Virginia Law

A. Where wider rights-of-way are acquired by VDOT for the ultimate development of a highway at such time as adequate funds are available for the construction of the highway, including such preliminary features as tree planting, the correction of existing drainage conditions, etc., the Commissioner of Highways does not consider it advisable to lease, rent, or otherwise grant permission for the use of any of the land so acquired except in extreme or emergency cases, and then only for a limited period.

When the land adjoining the highway is used for commercial purposes and where the existing road is located on the opposite side of the right-of-way, thereby placing the business from 65 feet (in the case of 110 feet right-of-way) to 100 feet or more (in the case of 160 feet right-of-way) away from the main traveled road, the owner of the business may continue to locate his driveways and pumps, in the case of a filling station, within the state right-of-way, provided that the driveways and pumps are at least as far from the edge of the existing pavement as existing driveways and pumps in evidence on the road are from the nearest edge of the pavement to their similar structures. No additional driveways or pumps may be constructed within the right-of-way. In such cases, agreements for "commercial uses" may be entered into for use of portions of the right-of-way for temporary or limited periods under the following policies and conditions:

1. Until such time as the Commissioner of Highways deems it necessary to use right-of-way acquired for future construction on a project for road purposes, agreements may be made with adjoining property owners for the temporary use of sections thereof. The use of this land shall be limited to provisions as set forth in the agreement, which shall cover commercial pursuits consistent with similar operations common to the highway. These operations and special conditions may include gasoline pumps, but not gasoline tanks.

2. The area of right-of-way designated for use of the landowner must not be used for the storing of vehicles, except while the vehicles are being serviced at the gasoline pumps. The area must be kept in a clean and orderly condition at all times.

B. Agreements may be revoked for cause or as outlined in subdivision A 1 of this section, either in whole or for any portion of the prescribed area that may be required for highway purposes, which may include one or more of the following:

1. The storage of road materials when other nearby suitable areas are not available;

2. The planting of trees and shrubs for permanent roadside effects;

3. The correction or improvement of drainage;

4. Development of wayside, parking or turnout areas; or

5. For other purposes as may be deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Highways.

C. Applications for agreements for commercial uses shall be made to the district administrator's designee. Agreements must be accompanied by a sketch showing the location of the roadway, shoulders, ditches and conditions existing within the right-of-way, together with description and plat of the area to be covered by it. The text of the application should describe the specific use for the site.

D. Agreements shall be issued only to owners of property adjoining the area to be used. Agreements may be made for terms not to exceed one year, subject to the cancellation terms in subsection C of this section. VDOT shall not be responsible in any way for the policing of areas subject to commercial agreements. No structures are to be erected on areas subject to commercial agreements without written approval of the Commissioner of Highways.