2006 Code of Virginia § 15.2-2224 - Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan; implementation of plan

15.2-2224. Surveys and studies to be made in preparation of plan;implementation of plan.

A. In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local planning commissionshall survey and study such matters as the following:

1. Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land, production offood and fiber, characteristics and conditions of existing development,trends of growth or changes, natural resources, historic areas, ground water,surface water, geologic factors, population factors, employment,environmental and economic factors, existing public facilities, drainage,flood control and flood damage prevention measures, road improvements, andany estimated cost thereof, transportation facilities, transportationimprovements, and any cost thereof, the need for affordable housing in boththe locality and planning district within which it is situated, and any othermatters relating to the subject matter and general purposes of thecomprehensive plan.

However, if a locality chooses not to survey and study historic areas, thenthe locality shall include historic areas in the comprehensive plan, if suchareas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Historic Resources.Furthermore, if a locality chooses not to survey and study mineral resources,then the locality shall include mineral resources in the comprehensive plan,if such areas are identified and surveyed by the Department of Mines,Minerals and Energy. The requirement to study the production of food andfiber shall apply only to those plans adopted on or after January 1, 1981.

2. Probable future economic and population growth of the territory andrequirements therefor.

B. The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation and shallinclude a current map of the area covered by the comprehensive plan. Unlessotherwise required by this chapter, the methods of implementation may includebut need not be limited to:

1. An official map;

2. A capital improvements program;

3. A subdivision ordinance;

4. A zoning ordinance and zoning district maps;

5. A mineral resource map; and

6. A recreation and sports resource map.

(Code 1950, 15-964.1; 1962, c. 407, 15.1-447; 1975, c. 641; 1977, c. 228;1980, c. 322; 1981, c. 418; 1988, c. 438; 1990, c. 97; 1991, c. 280; 1993,cc. 758, 770; 1996, cc. 585, 600; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 564.)