The objective of the Zoning Law is to establish standards and policies concerning development of land which may be used in helping to achieve the goals of a General Development Plan for the Virgin Islands. Goals for development of the Islands are expressed in many ways through programs and policies on such matters as land […]
The purpose of this law is the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community by establishing regulations and conditions governing the erection and use of buildings and other structures and the use of land and water for trade, industry, residence and other specified purposes; to lessen congestion in the streets; […]
The Virgin Islands, consisting of the Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John and all other islands within the jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands, are divided into eighteen (18) districts (not all of which are found on each of the Islands), as follows: 1. A-1 Agricultural District 2. A-2 Agricultural District 3. R-1 […]
Zoning maps (a) The boundaries and identification of the Zoning Districts established by this law are shown on the Zoning District Maps identified as Document Numbers STZ-1 to 11, SCZ-1 to 20, SJZ-1 to 7, and OIZ-1, inclusive, which are filed in the office of the Lieutenant Governor (with copies in the offices of the […]
General provision (a) All words used in the present tense include the future tense. All words in the plural number include the singular number and all words in the singular number include the plural number, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise. The word “building” includes the word “structure”. The word “lot” includes […]
Conflicting regulation (a) When any provision of this subchapter imposes more stringent requirements, regulations, restrictions, or limitations than are imposed or required by the provisions of any other regulations, statute or law, the provisions of this subchapter shall apply and govern. Covenants not annulled (b) This subchapter is not intended to abrogate or annul any […]
Land use regulations No building or structure in any district established by this subchapter shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or structurally altered nor shall any building or structure or land be used, designed or arranged for any purpose other than as permitted in the district in which the building or structure or land is […]
Land, water and buildings may be used only for a use set forth in the TABLE OF PERMITTED USES and only within those districts specified in said Table and only under the circumstances indicated in said Table, subject to the provisions of sections 229 through 233 of this subchapter. A-1 AGRICULTURAL ZONE Uses permitted as […]
A-1 Agricultural Zone (a) The Virgin Islands, at one time, produced a substantial amount of sugar. Today, the sugarcane fields lie fallow and for the most part unused. The Virgin Islands at one time produced beef for export. That situation no longer prevails. There is a small amount of truck farming on the northerly side […]
Because there is little in the way of mass transportation available in the Virgin Islands (bus line on St. Thomas), most of the inhabitants, permanent and temporary, are dependent upon either private automobiles or their feet as a means of transportation. Taxi service is available on St. Thomas and St. Croix but the average visitor, […]
The use of any roadway or street onto, within or through any subdivision of residential development of ten or more dwellings, which roadway or street is open to the use of any other persons as guests, visitors or permittees, other than the actual inhabitants thereof, shall not be denied or restricted directly, indirectly or by […]
Required conditions for permitted uses (a) The general uses of land permitted by the TABLE OF PERMITTED USES in each district are intended to be used with common characteristics which are consistent with the purpose established by this subchapter for each district. However, certain uses of land provide accommodations consistent with, or necessary to, the […]
With strict limitations in most zoning laws for yards and other open spaces, it has been found that some imaginative developments that would prove beneficial to the community could not be constructed as they did not meet the strict letter of the law. In order to allow sound and imaginative developments to take place, planned […]
(a) Intent and purpose. There is a critical shortage of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing in the United States Virgin Islands. One of the factors contributing to the shortage of affordable housing is outmoded and rigid zoning and subdivision laws and building codes. The Government can encourage the provision of affordable housing by making […]
General limitations upon accessory uses (a) An accessory use shall be located upon the same lot with a principal use, unless otherwise set forth in this subchapter. An accessory use shall be subordinate to the principal use and shall be a use or activity which is customarily incidental to the principal use. An accessory use […]
Scope (a) Any lawful use of land or a building existing at the date of passage of this subchapter and located in a district in which it would not be permitted as a new use under the regulations of this subchapter, is hereby declared to be a nonconforming use, and not in violation of this […]
Administration (a) This subchapter and chapters 5 and 7 of Title 6, Virgin Islands Code, shall be administered and enforced by a Zoning Administrator who shall be the Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources. The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources shall appoint Assistant Zoning Administrator(s) who shall have had experience in dealing with Zoning […]
General powers of the board for the administration of the zoning law (a) The Board of Land Use Appeals is a body of limited powers. It may not change the use of property from that permitted by the Zoning Law nor may it increase the height of a structure above that permitted by the law: […]
General review of zoning law by the Virgin Islands Planning Office (a) The Planning Office shall carry on a continuous review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Zoning Law and recommend to the Legislature such changes that are in keeping with the General Development Plan for the Virgin Islands. Specific powers of the Virgin […]
Scope of amendments (a) Any provision of this subchapter, as well as the boundaries of the various Zoning Districts established herein, may be amended or repealed by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands after due public notice and hearing where parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard, subject to the […]
