HB2262: Planning commissions, local; notice to applicants of preapproval requirements.

HOUSE BILL NO. 2262

Offered January 19, 2015
A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2221 of the Code of Virginia, relating to local planning commissions; notice to applicants of preapproval requirements.
Patron-- Morris

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 15.2-2221 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-2221. Duties of commissions.

To effectuate this chapter, the local planning commission shall:

1. Exercise general supervision of, and make regulations for, the administration of its affairs;

2. Prescribe rules pertaining to its investigations and hearings;

3. Supervise its fiscal affairs and responsibilities, under rules and regulations as prescribed by the governing body;

4. Keep a complete record of its proceedings; and be responsible for the custody and preservation of its papers and documents;

5. Make recommendations and an annual report to the governing body concerning the operation of the commission and the status of planning within its jurisdiction;

6. Prepare, publish and distribute reports, ordinances and other material relating to its activities;

7. Prepare and submit an annual budget in the manner prescribed by the governing body of the county or municipality; and

8. Designate an officer or employee who shall, upon the request of an applicant (i) advise the applicant of the feasibility of the applicant's plan for rezoning and (ii) provide a list of all required or anticipated material, assessments, surveys, or reports that will be required of the applicant before consideration of the rezoning request . Such information, while not constituting early approval of the applicant's plan, shall be deemed a preliminary approval of the plan pending fulfillment of any preapproval requirements; and

9. If deemed advisable, establish an advisory committee or committees.