Virginia Law Defines 'Immediate Family' for Property Subdivision Purposes
In Virginia, a subdivision ordinance mandates reasonable provisions for a single division of a lot or parcel. This division is specifically for the purpose of sale or gift to a member of the property owner's immediate family. The Code of Virginia defines an immediate family member as a natural or legally defined offspring, stepchild, spouse, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, or parent of the owner. Localities have the discretion to expand this definition to include aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. This provision is subject to requirements imposed by the local governing body, such as ensuring lots under five acres have a reasonable right-of-way for ingress and egress to a public street. Only one such division is permitted per family member, and it cannot be used to circumvent the section's intent. In counties with an urban county executive form of government, the definition of immediate family for this purpose is limited to natural or legally defined offspring or parent of the owner, with specific fronta... 
