Field Guide to Smart Growth & Growth Management in Virginia
(Updated October 2003)
From the suburbs of Northern Virginia to the technology corridor in the southwestern region of the state, much of Virginia is dealing with issues of growth and development. This page provides background information on smart growth issues and trends in Virginia, including recent articles and studies, state statutes, and links to key government agencies and local organizations involved in the issue. (F. Heller, Manager, Virtual Library & Archives)
Smart Growth in Virginia - The Basics 
Smart Growth E-News Quarterly Report - Virginia, (National Association of REALTORS®/Robinson & Cole LLP). - Quarterly update on recent smart growth activity and resources from NAR's On Common Ground website.
Smart growth news: Virginia, (Smart Growth Online, 2003). - Summaries of recent news articles on smart growth issues from various Virginia media outlets. Updated frequently.
A Citizen's Guide to Planning & Zoning in Virginia, (Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Feb. 2003).
Land Use Planning in Virginia, (Virginia Places, 2002).
Articles, Reports & Studies on Smart Growth in Virginia
Virginia voters overwhelmingly support better growth management (Mason-Dixon Poll), (Piedmont Environmental Council, Jan. 2003).
Where are we growing? Land use and transportation in Virginia, (Southern Environmental Law Center, 2003).
Blueprint for a better region: Putting development in the right places, (Coalition for Smarter Growth/Piedmont Environmental Council/Surface Transportation Project, Oct. 2002).
Special report: N. Va. Sales Tax Referendum, (The Washington Post, 2002). - Series of articles on a 2002 referendum to create a regional sales tax to raise funds for transportation initiatives.
Virginia policies that contribute to sprawl: An agenda for change, (National Trust for Historic Preservation, Aug. 2001).
Patterns of Suburban Growth: A Graphic Presentation of Suburban Development in Virginia, (Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association, Oct. 2000).
Sprawl in Virginia: Is Dillion the villian?, (Virginia Issues & Answers, Spring 2000).
Campaign against sprawl overruns a county in Virginia, and soon perhaps much of nation, (The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 4, 2000). Q
A Better Way To Live: A Growth Management Toolbox for Virginia, (University of Virginia - School of Architecture, Fall 1999).
Virginia's greatest challenge: Rediscovering the central city, (The Virginia News Letter, May 1998).
Current Statutes
Code of Virginia: Conservation (Title 10.1), (Virginia Legislative Information System, 2003).
Code of Virginia: Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning (Title 15.2, Chapter 22), (Virginia Legislative Information System, 2003).
American Law Sources On-Line: Virginia, (LawSource, 2000).
State Incentive-Based Growth Management Laws , (National Conference of State Legislatures/Trust for Public Land, Nov. 2002). - Search for "Virginia" to find state laws on smart growth, land use planning, and related issues.
Virginia Planning Offices and Zoning Ordinances Online, (Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association).
Virginia General Assembly - Commission on Growth & Economic Development
Virginia - State Government Branches, (Virginia.gov, 2003).
Local Organizations
Virginia Association of REALTORS®
Other REALTOR® organizations in Virginia
Fairfax Coalition for Smarter Growth
Northern Virginia Sprawl Action
Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
Piedmont Environmental Council
Southern Environmental Law Center
Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy
Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association
Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute
eBooks & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Guiding growth in Virginia: Local incentives for revitalization and preservation, (Washington, DC: Environmental Law Institute, 1998). NAC 1609 En8g
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Smart Growth & Growth Management
Field Guide to Zoning Laws & Ordinances
Field Guide to Property Rights
Field Guide to Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs)
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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