                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

LOCAL INCENTIVES FOR URBAN GREEN SPACE (§ 15.2-977.1)

A. For purposes of this section, &#8220;urban green space&#8221; means urban
land, partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other
vegetation, that is located in a densely populated area that has a high
concentration of residential or commercial structures. &#8220;Urban green
space&#8221; includes street trees, city parks, sports fields, gardens, and
greenways. To qualify as urban green space, the use of such land must make a
substantive impact on the reduction of the urban heat effect, the offsetting of
greenhouse gas emissions, or the mitigation of stormwater. Rural areas and areas
of low population density or development shall not be considered urban green
space.

B. Any county, city, or town may, by ordinance, establish a program to provide
regulatory flexibility to encourage the preservation, restoration, or
development of urban green space in the locality. Any such regulatory
flexibility provided shall be proportionate to the amount of urban green space
that a business or development contains.

C. The regulatory flexibility may include (i) a reduction in permit fees or (ii)
a streamlined process for the approval of permits.

HISTORY: 2023, c. 427.