What is the definition of public nuisance in land use law?

Public nuisance in land use law is when a property or activity causes interference with the health, safety, or welfare of the public in a significant way. In Virginia, public nuisance is defined in the Code of Virginia as "unlawful or offensive acts, omissions, or conditions which cause injury, loss, damage, or annoyance to the public, or which endanger public health, safety, comfort, or convenience." Examples of public nuisance include activities that disturb the peace, create pollution, or block traffic. The law usually requires that action be taken to stop the nuisance and compensation be paid to affected parties. Generally, public nuisances must be considered in order to assess the impacts of land use decisions; if the proposed land use will create a public nuisance, the development may not be allowed to go forward.

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