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Heather R. Steele Joins Firm

press release

by Jason Hickman, Oct 1, 2009

Compton & Duling is pleased to announce that Heather R. Steele has become associated with the Firm.

How Property Can Be Protected Against Changes in Local Zoning and Ordinances

article

by Geary H. Rogers, Aug 20, 2009

Whether you are an individual, a small business, or a developer with a property that has a site plan recently approved or in process, there are provisions of the law you should be aware of in order to protect your investment in this current market. Under Virginia law (Virginia Code Section 15.2-2261), an approved final subdivision plat which has been recorded or an approved final site plan for a property shall be valid for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date of approval. You will notice that the language of the statute treats final subdivision plats and final site plans differently. An approved final subdivision plat must be recorded in order to remain valid for the five (5) year period, which in many cases will require that bonds be posted and maintained in full force and effect. This should be contrasted to a commercial site plan, which under the statute is deemed final once it has been reviewed and approved by the locality if the only requirement remaining to be satisfied in order to obtain a building permit is the posting of any bonds or escrows. Thus, there is no requirement to post bonds for a commercial site plan in order to achieve the five (5) year period of validity.