Virginia § 15.2-3302 - Criteria for total immunity; judicial determination
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-3302 — Criteria for total immunity; judicial determination, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-3302. Criteria for total immunity; judicial determination
A. If, after receipt of a petition for immunity, the circuit court determines that the county or tier-city has a population at the time of the filing of the petition of at least 20,000 persons and a population density of at least 300 persons per square mile, or a minimum population of at least 50,000 persons and a population density of at least 140 persons per square mile, based either on the latest United States census, on the latest population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, or on a special census conducted under court supervision, it shall enter an order declaring the total county or tier-city immune from city-initiated annexation and incorporation of new cities.
B. If the court determines that the county or tier-city has not met the criteria for immunity as set forth in this section, it shall deny the county's or tier-city's petition.
C. In the determination of its population density, a county or tier-city may elect to have excluded from consideration the area of property within its boundaries which is owned by the federal and state governments and the area covered by bodies of water of forty acres or more in size. If a county or tier-city elects to exclude such areas from consideration, any county or tier-city residents residing in such areas must also be excluded in determining the county's or tier-city's population and population density.
1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.21; 1984, c. 695; 1997, c. 587.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-3302
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-3302 cover?
Section 15.2-3302 ("Criteria for total immunity; judicial determination") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 15.2-3302?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-3302" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-3302 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.