HB526: Helicopters; local regulation of use.


HOUSE BILL NO. 526
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Local Government
on February 21, 2012)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Cosgrove)
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2293.2, relating to local regulation of helicopter use.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2293.2 as follows:

§ 15.2-2293.2. Regulation of helicopter use.

No local zoning ordinance shall impose a total ban on departures and landings within the locality by non-commercial helicopters for personal use, but local zoning ordinances may require a special exception, special use permit, or conditional use permit for repetitive helicopter landings and departures on the same parcel of land in some or all zoning districts.  Special exceptions or special use permits may be made subject to reasonable conditions for the protection or benefit of owners and occupants of neighboring parcels, including but not limited to conditions related to compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.

HOUSE BILL NO. 526
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 10, 2012
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2293.2, relating to local regulation of helicopter use.
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Patron-- Cosgrove
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Committee Referral Pending
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2293.2 as follows:

 § 15.2-2293.2.  Regulation of helicopter use.

Local land use regulation of helicopter use within a locality shall be reasonable and shall not have the effect of prohibiting the landing or taking off of helicopters within the locality.