whether those persons who have previously qualified to participate in the program should be disqualified, suspended or otherwise disciplined. The plans examiner board shall consist of six members who shall be appointed by the board of supervisors for staggered four-year terms. Initial terms may be less than four years so as to provide for staggered terms. The plans examiner board shall consist of three persons in private practice as licensed professional engineers or land surveyors certified pursuant to § 54.1-408, at least one of whom shall be a certified land surveyor; one person employed by the county government; one person employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation who shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member; and one citizen member. All plans examiner board members who serve as licensed engineers or as certified surveyors must maintain their professional license or certification as a condition of holding office, and all such persons shall have at least two years of experience in land development procedures of the county. The citizen member shall meet the qualifications provided in § 54.1-107. However, such member, notwithstanding the proscription of provision (i) of § 54.1-107, shall have training as an engineer or surveyor and may be currently licensed, certified or practicing his profession.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"D"},"8":{"id":211254,"text":"The expedited land development program shall include an educational program conducted under the auspices of a public institution of higher education. The instructors in the educational program shall consist of persons in the private and public sectors who are qualified to prepare land development plans. The educational program shall include the comprehensive and detailed study of county ordinances and regulations relating to plans and how they are applied.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"9":{"id":211255,"text":"The separate processing system may include a review of selected or random aspects of plans rather than a detailed review of all aspects. However, it shall also include periodic detailed review of plans prepared by persons who qualify for the system.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"10":{"id":211256,"text":"In no event shall this section relieve persons who prepare and submit plans of the responsibilities and obligations which they would otherwise have with regard to the preparation of plans, nor shall it relieve the county of its obligation to review other plans in the time periods and manner prescribed by law.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14819,"edition_id":1,"name":"Departments and Commissions","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14133,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:07","permalink":{"id":152201,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14819,"identifier":"2","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2","url":"\/15.2\/I\/8\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14133,"edition_id":1,"name":"Urban County Executive Form of Government","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13138,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:58","permalink":{"id":152109,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14133,"identifier":"8","token":"15.2\/I\/8","url":"\/15.2\/I\/8\/","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":70081,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-821","catch_line":"Board to provide for and set up departments; removal of department head or person assigned to county executive's office; powers of supervisors generally","url":"\/15.2-821\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-821","metadata":false},{"id":76022,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-822","catch_line":"Designation of officer or employee to exercise power or perform duty","url":"\/15.2-822\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-822","metadata":false},{"id":81909,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-823","catch_line":"Departments and commissions of county government","url":"\/15.2-823\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-823","metadata":false},{"id":77119,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-824","catch_line":"Appointment of members of certain boards, authorities and commissions","url":"\/15.2-824\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-824","metadata":false},{"id":81095,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-825","catch_line":"Committee for legislative audit and review","url":"\/15.2-825\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-825","metadata":false},{"id":69081,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-826","catch_line":"Department of finance; director; general duties","url":"\/15.2-826\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-826","metadata":false},{"id":77030,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-827","catch_line":"Same; expenditures and accounts","url":"\/15.2-827\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-827","metadata":false},{"id":80542,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-828","catch_line":"Same; powers of commissioners of revenue; real estate assessments","url":"\/15.2-828\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-828","metadata":false},{"id":71908,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-829","catch_line":"Same; powers of county treasurer; deposit of moneys","url":"\/15.2-829\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-829","metadata":false},{"id":85848,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-830","catch_line":"Same; claims against counties; accounts","url":"\/15.2-830\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-830","metadata":false},{"id":76908,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-831","catch_line":"Same; director as purchasing agent","url":"\/15.2-831\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-831","metadata":false},{"id":86556,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-832","catch_line":"Same; assistants","url":"\/15.2-832\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-832","metadata":false},{"id":62049,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-833","catch_line":"Same; obligations of chief assessing officer","url":"\/15.2-833\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-833","metadata":false},{"id":68700,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-834","catch_line":"Department of public works","url":"\/15.2-834\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-834","metadata":false},{"id":72653,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-835","catch_line":"Department and board of social services","url":"\/15.2-835\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-835","metadata":false},{"id":61030,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-836","catch_line":"Department of law enforcement","url":"\/15.2-836\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-836","metadata":false},{"id":74453,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-836.1","catch_line":"Animal protection police officer","url":"\/15.2-836.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-836.1","metadata":false},{"id":75384,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-837","catch_line":"Department of education","url":"\/15.2-837\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-837","metadata":false},{"id":84166,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-838","catch_line":"Department of records","url":"\/15.2-838\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-838","metadata":false},{"id":79787,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-839","catch_line":"Department and board of health","url":"\/15.2-839\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-839","metadata":false},{"id":72395,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-840","catch_line":"Department of assessments","url":"\/15.2-840\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-840","metadata":false},{"id":56675,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-841","catch_line":"Department of farm and home demonstration","url":"\/15.2-841\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-841","metadata":false},{"id":71113,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-842","catch_line":"Department of public safety","url":"\/15.2-842\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-842","metadata":false},{"id":77274,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-843","catch_line":"Department of public utilities","url":"\/15.2-843\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-843","metadata":false},{"id":57265,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-844","catch_line":"Examination and audit of books and accounts","url":"\/15.2-844\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-844","metadata":false},{"id":63066,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-845","catch_line":"Schedule of compensation","url":"\/15.2-845\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-845","metadata":false},{"id":83332,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-846","catch_line":"Salaries and expenses of board members; administrative staff","url":"\/15.2-846\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-846","metadata":false},{"id":87326,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-847","catch_line":"Budget; board to fix salaries and allowances","url":"\/15.2-847\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-847","metadata":false},{"id":80453,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-848","catch_line":"Compensation of officers and employees; fee system abolished","url":"\/15.2-848\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-848","metadata":false},{"id":66350,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-849","catch_line":"Establishing times and conditions of employment; personnel management, etc","url":"\/15.2-849\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-849","metadata":false},{"id":67260,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-850","catch_line":"Bonds of officers","url":"\/15.2-850\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-850","metadata":false},{"id":57662,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-851","catch_line":"Expedited land development review procedure","url":"\/15.2-851\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-851","metadata":false},{"id":56663,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-851.1","catch_line":"Optional provisions of a subdivision ordinance","url":"\/15.2-851.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-851.1","metadata":false},{"id":71120,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-852","catch_line":"Disclosures in land use proceedings","url":"\/15.2-852\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-852","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":67260,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-850","catch_line":"Bonds of officers","url":"\/15.2-850\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-850","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56663,"structure_id":14819,"section_number":"15.2-851.1","catch_line":"Optional provisions of a subdivision ordinance","url":"\/15.2-851.1\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-851.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-851\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1989. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 735 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 1989 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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 1990, chapter 822; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 309<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":81026,"section_number":"54.1-107","catch_line":"Appointments, terms and removal of members of regulatory boards; citizen members","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-107\/"},{"id":62825,"section_number":"54.1-408","catch_line":"Practice of land surveying; subdivisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-408\/"}],"permalink":{"id":152327,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57662,"identifier":"15.2-851","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-851","url":"\/15.2-851\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-851\/","token":"15.2\/I\/8\/2\/15.2-851","dublin_core":{"Title":"Expedited land development review procedure","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-851","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A county<\/span> may establish, by ordinance<\/span>, a separate processing procedure for the review of preliminary and final subdivision and site plans and other development plans certified by licensed professional engineers, architects, landscape architects and land surveyors who are also licensed pursuant to § 54.1-408<\/a> and recommended for submission by persons who have received special training in such county<\/span>’s land development ordinances<\/span> and regulations. The purpose of such separate review procedure is to provide a procedure to expedite the county<\/span>’s review of certain qualified land development plans. If a separate procedure is established, the county<\/span> shall establish within the adopted ordinance<\/span> the criteria for qualification of persons and whose work is eligible to use the separate procedure as well as a procedure for determining if the qualifications are met by persons applying to use the separate procedure. Persons who satisfy the criteria of subsection B below shall qualify as plans examiners. Plans reviewed and recommended for submission by plans examiners and certified by the appropriately licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor shall qualify for the separate processing procedure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The qualifications of those persons who may participate in this program shall include, but not be limited to, the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A bachelor of science degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or related science or equivalent experience or a land surveyor certified pursuant to § 54.1-408<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Successful completion of an educational program specified by the county<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A minimum of two years of land development engineering design experience acceptable to the county<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Attendance at continuing educational courses specified by the county<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Consistent preparation and submission of plans which meet all applicable ordinances<\/span> and regulations. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If an expedited review procedure is adopted by the board of supervisors<\/span> pursuant to this section, the board of supervisors<\/span> shall establish an advisory plans examiner board which shall make recommendations to the board of supervisors<\/span> on the general operation of the program, on the general qualifications of those who may participate in the expedited processing procedure, on initial and continuing educational programs needed to qualify and maintain qualification for such a program, and on the general administration and operation of such a program. In addition, the plans examiner board shall submit recommendations to the board of supervisors<\/span> as to those persons who meet the established qualifications for participation in the program and as to whether those persons who have previously qualified to participate in the program should be disqualified, suspended or otherwise disciplined. The plans examiner board shall consist of six members who shall be appointed by the board of supervisors<\/span> for staggered four-year terms. Initial terms may be less than four years so as to provide for staggered terms. The plans examiner board shall consist of three persons in private practice as licensed professional engineers or land surveyors certified pursuant to § 54.1-408<\/a>, at least one of whom shall be a certified land surveyor; one person employed by the county<\/span> government; one person employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation who shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member; and one citizen member. All plans examiner board members who serve as licensed engineers or as certified surveyors must maintain their professional license or certification as a condition of holding office, and all such persons shall have at least two years of experience in land development procedures of the county<\/span>. The citizen member shall meet the qualifications provided in § 54.1-107<\/a>. However, such member, notwithstanding the proscription of provision (i) of § 54.1-107<\/a>, shall have training as an engineer or surveyor and may be currently licensed, certified or practicing his profession. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The expedited land development program shall include an educational program conducted under the auspices of a public institution of higher education. The instructors in the educational program shall consist of persons in the private and public sectors who are qualified to prepare land development plans. The educational program shall include the comprehensive and detailed study of county<\/span> ordinances<\/span> and regulations relating to plans and how they are applied. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The separate processing system may include a review of selected or random aspects of plans rather than a detailed review of all aspects. However, it shall also include periodic detailed review of plans prepared by persons who qualify for the system. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> In no event shall this section relieve persons who prepare and submit plans of the responsibilities and obligations which they would otherwise have with regard to the preparation of plans, nor shall it relieve the county<\/span> of its obligation to review other plans in the time periods and manner prescribed by law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nEXPEDITED LAND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURE (\u00a7 15.2-851)\n\nA. A county may establish, by ordinance, a separate processing procedure for the\nreview of preliminary and final subdivision and site plans and other development\nplans certified by licensed professional engineers, architects, landscape\narchitects and land surveyors who are also licensed pursuant to § 54.1-408\nand recommended for submission by persons who have received special training in\nsuch county’s land development ordinances and regulations. The purpose of\nsuch separate review procedure is to provide a procedure to expedite the\ncounty’s review of certain qualified land development plans. If a separate\nprocedure is established, the county shall establish within the adopted\nordinance the criteria for qualification of persons and whose work is eligible\nto use the separate procedure as well as a procedure for determining if the\nqualifications are met by persons applying to use the separate procedure.\nPersons who satisfy the criteria of subsection B below shall qualify as plans\nexaminers. Plans reviewed and recommended for submission by plans examiners and\ncertified by the appropriately licensed professional engineer, architect,\nlandscape architect or land surveyor shall qualify for the separate processing\nprocedure.\n\nB. The qualifications of those persons who may participate in this program shall\ninclude, but not be limited to, the following:\n\n 1. A bachelor of science degree in engineering, architecture, landscape\n architecture or related science or equivalent experience or a land surveyor\n certified pursuant to § 54.1-408.\n\n 2. Successful completion of an educational program specified by the county.\n\n 3. A minimum of two years of land development engineering design experience\n acceptable to the county.\n\n 4. Attendance at continuing educational courses specified by the county.\n\n 5. Consistent preparation and submission of plans which meet all applicable\n ordinances and regulations.\n\nC. If an expedited review procedure is adopted by the board of supervisors\npursuant to this section, the board of supervisors shall establish an advisory\nplans examiner board which shall make recommendations to the board of\nsupervisors on the general operation of the program, on the general\nqualifications of those who may participate in the expedited processing\nprocedure, on initial and continuing educational programs needed to qualify and\nmaintain qualification for such a program, and on the general administration and\noperation of such a program. In addition, the plans examiner board shall submit\nrecommendations to the board of supervisors as to those persons who meet the\nestablished qualifications for participation in the program and as to whether\nthose persons who have previously qualified to participate in the program should\nbe disqualified, suspended or otherwise disciplined. The plans examiner board\nshall consist of six members who shall be appointed by the board of supervisors\nfor staggered four-year terms. Initial terms may be less than four years so as\nto provide for staggered terms. The plans examiner board shall consist of three\npersons in private practice as licensed professional engineers or land surveyors\ncertified pursuant to § 54.1-408, at least one of whom shall be a certified\nland surveyor; one person employed by the county government; one person employed\nby the Virginia Department of Transportation who shall serve as a nonvoting\nadvisory member; and one citizen member. All plans examiner board members who\nserve as licensed engineers or as certified surveyors must maintain their\nprofessional license or certification as a condition of holding office, and all\nsuch persons shall have at least two years of experience in land development\nprocedures of the county. The citizen member shall meet the qualifications\nprovided in § 54.1-107. However, such member, notwithstanding the\nproscription of provision (i) of § 54.1-107, shall have training as an\nengineer or surveyor and may be currently licensed, certified or practicing his\nprofession.\n\nD. The expedited land development program shall include an educational program\nconducted under the auspices of a public institution of higher education. The\ninstructors in the educational program shall consist of persons in the private\nand public sectors who are qualified to prepare land development plans. The\neducational program shall include the comprehensive and detailed study of county\nordinances and regulations relating to plans and how they are applied.\n\nE. The separate processing system may include a review of selected or random\naspects of plans rather than a detailed review of all aspects. However, it shall\nalso include periodic detailed review of plans prepared by persons who qualify\nfor the system.\n\nF. In no event shall this section relieve persons who prepare and submit plans\nof the responsibilities and obligations which they would otherwise have with\nregard to the preparation of plans, nor shall it relieve the county of its\nobligation to review other plans in the time periods and manner prescribed by\nlaw.\n\nHISTORY: 1989, c. 735, \u00a7 15.1-783.01; 1990, c. 822; 1997, c. 587; 2009, c. 309.","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}}