{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-265.2_1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-265.2_1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-265.2_1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-265.2_1.html"}],"law_id":78990,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78990,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.2:1","catch_line":"Approval by Commission required for construction of certain gas pipelines and related facilities; notice and hearing","history":"1995, c. 311; 2001, c. 758; 2014, cc. 467, 507.","full_text":"A\n\nWhenever a certificate is required pursuant to &#xA7; 56-265.2 for the construction of a pipeline for the transmission or distribution of manufactured or natural gas, the Commission shall consider the effect of the pipeline on the environment, public safety, and economic development in the Commonwealth, and may establish such reasonably practical conditions as may be necessary to minimize any adverse environmental or public safety impact. In such proceedings, the Commission shall receive and consider all reports by state agencies concerned with environmental protection; and, if requested by any county or municipality in which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, local comprehensive plans that have been adopted pursuant to Article 3 (&#xA7; 15.2-2223 et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2.B\n\nThe Commission shall not approve construction of any such pipeline unless the public utility has provided 30 days&#8217; advance public notice of the proposed pipeline by (i) publishing a notice in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in each of the counties and municipalities through which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, (ii) providing written notice to the governing body of each such county and municipality, (iii) causing to be sent a copy of the notice by first class mail to all owners of property within the route of the proposed pipeline, as indicated on the map or sketch of the route filed with the Commission, which requirement shall be satisfied by mailing the notice to such persons at such addresses as are indicated in the land books maintained by the commissioner of revenue, director of finance or treasurer of the county or municipality, and (iv) filing a copy of any plans, specifications, or maps of the proposed pipeline with the Commission, which plans, specifications, or maps shall be made available for public inspection at the Commission&#8217;s business office, during normal business hours. Any notice required by this subsection shall include a written description of the proposed route the line is to follow, a map or sketch of the route, and information regarding the time period during which persons may request a public hearing under subsection C of this section.C\n\nIf, within 45 days after publication and mailing of the notices required in subsection B of this section, any interested party requests a public hearing, the Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after such request, hold such hearing or hearings at such place as may be designated by the Commission. If written requests therefor are received from 20 or more interested parties, the Commission shall hold at least one hearing in the area that would be affected by construction of the pipeline, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposal. If any hearing is to be held in the area affected, the Commission shall direct that a copy of the transcripts of any previous hearings held in the case be made available for public inspection at a convenient location in the area for a reasonable time before such local hearing.D\n\nFor the purposes of this section, &#8220;interested parties&#8221; means the governing bodies of any counties or municipalities through which the pipeline is to be constructed, and persons residing or owning property within one-half mile of such pipeline. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;environment&#8221; or &#8220;environmental&#8221; shall be deemed to include in meaning &#8220;historic.&#8221;E\n\nIf a significantly different route is determined more desirable after the giving of the notice required in subsection B of this section, the Commission shall cause notice of the new route or routes to be published and mailed in accordance with subsection B of this section. The Commission shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this section to the full extent necessary to give interested parties in the newly affected areas the same protection afforded interested parties affected by the route described in the original notice.F\n\nApproval of a pipeline pursuant to this section shall be deemed to satisfy and supersede the requirements of &#xA7; 15.2-2232 and local zoning ordinances with respect to such pipeline and related facilities; however, the Commission shall not approve the construction of a natural gas compressor station in an area zoned exclusively for residential use unless the public utility provides certification from the local governing body that the natural gas compressor station is consistent with the zoning ordinance. The certification required by this subsection shall be deemed to have been waived unless the local governing body informs the Commission and the public utility of the natural gas compressor station&#8217;s compliance or noncompliance within 45 days of the public utility&#8217;s written request.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":282924,"text":"Whenever a certificate is required pursuant to &#xA7; 56-265.2 for the construction of a pipeline for the transmission or distribution of manufactured or natural gas, the Commission shall consider the effect of the pipeline on the environment, public safety, and economic development in the Commonwealth, and may establish such reasonably practical conditions as may be necessary to minimize any adverse environmental or public safety impact. In such proceedings, the Commission shall receive and consider all reports by state agencies concerned with environmental protection; and, if requested by any county or municipality in which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, local comprehensive plans that have been adopted pursuant to Article 3 (&#xA7; 15.2-2223 et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":282925,"text":"The Commission shall not approve construction of any such pipeline unless the public utility has provided 30 days&#8217; advance public notice of the proposed pipeline by (i) publishing a notice in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in each of the counties and municipalities through which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, (ii) providing written notice to the governing body of each such county and municipality, (iii) causing to be sent a copy of the notice by first class mail to all owners of property within the route of the proposed pipeline, as indicated on the map or sketch of the route filed with the Commission, which requirement shall be satisfied by mailing the notice to such persons at such addresses as are indicated in the land books maintained by the commissioner of revenue, director of finance or treasurer of the county or municipality, and (iv) filing a copy of any plans, specifications, or maps of the proposed pipeline with the Commission, which plans, specifications, or maps shall be made available for public inspection at the Commission&#8217;s business office, during normal business hours. Any notice required by this subsection shall include a written description of the proposed route the line is to follow, a map or sketch of the route, and information regarding the time period during which persons may request a public hearing under subsection C of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":282926,"text":"If, within 45 days after publication and mailing of the notices required in subsection B of this section, any interested party requests a public hearing, the Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after such request, hold such hearing or hearings at such place as may be designated by the Commission. If written requests therefor are received from 20 or more interested parties, the Commission shall hold at least one hearing in the area that would be affected by construction of the pipeline, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposal. If any hearing is to be held in the area affected, the Commission shall direct that a copy of the transcripts of any previous hearings held in the case be made available for public inspection at a convenient location in the area for a reasonable time before such local hearing.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":282927,"text":"For the purposes of this section, &#8220;interested parties&#8221; means the governing bodies of any counties or municipalities through which the pipeline is to be constructed, and persons residing or owning property within one-half mile of such pipeline. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;environment&#8221; or &#8220;environmental&#8221; shall be deemed to include in meaning &#8220;historic.&#8221;","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":282928,"text":"If a significantly different route is determined more desirable after the giving of the notice required in subsection B of this section, the Commission shall cause notice of the new route or routes to be published and mailed in accordance with subsection B of this section. The Commission shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this section to the full extent necessary to give interested parties in the newly affected areas the same protection afforded interested parties affected by the route described in the original notice.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":282929,"text":"Approval of a pipeline pursuant to this section shall be deemed to satisfy and supersede the requirements of &#xA7; 15.2-2232 and local zoning ordinances with respect to such pipeline and related facilities; however, the Commission shall not approve the construction of a natural gas compressor station in an area zoned exclusively for residential use unless the public utility provides certification from the local governing body that the natural gas compressor station is consistent with the zoning ordinance. The certification required by this subsection shall be deemed to have been waived unless the local governing body informs the Commission and the public utility of the natural gas compressor station&#8217;s compliance or noncompliance within 45 days of the public utility&#8217;s written request.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14176,"edition_id":1,"name":"Utility Facilities Act","identifier":"10.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:08","permalink":{"id":249127,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14176,"identifier":"10.1","token":"56\/10.1","url":"\/56\/10.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85772,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/56-265.1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.1","metadata":false},{"id":75556,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.2","catch_line":"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities","url":"\/56-265.2\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.2","metadata":false},{"id":78990,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.2:1","catch_line":"Approval by Commission required for construction of certain gas pipelines and related facilities; notice and hearing","url":"\/56-265.2_1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":60647,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.3","catch_line":"Certificate to furnish public utility service; allotment of territory transfers, leases or amendments","url":"\/56-265.3\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.3","metadata":false},{"id":78937,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.3:1","catch_line":"Certificates to furnish water and sewer service","url":"\/56-265.3_1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":64018,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4","catch_line":"Certificate to operate in territory of another certificate holder","url":"\/56-265.4\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4","metadata":false},{"id":59749,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:1","catch_line":"Furnishing of electric public utility service or provision of facilities therefor by municipal corporations and other governmental bodies","url":"\/56-265.4_1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_1","metadata":false},{"id":82310,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:2","catch_line":"Extension of service by cities and towns into annexed areas","url":"\/56-265.4_2\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_2","metadata":false},{"id":55913,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.4_3\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_3","metadata":false},{"id":55350,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:4","catch_line":"Certificate to operate as a telephone utility","url":"\/56-265.4_4\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_4","metadata":false},{"id":59368,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:5","catch_line":"Furnishing gas service to commercial and industrial customers in an area not certificated for public utility gas service","url":"\/56-265.4_5\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_5","metadata":false},{"id":57183,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:6","catch_line":"Furnishing non-utility gas service","url":"\/56-265.4_6\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_6","metadata":false},{"id":64154,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.4:7","catch_line":"Discontinuing natural gas service; municipal corporation","url":"\/56-265.4_7\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.4_7","metadata":false},{"id":70671,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.5","catch_line":"Effective date of certificates","url":"\/56-265.5\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.5","metadata":false},{"id":75195,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.6","catch_line":"Penalties for misrepresentations, violations of law, regulations or terms of certificates","url":"\/56-265.6\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.6","metadata":false},{"id":65727,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.7","catch_line":"Appeal from order of revocations, etc","url":"\/56-265.7\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.7","metadata":false},{"id":85864,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.8","catch_line":"Proceedings before Commission on or before July 1, 1950","url":"\/56-265.8\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.8","metadata":false},{"id":59710,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.8:1","catch_line":"Inspection and approval of certain installations not regulated pursuant to this chapter","url":"\/56-265.8_1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.8_1","metadata":false},{"id":56468,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.9","catch_line":"Title of chapter","url":"\/56-265.9\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":75556,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.2","catch_line":"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities","url":"\/56-265.2\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":60647,"structure_id":14176,"section_number":"56-265.3","catch_line":"Certificate to furnish public utility service; allotment of territory transfers, leases or amendments","url":"\/56-265.3\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.3","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-265.2:1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1995. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?951+ful+CHAP0311\">311<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 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 2001, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?011+ful+CHAP0758\">758<\/a>; in 2014, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0467\">467<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0507\">507<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":75556,"section_number":"56-265.2","catch_line":"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.2\/"},{"id":64181,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:21","catch_line":" Impacts to wetlands","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_21\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56779,"section_number":"15.2-2223","catch_line":"Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2223\/"},{"id":74569,"section_number":"15.2-2232","catch_line":"Legal status of plan","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2232\/"},{"id":75556,"section_number":"56-265.2","catch_line":"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":249137,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78990,"identifier":"56-265.2:1","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.2_1","url":"\/56-265.2_1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-265.2_1\/","token":"56\/10.1\/56-265.2_1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Approval by Commission required for construction of certain gas pipelines and related facilities; notice and hearing","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-265.2:1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Whenever a certificate is required pursuant to &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Certificate of convenience and necessity required for acquisition, etc., of new facilities\" href=\"\/56-265.2\/\">56-265.2<\/a> for the construction of a pipeline for the transmission or distribution of manufactured or natural gas, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall consider the effect of the pipeline on the <span class=\"dictionary\">environment<\/span>, public safety, and economic development in the Commonwealth, and may establish such reasonably practical conditions as may be necessary to minimize any adverse <span class=\"dictionary\">environmental<\/span> or public safety impact. In such proceedings, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall receive and consider all reports by state agencies concerned with <span class=\"dictionary\">environmental<\/span> protection; and, if requested by any county or <span class=\"dictionary\">municipality<\/span> in which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, local comprehensive plans that have been adopted pursuant to Article 3 (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose\" href=\"\/15.2-2223\/\">15.2-2223<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2. <a id=\"paragraph-282924\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall not approve construction of any such pipeline unless the <span class=\"dictionary\">public utility<\/span> has provided 30 days&#8217; advance public notice of the proposed pipeline by (i) publishing a notice in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in each of the counties and municipalities through which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, (ii) providing written notice to the governing body of each such county and <span class=\"dictionary\">municipality<\/span>, (iii) causing to be sent a copy of the notice by first class <span class=\"dictionary\">mail<\/span> to all owners of property within the route of the proposed pipeline, as indicated on the map or sketch of the route filed with the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>, which requirement shall be satisfied by mailing the notice to such <span class=\"dictionary\">persons<\/span> at such addresses as are indicated in the land books maintained by the commissioner of revenue, director of finance or treasurer of the county or <span class=\"dictionary\">municipality<\/span>, and (iv) filing a copy of any plans, specifications, or maps of the proposed pipeline with the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>, which plans, specifications, or maps shall be made available for public inspection at the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>&#8217;s business office, during normal business hours. Any notice required by this subsection shall include a written description of the proposed route the line is to follow, a map or sketch of the route, and information regarding the time period during which <span class=\"dictionary\">persons<\/span> may request a public <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> under subsection C of this section. <a id=\"paragraph-282925\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> If, within 45 days after publication and mailing of the notices required in subsection B of this section, any interested <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> requests a public <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after such request, hold such <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">hearings<\/span> at such place as may be designated by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>. If written requests therefor are received from 20 or more <span class=\"dictionary\">interested parties<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall hold at least one <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> in the area that would be affected by construction of the pipeline, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposal. If any <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> is to be held in the area affected, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall direct that a copy of the <span class=\"dictionary\">transcripts<\/span> of any previous <span class=\"dictionary\">hearings<\/span> held in the case be made available for public inspection at a convenient location in the area for a reasonable time before such local <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-282926\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> For the purposes of this section, &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">interested parties<\/span>&#8221; means the governing bodies of any counties or municipalities through which the pipeline is to be constructed, and <span class=\"dictionary\">persons<\/span> residing or owning property within one-half mile of such pipeline. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">environment<\/span>&#8221; or &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">environmental<\/span>&#8221; shall be deemed to include in meaning &#8220;historic.&#8221; <a id=\"paragraph-282927\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> If a significantly different route is determined more desirable after the giving of the notice required in subsection B of this section, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall cause notice of the new route or routes to be published and mailed in accordance with subsection B of this section. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this section to the full extent necessary to give <span class=\"dictionary\">interested parties<\/span> in the newly affected areas the same protection afforded <span class=\"dictionary\">interested parties<\/span> affected by the route described in the original notice. <a id=\"paragraph-282928\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"F\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">F.<\/span> Approval of a pipeline pursuant to this section shall be deemed to satisfy and supersede the requirements of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Legal status of plan\" href=\"\/15.2-2232\/\">15.2-2232<\/a> and local zoning <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinances<\/span> with respect to such pipeline and related facilities; however, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall not approve the construction of a natural gas compressor station in an area zoned exclusively for residential use unless the <span class=\"dictionary\">public utility<\/span> provides certification from the local governing body that the natural gas compressor station is consistent with the zoning <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinance<\/span>. The certification required by this subsection shall be deemed to have been waived unless the local governing body informs the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> and the <span class=\"dictionary\">public utility<\/span> of the natural gas compressor station&#8217;s compliance or noncompliance within 45 days of the <span class=\"dictionary\">public utility<\/span>&#8217;s written request. <a id=\"paragraph-282929\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/56-265.2_1\/#F\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPROVAL BY COMMISSION REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN GAS PIPELINES AND\nRELATED FACILITIES; NOTICE AND HEARING (\u00a7 56-265.2:1)\n\nA. Whenever a certificate is required pursuant to &#xA7; 56-265.2 for the\nconstruction of a pipeline for the transmission or distribution of manufactured\nor natural gas, the Commission shall consider the effect of the pipeline on the\nenvironment, public safety, and economic development in the Commonwealth, and\nmay establish such reasonably practical conditions as may be necessary to\nminimize any adverse environmental or public safety impact. In such proceedings,\nthe Commission shall receive and consider all reports by state agencies\nconcerned with environmental protection; and, if requested by any county or\nmunicipality in which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed, local\ncomprehensive plans that have been adopted pursuant to Article 3 (&#xA7;\n15.2-2223 et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2.\n\nB. The Commission shall not approve construction of any such pipeline unless the\npublic utility has provided 30 days&#8217; advance public notice of the proposed\npipeline by (i) publishing a notice in a newspaper or newspapers of general\ncirculation in each of the counties and municipalities through which the\npipeline is proposed to be constructed, (ii) providing written notice to the\ngoverning body of each such county and municipality, (iii) causing to be sent a\ncopy of the notice by first class mail to all owners of property within the\nroute of the proposed pipeline, as indicated on the map or sketch of the route\nfiled with the Commission, which requirement shall be satisfied by mailing the\nnotice to such persons at such addresses as are indicated in the land books\nmaintained by the commissioner of revenue, director of finance or treasurer of\nthe county or municipality, and (iv) filing a copy of any plans, specifications,\nor maps of the proposed pipeline with the Commission, which plans,\nspecifications, or maps shall be made available for public inspection at the\nCommission&#8217;s business office, during normal business hours. Any notice\nrequired by this subsection shall include a written description of the proposed\nroute the line is to follow, a map or sketch of the route, and information\nregarding the time period during which persons may request a public hearing\nunder subsection C of this section.\n\nC. If, within 45 days after publication and mailing of the notices required in\nsubsection B of this section, any interested party requests a public hearing,\nthe Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after such request, hold\nsuch hearing or hearings at such place as may be designated by the Commission.\nIf written requests therefor are received from 20 or more interested parties,\nthe Commission shall hold at least one hearing in the area that would be\naffected by construction of the pipeline, for the purpose of receiving public\ncomment on the proposal. If any hearing is to be held in the area affected, the\nCommission shall direct that a copy of the transcripts of any previous hearings\nheld in the case be made available for public inspection at a convenient\nlocation in the area for a reasonable time before such local hearing.\n\nD. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;interested parties&#8221; means the\ngoverning bodies of any counties or municipalities through which the pipeline is\nto be constructed, and persons residing or owning property within one-half mile\nof such pipeline. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;environment&#8221; or\n&#8220;environmental&#8221; shall be deemed to include in meaning\n&#8220;historic.&#8221;\n\nE. If a significantly different route is determined more desirable after the\ngiving of the notice required in subsection B of this section, the Commission\nshall cause notice of the new route or routes to be published and mailed in\naccordance with subsection B of this section. The Commission shall thereafter\ncomply with the provisions of this section to the full extent necessary to give\ninterested parties in the newly affected areas the same protection afforded\ninterested parties affected by the route described in the original notice.\n\nF. Approval of a pipeline pursuant to this section shall be deemed to satisfy\nand supersede the requirements of &#xA7; 15.2-2232 and local zoning ordinances\nwith respect to such pipeline and related facilities; however, the Commission\nshall not approve the construction of a natural gas compressor station in an\narea zoned exclusively for residential use unless the public utility provides\ncertification from the local governing body that the natural gas compressor\nstation is consistent with the zoning ordinance. The certification required by\nthis subsection shall be deemed to have been waived unless the local governing\nbody informs the Commission and the public utility of the natural gas compressor\nstation&#8217;s compliance or noncompliance within 45 days of the public\nutility&#8217;s written request.\n\nHISTORY: 1995, c. 311; 2001, c. 758; 2014, cc. 467, 507.","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}}