CHAPTER 253

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
15.1-444.1, relating to the disclosure and prohibition against voting
upon or participating in any proceeding by members of a local plan-
ning commission owning or having any interest in the land to be
rezoned, or approved under § 15.1-456.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: ‘

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
15.1-444.1, as follows: ,

§ 15.1-444.1. (a) In any proceeding before a local planning commis-
sion created under this chapter, involving (1) amendment of a zoning ordi-
nance based upon an application for a change in the zoning map, which
does not constitute the adopting of a comprehensive zoning plan or ordi-
nance applicable throughout the political subdivision, or (2) approval of a
site for any of the purposes under § 15.1-456, any member of such com-
mission who owns or has any interest in the land to be rezoned or to be
approved under § 15.1-456, shall make a full, public disclosure of the exact
nature of his interest, and shall refrain from voting or participating in
any way in any such proceeding relating thereto. For the purposes of this

ion “own” or “have any interest in” shall mean ownership by such
member or any members of his immediate household, or ownership by way
of partnership or as a holder of 10 percent or more of the outstanding
shares of stock in or as a director or officer of any corporation owning
such land, directly or indirectly, by such member or members of his imme-
diate household. !

(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor.