# Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1245: Duration; amendment by court action

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1245

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1245
- **Heading:** Duration; amendment by court action
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 10.1 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12.2 / Section 10.1-1245

## Text

A. An environmental covenant is perpetual unless it is:

1. By its terms limited to a specific duration or terminated by the occurrence of a specific event;

2. Terminated by consent pursuant to § 10.1-1246 ;

3. Terminated pursuant to subsection B;

4. Terminated by foreclosure of an interest that has priority over the environmental covenant; or

5. Terminated or modified in an eminent domain proceeding, but only if:

a. The agency that signed the covenant is a party to the proceeding;

b. All persons identified in subsections A and B of § 10.1-1246 are given notice of the pendency of the proceeding; and

c. The court determines, after hearing, that the termination or modification will not adversely affect human health or the environment.

B. If the agency that signed an environmental covenant has determined that the intended benefits of the covenant can no longer be realized, a court, under the doctrine of changed circumstances, in an action in which all persons identified in subsections A and B of § 10.1-1246 have been given notice, may terminate the covenant or reduce its burden on the real property subject to the covenant. The agency's determination or its failure to make a determination upon request is subject to review pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

C. Except as otherwise provided in subsections A and B, an environmental covenant may not be extinguished, limited, or impaired through issuance of a tax deed, foreclosure of a tax lien, or application of the doctrine of adverse possession, prescription, abandonment, waiver, lack of enforcement, or acquiescence, or a similar doctrine.

2010, c. 691 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1238 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1238.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1239 Nature of rights; subordination of interests](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1239.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1240 Contents of environmental covenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1240.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1241 Effect on other instruments; validity](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1241.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1242 Relationship to other land use law](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1242.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1243 Notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1243.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1244 Recording](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1244.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1245 Duration; amendment by court action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1245.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1246 Amendment or termination by consent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1246.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1247 Enforcement of environmental covenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1247.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1248 Fees; Environmental Covenants Fund established](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1248.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1249 Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1249.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 10.1-1250 Regulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1250.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T10.1_SII_C12.2_S10.1-1245. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.