VirginiaZoning rules may require water estimates from industrial and commercial facilities
The proposal would let local zoning ordinances require yearly water estimates from proposed industrial and commercial facilities and consider public water use in related land decisions.
What it does
Local zoning ordinances may require proposed industrial and commercial facilities to estimate their water use each year.
When deciding related rezoning or special use permit requests, local officials may consider these facilities’ use of public water.
Argument forOfficials could weigh a facility’s use of public water when deciding whether to rezone land or grant a special use permit.
Argument againstYearly water estimates could add work for facility applicants, and considering public water use could affect whether local officials approve related land use requests.
More detail
A local zoning ordinance may require annual water use estimates from proposed industrial and commercial facilities. The facilities must be industrial or commercial. The requirement would apply to proposed facilities. The estimates would be annual.
A local zoning ordinance may allow officials to consider water use from public resources in rezoning and special use permit decisions. The decisions must relate to proposed industrial or commercial facilities. The water use considered must be from public resources.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Jan 23Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
- Jan 23Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Jan 20Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3Minor
- Jan 12Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and TownsMinor
- Jan 12Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100103DIntroduced
Environment & Energy