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SB 623

Agricultural & Forestal Districts Act; size of parcels, reduction of core area acreage requirements.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tara Durant

SB 623 reduces core area acreage and parcel size requirements for Virginia Agricultural and Forestal Districts, but was withdrawn by its sponsor before committee consideration.

Stricken at request of Patron in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (11-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 623

Legislative bill overview

SB 623 modifies Virginia's Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act by reducing the core area acreage requirements and adjusting parcel size regulations for district formation and maintenance. The bill was prefiled in January 2026 but was stricken at the request of its patron in late January, effectively removing it from consideration during the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

Agricultural and Forestal Districts provide tax incentives and regulatory protections for farming and forestry operations, making acreage thresholds directly relevant to landowners' eligibility for these benefits. Changes to core area requirements and parcel sizes affect which properties qualify for protection programs and can influence land use patterns in rural areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural preservation vs. development pressures: Lowering acreage thresholds could expand district eligibility, potentially restricting development on marginal agricultural lands or accelerating conversions depending on implementation
  • Equity among landowners: Smaller parcel requirements may benefit smaller farmers and foresters but could create disparate tax treatment between operations based on property size
  • Local government burden: Reduced core area requirements may increase administrative workload for counties managing district applications and compliance monitoring

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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