{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/10.1-512.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/10.1-512.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/10.1-512.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/10.1-512.html"}],"law_id":346013,"edition_id":2,"section_id":346013,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-512","catch_line":"Determination of need for district","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 21-17; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 2002, c. 192.","full_text":"After a public hearing, if the Board determines that there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed district to function in the territory considered at the hearing, it shall record its determination, and shall define, by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions the boundaries of the district. In so doing, the Board shall consider (i) the topography of the area considered and of the Commonwealth, (ii) the composition of soils in the area, (iii) the distribution of erosion, (iv) the prevailing land-use practices, (v) the desirability and necessity of including within the boundaries the particular lands under consideration and the benefits the lands may receive from being included within such boundaries, (vi) the relation of the proposed area to existing watersheds and to other soil and water conservation districts already organized or proposed for organization, (vii) the existing political subdivisions, and (viii) other relevant physical, geographical, economic, and funding factors. The territory to be included within such boundaries need not be contiguous.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1290072,"text":"After a public hearing, if the Board determines that there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed district to function in the territory considered at the hearing, it shall record its determination, and shall define, by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions the boundaries of the district. In so doing, the Board shall consider (i) the topography of the area considered and of the Commonwealth, (ii) the composition of soils in the area, (iii) the distribution of erosion, (iv) the prevailing land-use practices, (v) the desirability and necessity of including within the boundaries the particular lands under consideration and the benefits the lands may receive from being included within such boundaries, (vi) the relation of the proposed area to existing watersheds and to other soil and water conservation districts already organized or proposed for organization, (vii) the existing political subdivisions, and (viii) other relevant physical, geographical, economic, and funding factors. The territory to be included within such boundaries need not be contiguous.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-512\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 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; in 2002, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?021+ful+CHAP0192\">192<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1371047,"object_type":"law","relational_id":346013,"identifier":"10.1-512","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-512","url":"\/10.1-512\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-512\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-512","dublin_core":{"Title":"Determination of need for district","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-512","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>After a public <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span>, if the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> determines 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 considered at the <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span>, it shall record its determination, and shall define, by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions the boundaries of the <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span>. In so doing, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> shall consider (i) the topography of the area considered and of the Commonwealth, (ii) the composition of soils in the area, (iii) the distribution of erosion, (iv) the prevailing land-use practices, (v) the desirability and necessity of including within the boundaries the particular lands under consideration and the benefits the lands may receive from being included within such boundaries, (vi) the relation of the proposed area to existing watersheds and to other <span class=\"dictionary\">soil and water conservation districts<\/span> already organized or proposed for organization, (vii) the existing political subdivisions, and (viii) other relevant physical, geographical, economic, and funding factors. The territory to be included within such boundaries need not be contiguous.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDETERMINATION OF NEED FOR DISTRICT (\u00a7 10.1-512)\n\nAfter a public hearing, if the Board determines that there is need, in the\ninterest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the proposed district to\nfunction in the territory considered at the hearing, it shall record its\ndetermination, and shall define, by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions\nthe boundaries of the district. In so doing, the Board shall consider (i) the\ntopography of the area considered and of the Commonwealth, (ii) the composition\nof soils in the area, (iii) the distribution of erosion, (iv) the prevailing\nland-use practices, (v) the desirability and necessity of including within the\nboundaries the particular lands under consideration and the benefits the lands\nmay receive from being included within such boundaries, (vi) the relation of the\nproposed area to existing watersheds and to other soil and water conservation\ndistricts already organized or proposed for organization, (vii) the existing\npolitical subdivisions, and (viii) other relevant physical, geographical,\neconomic, and funding factors. The territory to be included within such\nboundaries need not be contiguous.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 21-17; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 2002, c.\n192.","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"}}