Virginia Code 15.2-2288 and 15.2-2288.3 limit how localities may zone agricultural land, preserving by-right production and restricting special use permit requirements for bona fide farms.
Virginia Code 15.2-2288 prohibits counties, cities, and towns from requiring special exceptions or special use permits for production agriculture and silviculture activities on lands zoned for agricultural use. Code 15.2-2288.3 protects agritourism and farm-related events including weddings, wineries, breweries, and distilleries from undue local regulation while permitting reasonable conditions on noise, traffic, and lighting. Localities retain authority to address public health and safety but must accommodate the customary uses of agricultural lands and cannot effectively prohibit by-right farming.
Localities adopting ordinances that effectively prohibit production agriculture or unreasonably restrict farm-related events may face declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and potential damages. Affected farmers can seek judicial review and demand ordinance amendments to comply with state zoning preemption.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and tow...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria EV chargers need an electrical permit (and possibly a structural permit) via APEX. In the two locally-regulated historic districts or on 100-Year-...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuis...
See how Alexandria's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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