{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/10.1-518.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/10.1-518.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/10.1-518.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/10.1-518.html"}],"law_id":346020,"edition_id":2,"section_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","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 21-29; 1954, c. 670; 1958, c. 409; 1960, c. 208; 1962, c. 212; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.","full_text":"The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the application and statement and, if he finds that the name proposed for the district is not identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district shall receive and file them and shall record the application in an appropriate book of record in his office. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth finds that the name proposed for the district is identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district, or so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall certify such fact to the Board, which shall submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a new name for the district. Upon receipt of the new name, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall record the application, with the name so modified, in an appropriate book of record in his office. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, as herein provided, the district shall constitute a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall make and issue to the directors a certificate, under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, of the due organization of the district and shall record the certificate with the application and statement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory as determined by the Board, but shall not include any area included within the boundaries of another district, except in those cases otherwise provided for in this article. The name of any district may be changed if a petition for such change is subscribed by twenty-five or more landowners from each county or city comprising the district and adopted by resolution of the district directors at any regular meeting. The district directors shall submit a copy of the resolution to the Board and, if the Board concurs, it shall present the resolution, together with a certified statement that it concurs, to the Secretary of the Commonwealth who shall file the resolution and issue a new or amended certificate of organization.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1290086,"text":"The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the application and statement and, if he finds that the name proposed for the district is not identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district shall receive and file them and shall record the application in an appropriate book of record in his office. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth finds that the name proposed for the district is identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district, or so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall certify such fact to the Board, which shall submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a new name for the district. Upon receipt of the new name, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall record the application, with the name so modified, in an appropriate book of record in his office. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, as herein provided, the district shall constitute a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall make and issue to the directors a certificate, under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, of the due organization of the district and shall record the certificate with the application and statement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory as determined by the Board, but shall not include any area included within the boundaries of another district, except in those cases otherwise provided for in this article. The name of any district may be changed if a petition for such change is subscribed by twenty-five or more landowners from each county or city comprising the district and adopted by resolution of the district directors at any regular meeting. The district directors shall submit a copy of the resolution to the Board and, if the Board concurs, it shall present the resolution, together with a certified statement that it concurs, to the Secretary of the Commonwealth who shall file the resolution and issue a new or amended certificate of organization.","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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-518\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 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 1954, chapter 670; in 1958, chapter 409; in 1960, chapter 208; in 1962, chapter 212; in 1964, chapter 512; in 1970, chapter 480; in 1988, chapter 891.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1371071,"object_type":"law","relational_id":346020,"identifier":"10.1-518","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518","url":"\/10.1-518\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-518\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518","dublin_core":{"Title":"Action of Secretary on the application and statement; change of name of district","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-518","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the application and statement and, if he finds that the name proposed for the district is not identical to that of any other <span class=\"dictionary\">soil and water conservation district<\/span> shall receive and file them and shall record the application in an appropriate book of record in his office. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth finds that the name proposed for the district is identical to that of any other <span class=\"dictionary\">soil and water conservation district<\/span>, or so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall certify such <span class=\"dictionary\">fact<\/span> to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span>, which shall submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a new name for the district. Upon receipt of the new name, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall record the application, with the name so modified, in an appropriate book of record in his office. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, as herein provided, the district shall constitute a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall make and <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> to the directors a certificate, under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, of the due organization of the district and shall record the certificate with the application and statement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory as determined by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span>, but shall not include any area included within the boundaries of another district, except in those cases otherwise provided for in this article. The name of any district may be changed if a <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> for such change is subscribed by twenty-five or more landowners from each <span class=\"dictionary\">county<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">city<\/span> comprising the district and adopted by resolution of the <span class=\"dictionary\">district directors<\/span> at any regular meeting. The <span class=\"dictionary\">district directors<\/span> shall submit a copy of the resolution to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> and, if the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> concurs, it shall present the resolution, together with a certified statement that it concurs, to the Secretary of the Commonwealth who shall file the resolution and <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> a new or amended certificate of organization.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nACTION OF SECRETARY ON THE APPLICATION AND STATEMENT; CHANGE OF NAME OF DISTRICT\n(\u00a7 10.1-518)\n\nThe Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the application and statement\nand, if he finds that the name proposed for the district is not identical to\nthat of any other soil and water conservation district shall receive and file\nthem and shall record the application in an appropriate book of record in his\noffice. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth finds that the name proposed for\nthe district is identical to that of any other soil and water conservation\ndistrict, or so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall\ncertify such fact to the Board, which shall submit to the Secretary of the\nCommonwealth a new name for the district. Upon receipt of the new name, the\nSecretary of the Commonwealth shall record the application, with the name so\nmodified, in an appropriate book of record in his office. When the application\nand statement have been made, filed and recorded, as herein provided, the\ndistrict shall constitute a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The\nSecretary of the Commonwealth shall make and issue to the directors a\ncertificate, under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, of the due organization\nof the district and shall record the certificate with the application and\nstatement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory as\ndetermined by the Board, but shall not include any area included within the\nboundaries of another district, except in those cases otherwise provided for in\nthis article. The name of any district may be changed if a petition for such\nchange is subscribed by twenty-five or more landowners from each county or city\ncomprising the district and adopted by resolution of the district directors at\nany regular meeting. The district directors shall submit a copy of the\nresolution to the Board and, if the Board concurs, it shall present the\nresolution, together with a certified statement that it concurs, to the\nSecretary of the Commonwealth who shall file the resolution and issue a new or\namended certificate of organization.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 21-29; 1954, c. 670; 1958, c. 409; 1960, c. 208; 1962, c.\n212; 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"}}