                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECTS (§ 15.2-2288.8)

A. Any locality may grant a special exception pursuant to &#xA7; 15.2-2286, and
include in its zoning ordinance reasonable regulations and provisions for a
special exception as defined in &#xA7; 15.2-2201, for any solar photovoltaic
(electric energy) project or energy storage project. For the purposes of this
section, &#8220;energy storage project&#8221; means energy storage equipment and
technology within an energy storage project that is capable of absorbing energy,
storing such energy for a period of time, and redelivering such energy after it
has been stored.

B. The governing body of such locality may grant a condition that includes (i)
dedication of real property of substantial value or (ii) substantial cash
payments for or construction of substantial public improvements, the need for
which is not generated solely by the granting of a conditional use permit, so
long as such conditions are reasonably related to the project.

C. Once a condition is granted pursuant to subsection B, such condition shall
continue in effect until a subsequent amendment changes the zoning on the
property for which the conditions were granted. However, such conditions shall
continue if the subsequent amendment is part of a comprehensive implementation
of a new or substantially revised zoning ordinance.

HISTORY: 2020, cc. 385, 414; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 57, 58.