{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/10.1-508.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/10.1-508.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/10.1-508.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/10.1-508.html"}],"law_id":346009,"edition_id":2,"section_id":346009,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-508","catch_line":"Contents and form of petition","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 21-13; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.","full_text":"The petition shall set forth:\n\n1\n\nThe proposed name of the district;\n\n2\n\nThat there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed district to function in the territory described in the petition, and a brief statement of the grounds upon which this conclusion is based;\n\n3\n\nA description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district, which description shall not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal subdivision, but shall be deemed sufficient if generally accurate;\n\n4\n\nA request that the Board define the boundaries for such district; that a hearing be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a district in such territory; and that the Board determine that such a district be created.\n\t\t\tWhere more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the Board may consolidate the petitions.\n\n\t\t\tThe Board shall prescribe the petition form.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1290064,"text":"The petition shall set forth:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":1290065,"text":"The proposed name of the district;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":1290066,"text":"That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed district to function in the territory described in the petition, and a brief statement of the grounds upon which this conclusion is based;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":1290067,"text":"A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district, which description shall not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal subdivision, but shall be deemed sufficient if generally accurate;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":1290068,"text":"A request that the Board define the boundaries for such district; that a hearing be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a district in such territory; and that the Board determine that such a district be created.\n\t\t\tWhere more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the Board may consolidate the petitions.\t\t\tThe Board shall prescribe the petition form.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":49689,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil and Water Conservation Districts","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":3,"parent_id":49686,"metadata":{"child_laws":58,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:13:28","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:48","permalink":{"id":1371021,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49689,"identifier":"3","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3","url":"\/10.1\/I\/5\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49686,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil and Water Conservation","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":7,"parent_id":49585,"metadata":{"child_laws":69,"child_structures":6},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:13:26","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:47","permalink":{"id":1370983,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49686,"identifier":"5","token":"10.1\/I\/5","url":"\/10.1\/I\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49585,"edition_id":2,"name":"Activities Administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":49584,"metadata":{"child_laws":357,"child_structures":44},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:11:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:44","permalink":{"id":1370317,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49585,"identifier":"I","token":"10.1\/I","url":"\/10.1\/I\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49584,"edition_id":2,"name":"Conservation","identifier":"10.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":38,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":886,"child_structures":125},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:11:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:44","permalink":{"id":1370315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49584,"identifier":"10.1","token":"10.1","url":"\/10.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":346007,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-506","catch_line":"Power to create new districts and to relocate or define district boundaries; composition of districts","url":"\/10.1-506\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-506","metadata":false},{"id":346008,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-507","catch_line":"Petitions filed with the Board","url":"\/10.1-507\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-507","metadata":false},{"id":346009,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-508","catch_line":"Contents and form of petition","url":"\/10.1-508\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-508","metadata":false},{"id":346010,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-509","catch_line":"Disapproval of petition","url":"\/10.1-509\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-509","metadata":false},{"id":346011,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-510","catch_line":"Petition approved; Board to give notice of hearing","url":"\/10.1-510\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-510","metadata":false},{"id":346012,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-511","catch_line":"Adjournment of hearing when additional territory appears desirable","url":"\/10.1-511\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-511","metadata":false},{"id":346013,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-512","catch_line":"Determination of need for district","url":"\/10.1-512\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-512","metadata":false},{"id":346014,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-513","catch_line":"Determination that district not needed","url":"\/10.1-513\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-513","metadata":false},{"id":346015,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-514","catch_line":"Determination of feasibility of operation","url":"\/10.1-514\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-514","metadata":false},{"id":346016,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-515","catch_line":"Composition of governing body","url":"\/10.1-515\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-515","metadata":false},{"id":346017,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-516","catch_line":"Status of district directors in event of transfer, merger, or division of districts","url":"\/10.1-516\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-516","metadata":false},{"id":346018,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-517","catch_line":"Application and statement to the Secretary of the Commonwealth","url":"\/10.1-517\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-517","metadata":false},{"id":346020,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-518","catch_line":"Action of Secretary on the application and statement; change of name of district","url":"\/10.1-518\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518","metadata":false},{"id":346019,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-518.1","catch_line":"Secretary to send copies of certificates to State Board of Elections","url":"\/10.1-518.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518.1","metadata":false},{"id":346021,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-519","catch_line":"Renewal of petition after disapproval or denial","url":"\/10.1-519\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-519","metadata":false},{"id":346022,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-520","catch_line":"Contracts to remain in force; succession to rights and obligations","url":"\/10.1-520\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-520","metadata":false},{"id":346023,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-521","catch_line":"Determination of status of district boundaries upon annexation or consolidation","url":"\/10.1-521\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-521","metadata":false},{"id":346024,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-522","catch_line":"Certificate of Secretary of Commonwealth as evidence","url":"\/10.1-522\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-522","metadata":false},{"id":346025,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-523","catch_line":"Nominating petitions; posting of notice","url":"\/10.1-523\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-523","metadata":false},{"id":346026,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-524","catch_line":"Names of nominees furnished electoral board; how ballots printed, etc","url":"\/10.1-524\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-524","metadata":false},{"id":346027,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-525","catch_line":"Canvassing returns","url":"\/10.1-525\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-525","metadata":false},{"id":346028,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-526","catch_line":"Persons eligible to vote","url":"\/10.1-526\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-526","metadata":false},{"id":346029,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-527","catch_line":"Determination of candidates elected","url":"\/10.1-527\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-527","metadata":false},{"id":346030,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-528","catch_line":"Expenses and publication of results","url":"\/10.1-528\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-528","metadata":false},{"id":346032,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-529","catch_line":"District directors constitute governing body; qualifications","url":"\/10.1-529\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-529","metadata":false},{"id":346031,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-529.1","catch_line":"Duties of district directors","url":"\/10.1-529.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-529.1","metadata":false},{"id":346033,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-530","catch_line":"Designation of chairman; terms of office; filling vacancies","url":"\/10.1-530\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-530","metadata":false},{"id":346034,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-531","catch_line":"Quorum and expenses","url":"\/10.1-531\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-531","metadata":false},{"id":346035,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-532","catch_line":"Employment of officers, agents and employees","url":"\/10.1-532\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-532","metadata":false},{"id":346036,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-533","catch_line":"Delegation of powers","url":"\/10.1-533\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-533","metadata":false},{"id":346037,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-534","catch_line":"Information furnished Board","url":"\/10.1-534\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-534","metadata":false},{"id":346038,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-535","catch_line":"Bonds of officers and employees; records and accounts","url":"\/10.1-535\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-535","metadata":false},{"id":346039,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-536","catch_line":"Removal from office","url":"\/10.1-536\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-536","metadata":false},{"id":346040,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-537","catch_line":"Representatives of governing bodies to be invited to consult with directors","url":"\/10.1-537\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-537","metadata":false},{"id":346041,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-538","catch_line":"District is political subdivision","url":"\/10.1-538\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-538","metadata":false},{"id":346042,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-539","catch_line":"Surveys and dissemination of information","url":"\/10.1-539\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-539","metadata":false},{"id":346043,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-540","catch_line":"Demonstrational projects","url":"\/10.1-540\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-540","metadata":false},{"id":346044,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-541","catch_line":"Preventive and control measures","url":"\/10.1-541\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-541","metadata":false},{"id":346045,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-542","catch_line":"Financial aid to agencies and occupiers","url":"\/10.1-542\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-542","metadata":false},{"id":346046,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-543","catch_line":"Acquisition, improvement and disposition of property","url":"\/10.1-543\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-543","metadata":false},{"id":346047,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-544","catch_line":"Making material and equipment available","url":"\/10.1-544\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-544","metadata":false},{"id":346048,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-545","catch_line":"Construction, improvement, operation and maintenance of structures","url":"\/10.1-545\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-545","metadata":false},{"id":346050,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-546","catch_line":"Development of programs and plans","url":"\/10.1-546\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-546","metadata":false},{"id":346049,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-546.1","catch_line":"Delivery of Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program","url":"\/10.1-546.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-546.1","metadata":false},{"id":346051,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-547","catch_line":"Acquisition and administration of projects; acting as agent for United States, etc.; acceptance of gifts","url":"\/10.1-547\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-547","metadata":false},{"id":346052,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-548","catch_line":"Contracts; rules","url":"\/10.1-548\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-548","metadata":false},{"id":346054,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-549","catch_line":"Cooperation between districts","url":"\/10.1-549\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-549","metadata":false},{"id":346053,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-549.1","catch_line":"Virginia Envirothon","url":"\/10.1-549.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-549.1","metadata":false},{"id":346055,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-550","catch_line":"State agencies to cooperate","url":"\/10.1-550\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-550","metadata":false},{"id":346056,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-551","catch_line":"Conditions for extension of benefits","url":"\/10.1-551\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-551","metadata":false},{"id":346057,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-552","catch_line":"Renting machinery and equipment","url":"\/10.1-552\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-552","metadata":false},{"id":346058,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-553","catch_line":"Petition by landowners","url":"\/10.1-553\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-553","metadata":false},{"id":346059,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-554","catch_line":"Hearings","url":"\/10.1-554\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-554","metadata":false},{"id":346060,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-555","catch_line":"Referendum","url":"\/10.1-555\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-555","metadata":false},{"id":346061,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-556","catch_line":"Determination of Board","url":"\/10.1-556\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-556","metadata":false},{"id":346062,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-557","catch_line":"Duty of directors after certification of Board","url":"\/10.1-557\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-557","metadata":false},{"id":346063,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-558","catch_line":"Effect of issuance of certificate of dissolution","url":"\/10.1-558\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-558","metadata":false},{"id":346065,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-559","catch_line":"Petitions limited to once in five years","url":"\/10.1-559\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-559","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":346008,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-507","catch_line":"Petitions filed with the Board","url":"\/10.1-507\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-507","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":346010,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-509","catch_line":"Disapproval of petition","url":"\/10.1-509\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-509","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-508\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapter 512; in 1970, chapter 480; in 1988, chapter 891.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1371031,"object_type":"law","relational_id":346009,"identifier":"10.1-508","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-508","url":"\/10.1-508\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-508\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-508","dublin_core":{"Title":"Contents and form of petition","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-508","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> shall set forth:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> The proposed name of the <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-1290065\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-508\/#1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"2\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span> to function in the territory described in the <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span>, and a <span class=\"dictionary\">brief<\/span> statement of the grounds upon which this conclusion is based; <a id=\"paragraph-1290066\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-508\/#2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"3\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span>, which description shall not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal subdivision, but shall be deemed sufficient if generally accurate; <a id=\"paragraph-1290067\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-508\/#3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"4\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> A request that the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> define the boundaries for such <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span>; that a <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span> in such territory; and that the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> determine that such a <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span> be created.\n\t\t\tWhere more than one <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> is filed covering parts of the same territory, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> may consolidate the <span class=\"dictionary\">petitions<\/span>.<br \/><br \/>\t\t\tThe <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> shall prescribe the <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> form. <a id=\"paragraph-1290068\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/10.1-508\/#4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONTENTS AND FORM OF PETITION (\u00a7 10.1-508)\n\nThe petition shall set forth:\n\n1. The proposed name of the district;\n\n2. That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and\nwelfare, for the proposed district to function in the territory described in the\npetition, and a brief statement of the grounds upon which this conclusion is\nbased;\n\n3. A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district, which\ndescription shall not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal\nsubdivision, but shall be deemed sufficient if generally accurate;\n\n4. A request that the Board define the boundaries for such district; that a\nhearing be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation\nof a district in such territory; and that the Board determine that such a\ndistrict be created.\n\t\t\tWhere more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory,\nthe Board may consolidate the petitions.\t\t\tThe Board shall prescribe the\npetition form.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 21-13; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}