Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-907.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-907.2
Authority of locality or land bank entity to be appointed to act as a receiver to repair derelict and blighted buildings in certain limited circumstances
Status: in_force

A. Any locality that has adopted an ordinance pursuant to § 15.2-907.1 may petition the circuit court for the appointment of the locality or a land bank entity created pursuant to the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 15.2-7500 et seq.) to act as a receiver to repair real property that contains residential dwelling units only in accordance with all of the following:

1. The locality has properly declared the subject property to be a derelict building in compliance with the provisions of § 15.2-907.1 ;

2. The property owners are in noncompliance with the provisions of § 15.2-907.1 ;

3. The locality has properly declared the subject property to be blighted in compliance with the provisions of § 36-49.1:1 for spot blight abatement, and the subject property is itself blighted;

4. The property owners are in noncompliance with the provisions of § 36-49.1:1 requiring abatement of the blighted condition of the property;

5. The locality has made bona fide efforts to ensure compliance by the property owners of the subject property with the requirements of §§ 15.2-907.1 and 36-49.1:1 ;

6. The repairs to the subject property are necessary to bring the subject property into compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code;

7. The repairs to the subject property necessary to satisfy the requirements of subdivision 6 shall not result in a change of use for zoning purposes of the subject property;

8. Upon appointment by the circuit court to serve as a receiver, the locality or land bank entity shall have the authority to contract for all reasonable repairs necessary to bring the property into compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, subject to all applicable requirements of state and local procurement laws. Such repairs shall be made in a time period established by the court, but in no event shall a receivership exceed two years;

9. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this section are subject to the requirements of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.); and

10. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the subject property shall be eligible for any real estate abatement programs that exist in the locality.

B. A petition by the locality to be appointed, or to appoint a land bank entity created pursuant to the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 15.2-7500 et seq.), to act as a receiver shall include affirmative statements that the locality has satisfied each of the requirements of this section and further state that the locality has recorded a memorandum of lis pendens simultaneously with the filing of said petition. The costs of the receivership, along with reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the locality or land bank entity as receiver shall constitute a lien in favor of the locality or land bank entity against the subject property in accordance with the provisions of § 58.1-3340 , and shall be on par with and collectible in the same manner as delinquent real estate taxes owed to the locality. The judicial proceedings herein shall be held in accordance with the requirements, statutory or arising at common law, relative to effecting the sale of real estate by a creditor's bill in equity to subject real estate to the lien of a judgment creditor.

C. The locality or land bank entity created pursuant to the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 15.2-7500 et seq.) appointed to be a receiver may enforce the receiver's lien by a sale of the property at public auction, but only upon application for and entry of an order of sale by the circuit court. The court shall appoint a special commissioner to conduct the sale, and an attorney employed by the locality may serve as special commissioner. Such sale shall be upon order of the court entered after notice as required by the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia and following publication of notice of the sale three times in a newspaper of general circulation, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the sale. Following such public auction, the special commissioner shall file an accounting with the court and seek confirmation of the sale. Upon confirmation, the special commissioner shall be authorized to execute a deed conveying title, which shall pass free and clear to the purchaser at public auction. Following such sale, the former owner or owners, or any heirs, assignees, devisees, or successors in interest to the property shall be entitled to the surplus received in excess of the receiver's lien, taxes, penalties, interest, reasonable attorney fees, costs, and any recorded liens chargeable against the property. At any time prior to confirmation of the sale provided for herein, the owner shall have the right to redeem the property, as provided for in subsection D. The character of the title acquired by the purchaser of the property at public auction shall be governed by the principles and rules applicable to the titles of purchases at judicial sales of real estate generally.

D. The owner of any property subject to receivership may redeem the property at any time prior to the expiration of the two-year period or prior to confirmation of sale at public auction by paying the receiver's lien in full and the taxes, penalties, interest, reasonable attorney fees, costs, and any recorded liens chargeable against the property. Partial payment shall not be sufficient to redeem the property and shall not operate to suspend the receivership.

E. In lieu of appointment of a receiver, the circuit court shall permit repair by a property owner or a person with an interest in the property secured by a deed of trust properly recorded upon the following conditions:

1. Demonstration of the ability to complete the repair within a reasonable amount of time to be determined by the court; and

2. Entry of a court order setting forth a schedule for such repair.

2012, cc. 220 , 761 ; 2017, c. 381 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1531 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1531
When certain city and county treasurers not required to give additional bond
Status: in_force

Whenever the treasurer for any city or county is appointed finance officer under any regulation of the State Board of Education relating to the operation of jointly owned schools for cities and counties, and such duties do not substantially increase the amount of the revenue to be received annually by him, then no additional bond shall be required of him.

Code 1950, § 15-481.1; 1962, c. 493, § 15.1-44.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6015 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60 / Section 15.2-6015
City of Norton deemed contributing jurisdiction of Wise County
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter the City of Norton shall be deemed a contributing jurisdiction of Wise County and moneys collected from Wise County may be used in the City of Norton.

1988, c. 833, § 15.1-1650; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3200 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3200
Boundaries of cities and towns to remain as established until changed
Status: in_force

The boundaries of the cities and towns of this Commonwealth shall be and remain as now established unless changed as provided in this title.

Code 1950, § 15-152.2; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1032; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7208 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7208
Powers
Status: in_force

Unless limited elsewhere in this chapter, the Authority shall have those powers possessed by the City of Bristol necessary and convenient for the provision of electric, water and sanitary sewer services, and those powers possessed by the Bristol Virginia Utilities Board and the division of the city known as Bristol Virginia Utilities as they existed on July 1, 2001, in the Charter of the City of Bristol, Virginia, and the general laws of the Commonwealth. Unless limited elsewhere in this chapter, the Authority shall also possess all those powers, subject to the limitations and restrictions thereon, as granted to the City, the Bristol Virginia Utilities Board, and BVU by Chapter 479 of the Acts of Assembly of 2002, Chapters 539, 546, and 677 of the Acts of Assembly 2003, Chapter 586 of the Acts of Assembly of 2004, Chapter 258 of the Acts of Assembly of 2005, Chapters 607 and 682 of the Acts of Assembly of 2007, and Chapters 99 and 323 of the Acts of Assembly of 2008.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 ; 2016, cc. 724 , 725 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5948 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5948
Tax revenues of the Commonwealth or any other political subdivision not pledged
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing the pledging of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth, or the faith and credit of any other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, for the payment of any bonds. No bonds issued pursuant to § 15.2-5943 shall pledge the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, nor shall such bonds constitute a debt of the Commonwealth, and the bonds shall so state on their face. Bondholders shall have no recourse whatsoever against the Commonwealth for the payment of principal, interest, or redemption premium, if any, on such bonds.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4919 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4919
Provisions of chapter controlling over other statutes and charters
Status: in_force

Any provision of this chapter which is found to be in conflict with any other statute or charter shall be controlling and shall supersede such other statute or charter to the extent of such conflict.

1966, c. 651, § 15.1-1390; 1997, c. 587; 2015, c. 709 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1232.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1232.1
Auctions; pawnshops; secondhand dealers; peddling; fraud and deceit in sales; weights and measures
Status: in_force

A county may regulate the sale of property at auction; may regulate the conduct of and prescribe the number of pawnshops and dealers in secondhand goods, wares and merchandise; may regulate or prohibit peddling; may prevent fraud or deceit in the sale of property; may require weighing, measuring, gauging and inspection of goods, wares and merchandise offered for sale; and may provide for the sealing of weights and measures and the inspection and testing thereof.

2003, c. 448 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2663 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2663
Transition
Status: in_force

If any proceedings with respect to the authorization, issuance, sale, execution or delivery of bonds have been commenced before July 1, 1991, the bonds may, at the election of the governing body of the locality issuing the bonds, be issued under the provisions of this chapter or under the provisions of law in effect immediately before July 1, 1991.

1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.65; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1506 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1506
Establishment of grievance procedure, personnel system and uniform pay plan for employees
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, general or special, every locality which has more than fifteen employees shall have a grievance procedure for its employees that affords an immediate and fair method for the resolution of disputes which may arise between the public employer and its employees and a personnel system including a classification plan for service and a uniform pay plan for all employees excluding employees and deputies of division superintendents of schools.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any local charter, a locality may establish a personnel system for local administrative officials and employees based on merit and professional ability. Such system shall consist of rules and regulations that provide for the general administration of personnel matters, a classification plan for employees, a uniform pay plan, and a procedure for resolving grievances of employees as provided by general law.

1973, c. 256, § 15.1-7.1; 1974, cc. 260, 449; 1975, c. 176; 1976, c. 93; 1978, c. 845; 1979, c. 734; 1984, c. 746; 1985, c. 515; 1988, c. 290; 1991, c. 661; 1996, cc. 164 , 869 ; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 363 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-915.6 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-915.6
Firearm give-back or sell-back programs; report
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

"Antique firearm" means the same as that term is defined in subsection F of § 18.2-308.2:2 .

"Destroyed" means permanently rendering a firearm inoperable through approved mechanical means, including melting, shredding, or crushing, so that it cannot be restored.

"Historically significant firearm" means any firearm that (i) is at least 40 years old; (ii) is not an antique firearm; and (iii) possesses historical, collector, or educational value.

B. Each county or city law-enforcement agency shall and any town law-enforcement agency may develop policies and procedures to implement either a firearm give-back program or a firearm sell-back program by January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter. Such policies shall:

1. Designate when and where a person may voluntarily return a firearm via a firearm give-back or sell-back program;

2. Require that any firearm voluntarily returned under such a program be subjected to forensic testing and, if such firearm is determined to have been used in the commission of a crime, that such firearm may be retained by the receiving law-enforcement agency for use as evidence;

3. Require that any firearm voluntarily returned under such a program be returned to the original owner as provided in § 52-25.1 if such firearm is determined to be lost or stolen;

4. Require that any firearm voluntarily returned under such a program be destroyed within 90 days after a determination that such firearm is not evidence and is not required for prosecution;

5. Exempt any antique firearm or historically significant firearm, whether operable or inoperable, from mandatory destruction and provide for donation to a museum, historical society, or educational institution, or transfer to a federally licensed firearms dealer for sale or auction; however, if no museum, historical society, educational institution, or federally licensed firearms dealer agrees to accept such antique firearm or historically significant firearm, the firearm shall be destroyed within 180 days after it has been determined that such firearm is not evidence and is not required for prosecution; and

6. Require that the identity of any person who surrenders a firearm be kept confidential.

B. All local law-enforcement agencies adopting a program pursuant to this section shall submit an annual report to the Department of State Police that includes the number of firearms received through the implemented program. Any proceeds that may be generated from the sale or auction of a returned firearm shall be deposited into the locality's general fund or used solely for the administration of the locality's firearm give-back program or firearm sell-back program.

2026, c. 1067 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-601 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-601
Adoption of county manager form
Status: in_force

Any county may adopt the county manager form of government in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 15.2-300 et seq.) of this title.

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2631 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2631
Terms of temporary loans
Status: in_force

The temporary loans authorized by §§ 15.2-2628 , 15.2-2629 , and 15.2-2630 , shall be evidenced by bonds or notes issued under and governed by the provisions of this chapter insofar as they are applicable. The bonds or notes may be extended or refinanced from time to time, but shall mature within the time limits prescribed by §§ 15.2-2628 , 15.2-2629 , and 15.2-2630 .

1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.32; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2316.4:1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7.2 / Section 15.2-2316.4:1
Zoning; other wireless facilities and wireless support structures
Status: in_force

A. A locality shall not require that a special exception, special use permit, or variance be obtained for the installation or construction of an administrative review-eligible project but may require administrative review for the issuance of any zoning permit, or an acknowledgement that zoning approval is not required, for such a project.

B. A locality may charge a reasonable fee for each application submitted under subsection A or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project. The fee shall not include direct payment or reimbursement of third-party fees charged on a contingency basis or a result-based arrangement. Upon request, a locality shall provide the applicant with the cost basis for the fee. A locality shall not charge market-based or value-based fees for the processing of an application. If the application is for:

1. An administrative review-eligible project, the fee shall not exceed $500; and

2. A standard process project, the fee shall not exceed the actual direct costs to process the application, including permits and inspection.

C. The processing of any application submitted under subsection A or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project shall be subject to the following:

1. Within 10 business days after receiving an incomplete application, the locality shall notify the applicant that the application is incomplete. The notice shall specify any additional information required to complete the application. The notice shall be sent by electronic mail to the applicant's email address provided in the application. If the locality fails to provide such notice within such 10-day period, the application shall be deemed complete.

2. Except as provided in subdivision 3, a locality shall approve or disapprove a complete application:

a. For a new structure within the lesser of 150 days of receipt of the completed application or the period required by federal law for such approval or disapproval; or

b. For the co-location of any wireless facility that is not a small cell facility within the lesser of 90 days of receipt of the completed application or the period required by federal law for such approval or disapproval, unless the application constitutes an eligible facilities request as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 1455(a).

3. Any period specified in subdivision 2 for a locality to approve or disapprove an application may be extended by mutual agreement between the applicant and the locality.

D. A complete application for a project shall be deemed approved if the locality fails to approve or disapprove the application within the applicable period specified in subdivision C 2 or any agreed extension thereof pursuant to subdivision C 3.

E. If a locality disapproves an application submitted under subsection A or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project:

1. The locality shall provide the applicant with a written statement of the reasons for such disapproval; and

2. If the locality is aware of any modifications to the project as described in the application that if made would permit the locality to approve the proposed project, the locality shall identify them in the written statement provided under subdivision 1. The locality's subsequent disapproval of an application for a project that incorporates the modifications identified in such a statement may be used by the applicant as evidence that the locality's subsequent disapproval was arbitrary or capricious in any appeal of the locality's action.

F. A locality's action on disapproval of an application submitted under subsection A or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project shall:

1. Not unreasonably discriminate between the applicant and other wireless services providers, wireless infrastructure providers, providers of telecommunications services, and other providers of functionally equivalent services; and

2. Be supported by substantial record evidence contained in a written record publicly released within 30 days following the disapproval.

G. An applicant adversely affected by the disapproval of an application submitted under subsection A or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project may file an appeal pursuant to subsection F of § 15.2-2285 , or to § 15.2-2314 if the requested zoning approval involves a variance, within 30 days following delivery to the applicant or notice to the applicant of the record described in subdivision F 2.

2018, cc. 835 , 844 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2230.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2230.1
Public facilities study
Status: in_force

In addition to reviewing the comprehensive plan, the planning commission may make a study of the public facilities, including existing facilities, which would be needed if the comprehensive plan is fully implemented. The study may include estimations of the annual prospective operating costs for such facilities and any revenues, including tax revenues, that may be generated by such facilities. For purposes of the study, public facilities may include but need not be limited to water and sewer lines and treatment plants, schools, public safety facilities, streets and highways. The planning commission may forward the study to the local governing body or any other local, regional, state or federal agency that the planning commission believes might benefit from its findings. The study shall also be forwarded to any utility companies or franchised cable operators that may be impacted by such public facilities. The utility companies, the franchised cable operators, and the locality shall cooperate and coordinate in the relocation of such utilities and cable lines as may be appropriate to avoid unnecessary delays in the construction of public facilities and capital projects by the affected localities, consistent with the service obligations of the utility companies and franchised cable operators. For purposes of this section, the term "utility company" shall not include a municipal utility that operates outside its locality's boundaries.

1998, c. 609 ; 2012, c. 553 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5147 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-5147
Powers of localities, etc., to make grants and conveyances to and contracts with authority
Status: in_force

Each political subdivision may:

1. Convey or lease to any authority, with or without consideration, any system or portion thereof, or any right or interest in such facilities or any property appertaining thereto, upon such terms and conditions as the governing body determines to be in the best interest of such political subdivision;

2. Contract, jointly or severally, with any authority for the collection, treatment or disposal of sewage, industrial waste or refuse; and grant to such authority the right to receive, use and dispose of all or any portion of the refuse generated or collected by or within the jurisdiction or under the control of such unit; and in implementation of such contract or grant, exercise the powers set forth in §§ 15.2-927 and 15.2-928 ; and

3. Contract with any authority for shutting off the supply of water furnished by any water system owned or operated by such political subdivision or under its jurisdiction or control to any premises connected with any sewer system of the authority if the owner, tenant or occupant of such premises fails to pay any rates, fees or charges for the use of or for the services furnished by such sewer system within the time or times specified in such contract.

Code 1950, § 15-764.31; 1950, p. 1330; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1269; 1979, c. 280; 1997, c. 587; 2009, c. 473 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1229 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1229
Petty cash funds
Status: in_force

Whenever the governing body of any county determines that more efficient administration would be promoted thereby, it may by resolution establish one or more petty cash funds not exceeding $5,000 each for the payment of claims arising from commitments made pursuant to law. Any person into whose hands any such fund is placed may pay such claims therefrom, without necessity of prior receipt and audit of the claims by the governing body and without approval and issuance of the warrant of the governing body or the county treasurer. Such person shall render an account of the same and make a settlement thereof annually in form and manner prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Such person shall give bond with surety in the amount of $10,000; however, additional bond shall not be required of any person already bonded in the required amount.

Code 1950, § 15-254; 1962, cc. 399, 623, § 15.1-548; 1977, c. 227; 1983, c. 101; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2316.4:4 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7.2 / Section 15.2-2316.4:4
Wireless facility modifications
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of this article, a locality shall not deny an application for the modification of an existing wireless facility if:

1. The requested modification would not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless facility;

2. The requested modification involves the (i) co-location of new transmission equipment, (ii) removal of transmission equipment, or (iii) replacement of transmission equipment; and

3. The request meets the requirements of this section.

For the purposes of this subsection, a modification that entails any excavation or deployment adjacent to an existing wireless support structure or base station, except for wireless support structures or base stations in public rights-of-way, does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless facility if it entails the excavation or deployment of transmission equipment within 30 feet, in any direction, of the existing wireless support structure or base station. The site boundary from which the 30 feet is measured shall exclude any access or utility easements related to the existing wireless support structure or base station.

B. When an applicant asserts, in writing, that a request for modification is permitted pursuant to this section, a locality may require the applicant to provide documentation or information only to the extent reasonably related to determining whether the request meets the requirements of this section. A locality shall not require an applicant to submit any other documentation, including documentation intended to illustrate the need for such wireless facilities or to justify the business decision to modify such wireless facilities.

C. A locality shall not impose fees or charges on the applicant that exceed the one-time, non-recurring reasonable costs actually incurred by the locality to review the application. A locality may impose a fee, not to exceed $1,000, for technical consultation and the review of a co-location or eligible facilities request application. Such fee shall be based on the actual, direct, and reasonable administrative costs incurred for the review, processing, and approval of an application. A locality may engage a third-party consultant for technical consultation and the review of a co-location application. The fee imposed by a locality for the review of an application shall not be used for travel expenses incurred during a third-party review of a co-location application or reimbursement for a consultant or other third party based on a contingent fee basis or results-based arrangement.

D. A locality shall approve an application made pursuant to this section within 60 days of the date on which an applicant submits such application, unless the locality determines that the application does not meet the requirements of this section. The 60-day period may be tolled only by mutual agreement or in cases where the reviewing locality determines that an application is incomplete.

1. To toll the timeframe for incompleteness, the reviewing locality shall provide written notice to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application and shall clearly and specifically delineate all missing documents or information in such notice. Such delineated information is limited to documents or information meeting the provisions of subsection B. The timeframe for review shall begin running again whenever the applicant submits a supplemental application in response to the locality's notice of incompleteness.

2. Following the submission of a supplemental application, a locality shall have 10 days to notify the applicant that the supplemental application did not provide the information identified in the original notice delineating missing information. The timeframe shall be tolled in the case of second or subsequent notices pursuant to the procedures outlined in this subdivision. Second or subsequent notices of incompleteness shall not specify any missing documents or information that were not delineated in the original notice of incompleteness.

E. If a locality fails to approve or deny an application seeking approval under this section within the timeframe for review, accounting for any tolling pursuant to subsection D, the application shall be deemed approved. The deemed approval shall not become effective until the applicant notifies the locality, in writing, that the application has been deemed approved pursuant to this subsection. Upon receipt of the notification from the applicant, the locality shall, within 30 calendar days, (i) issue all permits and authorizations necessary for the completion of the project described in the application or (ii) seek judicial review of the operation of this section on the application.

F. Any applicant or locality may bring claims related to this section to any court of competent jurisdiction. For any party other than an applicant or locality, neither the issuance of permits or authorizations by a locality regarding an application nor an approval granted pursuant to subsection E due to a locality's failure to approve or deny an application shall be deemed a final decision or action appealable under applicable law.

2026, c. 376 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5345 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5345
Security for funds deposited by authorities; deposit in certain savings accounts, etc., authorized
Status: in_force

The authority may by resolution provide that all moneys deposited by it shall be secured:

1. By obligations of the United States or of the Commonwealth of a market value equal at all times to the amount of such deposits;

2. By any securities in which trustees, guardians, executors, administrators and others acting in a fiduciary capacity may legally invest funds within their control; or

3. By an undertaking with such sureties as shall be approved by the authority faithfully to keep and pay over upon the order of the authority any such deposits and agreed interest thereon.

All banks and trust companies are authorized to give any such security for such deposits.

Deposit of such funds in savings accounts and certificates of savings institutions which are under state supervision and of federal associations organized under the laws of the United States and under federal supervision, is hereby authorized, provided that such institution's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other federal insurance agency.

Code 1950, § 32-260; 1976, c. 281, § 15.1-1580; 1979, c. 719; 1990, c. 3; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6625 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6625
Withdrawal of membership
Status: in_force

Any member jurisdiction may withdraw from membership in the Authority by resolution or ordinance of its governing body. However, no member jurisdiction shall be permitted to withdraw from the Authority after any obligation has been incurred except by unanimous vote of all member jurisdictions.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2413.14 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2413.14
Petition for a proposed business improvement and recruitment district
Status: in_force

Upon the submission to the clerk of a locality of a written petition, signed by a majority of the business owners in the proposed business improvement and recruitment district who will pay more than 50 percent of the fees proposed to be charged, a locality may initiate proceedings to form a business improvement and recruitment district. The amount of the fees attributable to a business owned by the same business owner that is in excess of 40 percent of the amount of all fees proposed to be charged shall not be included in determining whether the petition is signed by business owners who will pay more than 50 percent of the total amount of fees proposed to be charged.

Any petition shall include a summary of the business improvement and recruitment district plan. The summary shall include a map showing the boundaries of the business improvement and recruitment district, information specifying where the complete business improvement and recruitment district plan can be obtained, and information specifying that the complete business improvement and recruitment district plan shall be furnished by the signatories of the petition upon request.

2023, c. 745 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1614 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1614
Destruction of receipts
Status: in_force

Every sheriff shall maintain in his office all official receipt books showing receipt of any funds in his custody or that of the court, all cancelled checks showing payments from any such funds, and all statements of bank accounts in which funds of the sheriff's office are deposited. Such books, checks, receipt books and statements shall be maintained for a period of three years after they are audited by any individual or entity authorized by § 15.2-1615 to inspect them and thereafter may be destroyed in accordance with retention regulations established pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).

1976, c. 468, § 15.1-84.1; 1982, c. 493; 1993, c. 334; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1413 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1413
Governing bodies of localities may provide for continuity of government in case of enemy attack, etc
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, any locality may, by ordinance, provide a method to assure continuity in its government, in the event of an enemy attack or other disaster. Such ordinance shall be limited in its effect to a period not exceeding 12 months after any such attack or disaster and shall provide for a method for the resumption of normal governmental authority by the end of the 12-month period.

1964, c. 307, § 15.1-13.1; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 295 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6212 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 62 / Section 15.2-6212
Dissolution of Authority
Status: in_force

Each member locality of the Authority may withdraw from the Authority only upon dissolution of the Authority as set forth herein. Whenever the Board determines that the purpose for which the Authority was created has been substantially fulfilled or is impractical or impossible to accomplish and that all obligations incurred by the Authority have been paid or that cash or a sufficient amount of United States government securities has been deposited for their payment, or provisions satisfactory for the timely payment of all its outstanding obligations have been arranged, the Board may adopt resolutions declaring and finding that the Authority shall be dissolved. Appropriate attested copies of such resolutions shall be delivered to the Governor so that legislation dissolving the Authority may be introduced in the General Assembly. The dissolution of the Authority shall become effective according to the terms of such legislation. The title to all funds and other property owned by the Authority at the time of such dissolution shall vest in the counties and cities which have contributed to the fund in proportion to their respective contributions.

1993, c. 982, § 15.1-1673; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4500 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 45 / Section 15.2-4500
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2014, c. 805 , cl. 11, effective October 1, 2014.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3511 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3511
Liabilities
Status: in_force

All valid and lawful charges and liabilities existing against a consolidated locality, or which may thereafter arise or accrue against such locality, which, but for such consolidation would be valid, and lawful charges or liabilities against them, or either of them, shall be deemed and taken to be like charges against or liabilities of the consolidated locality and shall accordingly be defrayed and answered to by it to the same extent, and no further than, the several localities would have been bound if no consolidation had taken place. All bonds, contracts and obligations of the localities which exist as legal obligations shall be deemed like obligations of the consolidated locality, and all such obligations as are authorized or required to be issued or entered into shall be issued or entered into by and in the name of such consolidated jurisdictions.

Code 1950, § 15-213; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1123; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5939 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5939
Executive Director appointment; duties
Status: in_force

A. The Authority shall appoint an Executive Director, who is the chief administrative officer and secretary of the Authority and serves at the pleasure of the Authority. The Executive Director shall be paid from funds received by the Authority. No state funds shall be used to pay the salary or the expenses of this office.

B. In addition to any other duties set forth in this chapter, the Executive Director shall:

1. Direct and supervise the administrative affairs and activities of the Authority in accordance with its rules, regulations, and policies;

2. Attend all meetings and keep minutes of all proceedings;

3. Approve all accounts for salaries, per diem payments, and allowable expenses of the Authority and its employees and consultants and approve all expenses incidental to the operation of the Authority;

4. Report and make recommendations to the Authority on the merits and status of any proposed Facility; and

5. Perform any other duty that the Authority requires for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-960 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-960
Planting of trees destroyed during construction
Status: in_force

Any locality may establish reasonable rules, regulations, and schedules for planting trees in and along areas dedicated for public use where trees have been destroyed in the construction process. This provision shall not affect the validity of any local ordinance adopted pursuant to any other provision of law.

1986, c. 183, § 15.1-14.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6619 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6619
Appropriation by political subdivision
Status: in_force

Any participating political subdivision, or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, is authorized to provide services, to donate real or personal property and to make appropriations to the Authority for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Authority's facilities. Any such political subdivision is hereby authorized to issue its bonds, including general obligation bonds, in the manner provided in the Public Finance Act (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.) or in any applicable municipal charter for the purpose of providing funds to be appropriated to the Authority, and such political subdivisions may enter into contracts obligating such bond proceeds to the Authority.

The Authority may agree to assume, or reimburse a participating political subdivision for any indebtedness incurred by, such participating political subdivision with respect to facilities conveyed by it to the Authority.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-958.4 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958.4
Waiver of certain fees for affordable housing
Status: in_force

A. A locality may by ordinance provide for the waiver of building permit fees and other local fees associated with the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of housing by a § 501(c)(3) organization with a primary purpose of assisting with the provision of affordable housing.

B. A locality may by ordinance provide for the waiver of building permit fees and other local fees associated with the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of housing by a private-sector entity that is pursuing an affordable housing development. For purposes of this subsection, a locality may determine in its ordinance what constitutes affordable housing and may set other conditions on the waiver of fees as it deems appropriate.

2009, c. 799 ; 2019, c. 393 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5154 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-5154
Contents of petition
Status: in_force

A petition for the creation of a community development authority shall:

1. Set forth the name and describe the boundaries of the proposed district, including any provisions for adjusting the community development authority district boundaries pursuant to subsection A of § 15.2-5155 ;

2. Describe the services and facilities proposed to be undertaken by the community development authority within the district;

3. Describe a proposed plan for providing and financing such services and facilities within the district;

4. Describe the benefits which can be expected from the provision of such services and facilities by the community development authority;

5. Provide that the board members of the community development authority shall be selected under the applicable provisions of § 15.2-5113 ; and

6. Request the local governing body to establish the proposed community development authority for the purposes set forth in the petition.

Such petition may provide that the board members of the community development authority appointed pursuant to § 15.2-5113 shall consist of a majority of the petitioning landowners or their designees or nominees.

Code 1950, § 15-764.3; 1950, p. 1315; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1241; 1972, c. 370; 1973, c. 478; 1993, c. 850; 1995, c. 402 ; 1996, c. 897 ; 1997, c. 587; 2009, c. 473 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1624 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1624
When judgment against officer or sureties has been obtained and paid
Status: in_force

If any judgment or decree is obtained against a sheriff, or other officer, or his sureties, or their personal representatives, for or on account of the default or misconduct of any such deputy and shall be paid in whole or in part by any defendant therein, he or his personal representative may, on motion, obtain a judgment or decree against such deputy and his sureties and their personal representatives for the amount so paid, with interest thereon from the time of such payment and five percent damages on such amount.

Code 1950, § 15-522; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-87; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1817 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 18.1 / Section 15.2-1817
Real estate taxation
Status: in_force

The conveyed property under the project shall be subject to real property taxation under Chapter 32 (§ 58.1-3200 et seq.) of Title 58.1.

2011, cc. 562 , 660 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3236 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-3236
Council may enact ordinance
Status: in_force

Whenever it is deemed desirable to contract the corporate limits of any city or town, the council thereof may enact an ordinance defining accurately the boundary of the territory proposed to be abandoned. The ordinance, or a descriptive summary of the ordinance, along with a reference of the place in the city or town where the ordinance may be examined, shall be published three times in a paper having general circulation in the city or town, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the enactment of the ordinance. A copy of the ordinance shall be served by the city or town upon the chairman of the board of supervisors of the contiguous county or counties of which the territory may become a part.

Code 1950, § 15-153; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1059; 1997, c. 587 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6015.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60.01 / Section 15.2-6015.2
Membership; terms; quorum; meetings
Status: in_force

The Authority shall have a total membership of 12 members that shall consist of nine nonlegislative citizen members and three ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed as follows: six members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, two of whom shall be residents of Buchanan County, two of whom shall be residents of Dickenson County, and two of whom shall be residents of Wise County, and three members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, one of whom shall be a resident of Buchanan County, one of whom shall be a resident of Dickenson County, and one of whom shall be a resident of Wise County. The chairmen of the boards of supervisors of Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise Counties or their designees shall serve ex officio with voting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Authority shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

Ex officio members of the Authority shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years.

The Authority shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Authority shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2017, c. 543 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-403 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 4 / Section 15.2-403
Same; powers and duties
Status: in_force

A. The board shall be the policy-determining body of the county and shall be vested with all the rights and powers conferred on boards of supervisors by general law, not inconsistent with the form of county organization and government herein provided.

B. The board may require of all departments, divisions, agencies and officers of the county and of the several districts of the county such annual reports and other reports as in its opinion the business of the county requires.

C. The board may inquire into the official conduct of any office or officer, whether elective or appointive, of the county or of any district thereof, and to investigate the accounts, receipts, disbursements and expenses of any county or district officer. For these purposes it may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of books, papers and other evidence. If any witness fails or refuses to obey any such lawful order of the board he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.

D. The board shall, as soon as the county board form of county organization and government takes effect in the county, provide for the performance of all the governmental functions of the county in a manner consistent with this chapter.

E. Whenever it is not designated herein what officer or employee of the county shall exercise any power or perform any duty conferred upon or required of the county, or any officer thereof, by general law, then any such power shall be exercised or duty performed by that officer or employee of the county so designated by ordinance or resolution of the board.

Code 1950, § 15-366; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-701; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-605 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-605
Prohibiting misdemeanors and providing penalties
Status: in_force

The board may prohibit any act defined as a misdemeanor and prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth and provide a penalty for violations, to the end that the board may parallel by ordinance the criminal laws of this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 15-307.1; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-626; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3811 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3811
Proceeding final for three years
Status: in_force

If city status is denied a town, or if city status is declined under § 15.2-3810 , no subsequent proceeding shall be brought under this chapter for three years from the date of the final order.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-982.12; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2323 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-2323
When impact fees assessed and imposed
Status: in_force

The amount of impact fees to be imposed on a specific development or subdivision shall be determined before or at the time the site plan or subdivision is approved. The ordinance shall specify that the fee is to be collected at the time of the issuance of a building permit. The ordinance shall provide that fees (i) may be paid in lump sum or (ii) be paid on installment at a reasonable rate of interest for a fixed number of years. The locality by ordinance may provide for negotiated agreements with the owner of the property as to the time and method of paying the impact fees.

The maximum impact fee to be imposed shall be determined (i) by dividing projected road improvement costs in the impact fee service area when fully developed by the number of projected service units when fully developed, or (ii) for a reasonable period of time, but not less than ten years, by dividing the projected costs necessitated by development in the next ten years by the service units projected to be created in the next ten years.

The ordinance shall provide for appeals from administrative determinations, regarding the impact fees to be imposed, to the governing body or such other body as designated in the ordinance. The ordinance may provide for the resolution of disputes over an impact fee by arbitration or otherwise.

1989, c. 485, § 15.1-498.6; 1992, c. 465; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 896 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1513 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1513
Joint local government employees permitted
Status: in_force

Localities may jointly employ or share the services of any person. Persons so employed may include officers as well as other employees.

1991, c. 234, § 15.1-20.3; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1203 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1203
Governing body may require treasurer to pay claims
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county may require the treasurer of the county to pay all claims or other obligations for which the governing body has appropriated funds. The treasurer of the county shall, before paying any funds as authorized by this section, first comply with § 58.1-3132 .

Code 1950, § 15-551.7; 1950, p. 415; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-121; 1964, c. 413; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1731 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1731
Establishment, etc., authorized; powers, authority and immunities generally
Status: in_force

A. Localities, for the further preservation of the public peace, safety, and good order of the community, may establish, equip, and maintain auxiliary police forces that have all the powers and authority and all the immunities of full-time law-enforcement officers, if all such forces have met the training requirements established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services under § 9.1-102 .

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an auxiliary officer shall be exempted from any initial training requirement established under § 9.1-102 until a date one year subsequent to the approval by the Criminal Justice Services Board of compulsory minimum training standards for auxiliary police officers, except that (i) any such officer shall not be permitted to carry or use a firearm while serving as an auxiliary police officer unless such officer has met the firearms training requirements established in accordance with in-service training standards for law-enforcement officers as prescribed by the Criminal Justice Services Board, and (ii) any such officer shall have one year following the approval by the Board to comply with the compulsory minimum training standards.

C. Auxiliary police forces established pursuant to this section, who have met the training requirements of § 9.1-102 , may be called into service by the chief law-enforcement officer as appropriate to provide transportation for such person subject to an emergency custody order pursuant to § 37.2-808 or to provide transportation for a person in the temporary detention process pursuant to § 37.2-810 .

1968, c. 157, § 15.1-159.2; 1987, c. 421; 1988, c. 864; 1997, c. 587 ; 2012, c. 827 ; 2022, c. 730 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1546 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1546
Assets of trusts or equivalent arrangements for postemployment benefits other than pensions
Status: in_force

The assets of any trust or equivalent arrangement for postemployment benefits other than pensions shall be exempt from state and local taxation, and the assets of any such trust or equivalent arrangement shall not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, or any other process.

2007, c. 710 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1416 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1416
Regular meetings
Status: in_force

A. The governing body shall assemble at a public place as the governing body may prescribe, in regular session in January for counties and in July for cities and towns. Future meetings shall be held on such days as may be prescribed by resolution of the governing body but in no event shall less than six meetings be held in each fiscal year.

B. The days, times and places of regular meetings to be held during the ensuing months shall be established at the first meeting which meeting may be referred to as the annual or organizational meeting; however, if the governing body subsequently prescribes any public place other than the initial public meeting place, or any day or time other than that initially established, as a meeting day, place or time, the governing body shall pass a resolution as to such future meeting day, place or time. The governing body shall cause a copy of such resolution to be posted on the door of the courthouse or the initial public meeting place and inserted in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or municipality at least seven days prior to the first such meeting at such other day, place or time. Should the day established by the governing body as the regular meeting day fall on any legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next following regular business day, without action of any kind by the governing body.

At its annual meeting the governing body may fix the day or days to which a regular meeting shall be continued if the chairman or mayor, or vice-chairman or vice-mayor if the chairman or mayor is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members to attend the regular meeting. Such finding shall be communicated to the members and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required.

C. Regular meetings may be adjourned from day to day or from time to time or from place to place, not beyond the time fixed for the next regular meeting, until the business before the governing body is completed. Notice of any regular meeting continued under this section shall be reasonable under the circumstances and be given as provided in subsection E of § 2.2-3707 .

D. The governing body shall provide members of the general public with the opportunity for public comment during a regular meeting at least quarterly.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any city or town that holds an organizational meeting in compliance with its charter or code shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.

Code 1950, § 15-241; 1950, p. 8; 1954, c. 286; 1958, c. 291; 1960, c. 33; 1962, cc. 218, 623, § 15.1-536; 1964, c. 403; 1980, c. 420; 1994, cc. 371 , 591 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2004, c. 549 ; 2017, c. 616 ; 2020, c. 1144 ; 2023, c. 536 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-923 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-923
Local water-saving ordinances
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, as shall be necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, any locality may by ordinance (i) require the installation of water conservation devices in the case of the retrofitting of buildings constructed prior to July 1, 1978, and (ii) restrict the nonessential use of ground water during declared water shortages or water emergencies.

For purposes of this section "nonessential use" shall not include agricultural use.

1978, c. 469, § 15.1-37.2:1; 1992, c. 589; 1997, c. 587; 2004, c. 402 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6614 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6614
Credit of Commonwealth and political subdivisions not pledged
Status: in_force

Bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this act shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof other than the Authority, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor as herein authorized. All such bonds shall contain on the face thereof a statement to the effect that neither the Commonwealth, nor any political subdivision thereof, nor the Authority, shall be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon or other costs incident thereto except from the revenues and money pledged therefor and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof, is pledged to the payment of the principal of such bonds or the interest thereon or other costs incident thereto.

All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this act shall be payable solely from the funds of the Authority and no liability or obligation shall be incurred by the Authority hereunder beyond the extent to which moneys shall be available to the Authority.

Bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this act shall not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any debt limitation or restriction.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1609 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1609
Sheriff
Status: in_force

The voters in every county and city shall elect a sheriff unless otherwise provided by general law or special act. The sheriff shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general law. He shall enforce the law or see that it is enforced in the locality from which he is elected; assist in the judicial process as provided by general law; and be charged with the custody, feeding and care of all prisoners confined in the county or city jail. He may perform such other duties, not inconsistent with his office, as may be requested of him by the governing body. The sheriff shall be elected as provided by general law for a term of four years.

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2429 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.2 / Section 15.2-2429
Liberal construction of chapter
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to the end that its beneficial purposes may be effectuated. Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general, special, or local, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.

2009, c. 131 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1429 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1429
Penalties for violation of ordinances
Status: in_force

Any locality may prescribe fines and other punishments for violations of ordinances, which shall be enforced by proceedings as if such violations were misdemeanors. However, no fine or term of confinement for the violation of ordinances shall exceed the penalties provided by general law for the violation of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and such penalties shall not exceed those penalties prescribed by general law for like offenses.

Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-77.64; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 279, 328; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-505, 15.1-901; 1974, c. 598; 1976, c. 582; 1978, c. 150; 1991, cc. 25, 609, 710; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1205 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1205
Allocation of county funds or property to authorities created by county
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county may give, lend or advance in any manner that it deems proper funds or other county property, not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, to any authority created by such governing body pursuant to law.

1966, c. 132, § 15.1-511.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2815 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 28.1 / Section 15.2-2815
No program established unless requested by local governing body
Status: in_force

No pilot program shall be established unless such program has been requested by a resolution of the governing body of the county or city wherein the program will be located.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-296; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3004 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 30 / Section 15.2-3004
Vacancies on court occurring during trial
Status: in_force

If a vacancy occurs on such court at any time prior to the final disposition of the case and the completion of all duties required to be performed by it, the court shall not be dissolved and the proceeding shall not fail; the vacancy shall be filled by designation of another judge from the panel provided for in this chapter. Such substitute judge shall have all the power and authority of his predecessor, and the court shall proceed as so constituted to hear and determine the case and do all things necessary to accomplish its final disposition and the completion of all the duties of the court, including such matters as the certification of evidence and exceptions. No decision shall be rendered or action taken after such designation with respect to any question previously submitted to but not decided by the court except after a full hearing in open court by the court as reconstituted of all the evidence theretofore introduced before the court and a hearing of all arguments theretofore made with reference to such question.

Code 1950, § 15-152.9; 1952, c. 328; 1960, c. 474; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1039; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1417 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1417
Special meetings
Status: in_force

The governing body may also hold such special meetings, as it deems necessary, at such times and places as it finds convenient. It may adjourn such special meetings from time to time as it finds convenient and necessary.

Code 1950, § 15-242; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-537; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-631 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-631
Department of extension and continuing education
Status: in_force

The department of extension and continuing education, if and when established, shall consist of the county extension agent, who shall be head of the department, a home economics agent, a 4-H youth agent and such other extension agents and employees as may be appointed or employed. The county extension agent and the other extension agents shall be selected from a list of eligibles submitted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. They shall perform such duties as the board imposes upon them.

Code 1950, § 15-328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-648; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2285 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2285
Preparation and adoption of zoning ordinance and map and amendments thereto; appeal
Status: in_force

A. The planning commission of each locality may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, prepare a proposed zoning ordinance including a map or maps showing the division of the territory into districts and a text setting forth the regulations applying in each district. The commission shall hold at least one public hearing on a proposed ordinance or any amendment of an ordinance, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204 , and may make appropriate changes in the proposed ordinance or amendment as a result of the hearing. Upon the completion of its work, the commission shall present the proposed ordinance or amendment including the district maps to the governing body together with its recommendations and appropriate explanatory materials.

B. No zoning ordinance shall be amended or reenacted unless the governing body has referred the proposed amendment or reenactment to the local planning commission for its recommendations. Failure of the commission to report 100 days after the first meeting of the commission after the proposed amendment or reenactment has been referred to the commission, or such shorter period as may be prescribed by the governing body, shall be deemed approval, unless the proposed amendment or reenactment has been withdrawn by the applicant prior to the expiration of the time period. The governing body shall hold at least one public hearing on a proposed reduction of the commission's review period. The governing body shall publish a notice of the public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least two weeks prior to the public hearing date and shall also publish the notice on the locality's website, if one exists. In the event of and upon such withdrawal, processing of the proposed amendment or reenactment shall cease without further action as otherwise would be required by this subsection.

C. Before approving and adopting any zoning ordinance or amendment thereof, the governing body shall hold at least one public hearing thereon, pursuant to public notice as required by § 15.2-2204 , after which the governing body may make appropriate changes or corrections in the ordinance or proposed amendment. However, no land may be zoned to a more intensive use classification than was contained in the documentation made available for examination pursuant to subsection A of § 15.2-2204 without an additional public hearing after notice required by § 15.2-2204 . Zoning ordinances shall be enacted in the same manner as all other ordinances.

D. Any county which has adopted an urban county executive form of government provided for under Chapter 8 (§ 15.2-800 et seq.) may provide by ordinance for use of plans, profiles, elevations, and other such demonstrative materials in the presentation of requests for amendments to the zoning ordinance.

E. The adoption or amendment prior to March 1, 1968, of any plan or ordinance under the authority of prior acts shall not be declared invalid by reason of a failure to advertise, give notice or conduct more than one public hearing as may be required by such act or by this chapter, provided a public hearing was conducted by the governing body prior to the adoption or amendment.

F. Every action contesting a decision of the local governing body adopting or failing to adopt a proposed zoning ordinance or amendment thereto or granting or failing to grant a special exception shall be filed within 30 days of the decision with the circuit court having jurisdiction of the land affected by the decision. Such 30-day filing requirement shall be mandatory and jurisdictional. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to create any new right to contest the action of a local governing body.

Code 1950, §§ 15-822, 15-846, 15-968.7; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-493; 1964, c. 279; 1968, c. 652; 1970, c. 216; 1972, c. 818; 1975, c. 641; 1984, c. 175; 1988, cc. 573, 733, 856; 1989, c. 359; 1990, c. 475; 1991, c. 235; 1996, c. 867 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2019, c. 483 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 ; 2026, c. 368 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6316 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6316
Rights and remedies of obligees
Status: in_force

An obligee of an authority shall have the right in addition to all other rights which may be conferred on such obligee, subject only to any contractual restrictions binding upon such obligee:

1. By mandamus, suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity to compel the authority and the commissioners, officers, agents or employees thereof, to perform each and every term, provision and covenant contained in any contract of the authority with or for the benefit of such obligee, and to require the carrying out of any or all such covenants and agreements of the authority and the fulfillment of all duties imposed upon the authority by this chapter.

2. By suit, action or proceeding in equity, to enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful or the violation of any of the rights of such obligee of the authority.

Code 1950, § 15-954; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1337; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3512 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3512
Suits and prosecutions
Status: in_force

From and after the date when consolidation becomes effective, all indictments and prosecutions for crimes committed or ordinances violated and all suits or causes of action arising within the territory of the consolidated locality may be instituted in the county, city or town with the same force and effect as if consolidation had always been effective.

Suits may be brought and maintained against a consolidated locality in any of the courts of this Commonwealth in the same manner as against any other locality.

Any action or proceeding pending by or against any of the consolidating localities may be prosecuted to judgment as if such consolidation had not taken place, or the consolidated locality may be substituted in its place.

Code 1950, §§ 15-171, 15-216; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-1080, 15.1-1126; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2293 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2293
Airspace subject to zoning ordinances
Status: in_force

A. A zoning ordinance shall be applicable to the superjacent airspace of any nonpublic-owned land area.

B. Airspace superjacent or subjacent to any public highway, street, lane, alley or other way in this Commonwealth not required for the purpose of travel, or other public use, by the Commonwealth or other political jurisdiction owning it, shall be subject to the zoning ordinance of the locality in which the airspace is located.

C. Airspace not provided for in subsection B herein that is superjacent to any land owned by the Commonwealth or other political jurisdiction and occupied by a nonpolitical entity or person shall be subject to the zoning ordinance that would be applicable if the land were owned by a private person.

1979, c. 431, § 15.1-491.01; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1751 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1751
Exemption from taxation
Status: in_force

Any academy created under the provisions of this article shall not be required to pay taxes or assessments upon any project or upon any property acquired or used by it or upon the income therefrom and income derived from bonds shall be exempt at all times from every kind and nature of taxation by this Commonwealth or by any of its political subdivisions, municipal corporations, or public agencies of any kind.

1993, c. 935, § 15.1-159.7:5; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3829 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3829
Assumption of debt; adjustment
Status: in_force

If a town becomes a city under this chapter, the city shall assume and provide for the reimbursement of the county of a just and reasonable proportion of any county debt existing at the date the town becomes a city, including any debt existing on any school district of which the town was a part.

The city council and the board of supervisors shall make an equitable adjustment of such debts. In making such adjustment the parties shall consider (i) the city's just proportion of money collected by the county treasurer under § 15.2-3828 and of any unexpended balance in the county treasury belonging to any fund to which the territory embraced in the city has contributed and (ii) all other equitable claims of the city, county and district. If the parties fail to make such adjustment, either party may proceed against the other by a bill in equity in the circuit court for the county in which the former town lies for a proper adjustment of such matter.

Code 1950, §§ 15-102, 15-103; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-1003, 15.1-1004; 1980, c. 559; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1232.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1232.2
Creation of local economic revitalization zones
Status: in_force

A. Any county may establish by ordinance one or more economic revitalization zones for the purpose of providing incentives to private entities to purchase real property and interests in real property to assemble parcels suitable for economic development. Each county establishing an economic revitalization zone may grant incentives and provide regulatory flexibility. Such zones shall be reasonably compact, shall not encompass the entire county, and shall constitute one or more tax parcels not commonly owned. Properties that are acquired through the use of eminent domain shall not be eligible for the incentives and regulatory flexibility provided by the ordinance.

B. The incentives may include, but not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax, and (iv) waiver of tax liens to facilitate the sale of property.

C. Incentives established pursuant to this section may extend for a period of up to 10 years from the date of initial establishment of the economic revitalization zone; however, the extent and duration of any incentive shall conform to the requirements of applicable federal and state law.

D. The regulatory flexibility provided in an economic revitalization zone may include (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) the use of a special permit process; (iii) exemption from certain specified ordinances, excluding ordinances or provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.), and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.); and (iv) any other incentives adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the county for a period of up to 10 years.

E. The governing body may establish a service district for the provision of additional public services pursuant to Chapter 24 (§ 15.2-2400 et seq.).

F. This section shall not authorize any local government powers that are not expressly granted herein.

G. Prior to adopting or amending any ordinance pursuant to this section, a county shall provide for notice and public hearing in accordance with subsection A of § 15.2-2204 .

2017, c. 384 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2278 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2278
Vacating plat of subdivision
Status: in_force

Any plat of subdivision recorded in any clerk's office, whether or not pursuant to this article, may be vacated in the manner prescribed by § 15.2-2272 and the provisions of §§ 15.2-2274 and 15.2-2276 shall be applicable to such vacation.

1964, c. 564, § 15.1-365; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2303 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2303
Conditional zoning in certain localities
Status: in_force

A. A zoning ordinance may include reasonable regulations and provisions for conditional zoning as defined in § 15.2-2201 and for the adoption, in counties, or towns therein which have planning commissions, wherein the urban county executive form of government is in effect, or in a city adjacent to or completely surrounded by such a county, or in a county contiguous to any such county, or in a city adjacent to or completely surrounded by such a contiguous county, or in any town within such contiguous county, and in the counties east of the Chesapeake Bay as a part of an amendment to the zoning map of reasonable conditions, in addition to the regulations provided for the zoning district by the ordinance, when such conditions shall have been proffered in writing, in advance of the public hearing before the governing body required by § 15.2-2285 by the owner of the property which is the subject of the proposed zoning map amendment. Reasonable conditions shall not include, however, conditions that impose upon the applicant the requirement to create a property owners' association under the Property Owners' Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) which includes an express further condition that members of a property owners' association pay an assessment for the maintenance of public facilities owned in fee by a public entity, including open space, parks, schools, fire departments, and other public facilities not otherwise provided for in § 15.2-2241 ; however, such facilities shall not include sidewalks, special street signs or markers, or special street lighting in public rights-of-way not maintained by the Department of Transportation. The governing body may also accept amended proffers once the public hearing has begun if the amended proffers do not materially affect the overall proposal. Once proffered and accepted as part of an amendment to the zoning ordinance, such conditions shall continue in effect until a subsequent amendment changes the zoning on the property covered by such conditions. However, such conditions shall continue if the subsequent amendment is part of a comprehensive implementation of a new or substantially revised zoning ordinance.

B. In the event proffered conditions include a requirement for the dedication of real property of substantial value, or substantial cash payments for or construction of substantial public improvements, the need for which is not generated solely by the rezoning itself, then no amendment to the zoning map for the property subject to such conditions, nor the conditions themselves, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning ordinance with respect to the zoning district applicable thereto initiated by the governing body, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or modify the uses, the floor area ratio, or the density of use permitted in the zoning district applicable to such property, shall be effective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud, or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare.

C. Any landowner who has prior to July 1, 1990, proffered the dedication of real property of substantial value, or substantial cash payments for or construction of substantial public improvements, the need for which is not generated solely by the rezoning itself, but who has not substantially implemented such proffers prior to July 1, 1990, shall advise the local governing body by certified mail prior to July 1, 1991, that he intends to proceed with the implementation of such proffers. Such notice shall identify the property to be developed, the zoning district, and the proffers applicable thereto. Thereafter, any landowner giving such notice shall have until July 1, 1995, substantially to implement such proffers, or such later time as the governing body may allow. Thereafter, the landowner in good faith shall diligently pursue the completion of the development of the property. Any landowner who complies with the requirements of this subsection shall be entitled to the protection against action initiated by the governing body affecting use, floor area ratio, and density set out in subsection B, unless there has been mistake, fraud, or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare, but any landowner failing to comply with the requirements of this subdivision shall acquire no rights pursuant to this section.

D. Subsections B and C of this section shall be effective prospectively only, and not retroactively, and shall not apply to any zoning ordinance text amendments which may have been enacted prior to March 10, 1990. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect any litigation pending prior to July 1, 1990, or any such litigation nonsuited and thereafter refiled.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or impair the authority of a governing body to (i) accept proffered conditions which include provisions for timing or phasing of dedications, payments, or improvements; or (ii) accept or impose valid conditions pursuant to subdivision A 3 of § 15.2-2286 , subdivision 5 of § 15.2-2242 , or other provision of law.

F. In any instance in which a locality has accepted proffered conditions that include pedestrian improvements, and the Virginia Department of Transportation has reviewed and not objected to the proposed pedestrian improvements during the processing of the rezoning, the Virginia Department of Transportation shall allow the proffered improvements to be constructed, except when such improvements will violate local, state, or federal laws, regulations, or mandated engineering and safety standards.

G. In addition to the powers granted by the preceding subsections, a zoning ordinance may include reasonable regulations to implement, in whole or in part, the provisions of §§ 15.2-2296 through 15.2-2302 .

Code 1950, § 15-968.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-491; 1964, c. 564; 1966, c. 455; 1968, cc. 543, 595; 1973, c. 286; 1974, c. 547; 1975, cc. 99, 575, 579, 582, 641; 1976, cc. 71, 409, 470, 683; 1977, c. 177; 1978, c. 543; 1979, c. 182; 1982, c. 44; 1983, c. 392; 1984, c. 238; 1987, c. 8; 1988, cc. 481, 856; 1989, cc. 359, 384; 1990, cc. 672, 868; 1992, c. 380; 1993, c. 672; 1994, c. 802 ; 1995, cc. 351 , 475 , 584 , 603 ; 1996, c. 451 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2001, c. 703 ; 2006, c. 450 ; 2008, c. 733 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4712 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 47 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4712
Approval by Commonwealth Transportation Board
Status: in_force

The district may not construct or improve a transportation improvement without the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and without the approval of the locality in which the transportation improvement will be located. At the request of the commission, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner may exercise his powers of condemnation pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) or 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1 or § 33.2-705 for the purpose of acquiring property for transportation improvements within the district. Upon completion of the construction or improvement, the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall take the public highway into the secondary, primary, or Interstate system of state highways for purposes of maintenance and subsequent improvement as necessary. Upon acceptance by the Commonwealth of the highway into the primary system of highways, all rights, title, and interest in the right-of-way and improvements of such public mass transit system or highway shall vest in the Commonwealth. Upon completion of such construction or improvement of a mass transit system, all rights, title, and interest in the right-of-way and improvements of the mass transit system shall vest in the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission or other agency or instrumentality of the Commonwealth.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5382 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53.1 / Section 15.2-5382
Receiver
Status: in_force

The Authority may, by its trust indenture given to secure bond issues or other obligations, provide for the appointment of a receiver of the hospital or health center or that part thereof acquired or constructed from funds received from a sale of bonds secured by the pledge of its revenues. If a receiver is appointed, he may enter, take possession of, operate, and maintain such hospital or health center or part thereof; collect and receive all fees, rents, revenues, or other charges arising therefrom in the same manner as the Authority might do; keep such moneys in a separate account or accounts; and apply the moneys in accordance with the obligations of the Authority as the court directs.

2007, c. 676 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1520 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1520
Employment of counsel to defend localities and political subdivisions, governing bodies, officers or employees in certain proceedings; costs and expenses of such proceedings
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, general or special, a locality, or political subdivision of such locality may employ the county, city or town attorney, or the attorney for the Commonwealth, if there be no county, city or town attorney, or other counsel approved by the governing body to defend it, or any member thereof, or any officer of the locality, or political subdivision or employee thereof, or any trustee or member of any board or commission appointed by the governing body in any legal proceeding to which the governing body, or any member thereof, or any of the foregoing named persons may be a defendant, when such proceeding is instituted against it, or them by virtue of any actions in furtherance of their duties in serving the locality or political subdivision as its governing body or as members thereof or the duties or service of any officer or employee of the locality or political subdivision or any trustee or any member of any board or commission appointed by the governing body.

All costs and expenses of such proceedings so defended shall be charged against the treasury of the locality, or political subdivision and shall be paid out of funds provided therefor by the governing body thereof. Further, in the event any settlement is agreed upon or judgment is rendered against any of the foregoing persons or governing body, the governing body may, in its discretion, pay such settlement or judgment from public funds or other funds or in connection with all of the foregoing may expend public or other funds for insurance or to establish and maintain a self-insurance program to cover such risks or liability.

1968, c. 23, § 15.1-19.2; 1976, c. 544; 1977, c. 47; 1978, c. 442; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1709 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1709
Employer immunity from liability; disclosure of information regarding former deputy sheriffs and law-enforcement officers
Status: in_force

Any sheriff or chief of police, any director or chief executive of any agency or department employing deputy sheriffs or law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 or jail officers as defined in § 53.1-1 , and the Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services or his designee who discloses information about a former deputy sheriff's or law-enforcement officer's or jail officer's job performance or information requested pursuant to subsection B of § 15.2-1705 to a prospective law-enforcement or jail employer of the former appointee or employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless the information disclosed by the former employer was knowingly false or deliberately misleading, was rendered with malicious purpose, or violated any civil right of the former employee or appointee.

1994, cc. 850 , 905 , § 15.1-131.8:4; 1995, c. 112 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 32 , 37 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4920 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4920
Validation of creation of authorities, appointment of directors and proceedings; curative resolutions
Status: in_force

All proceedings heretofore taken with respect to the creation of authorities by any locality pursuant to this chapter are hereby validated and confirmed and all such authorities are declared to be legally created. All incumbent directors of authorities are declared to be and are lawfully appointed directors of authorities, notwithstanding any failure to conform to the requirements of this chapter, and all such appointments are hereby ratified, validated and confirmed. However, all terms of incumbent directors shall conform to § 15.2-4904 . The governing body of any locality is hereby authorized to adopt such corrective resolutions as may be necessary to carry out the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence. All proceedings heretofore taken to provide for or with respect to the authorization, issuance, sale, execution or delivery of bonds by or on behalf of any authority are hereby validated, ratified, approved and confirmed, and any such bonds so issued shall be valid, legal, binding and enforceable obligations of such authority.

1980, c. 304, § 15.1-1391; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5416 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5416
Rents, rates, fees and other charges
Status: in_force

The authority is hereby authorized to fix, charge and collect rents, rates, fees and other charges for the purchase of output or capacity of, or for the use of and for the electric power and energy or services, facilities and commodities sold, furnished or supplied by, any project. Such rates, fees and charges shall be so fixed and revised as to provide funds, with other funds available for such purposes, sufficient at all times to (i) pay the cost of maintaining, operating and repairing the project or projects on account of which such bonds are issued, including reserves for such purposes and for replacement and depreciation and necessary extensions; (ii) pay the principal of and redemption premium, if any, and interest on the revenue bonds as the same shall become due and to create and maintain reserves therefor; (iii) comply with the terms of any resolution or trust agreement securing bonds of the authority; and (iv) pay any and all amounts which the authority may be obligated to pay from such revenues by law or contract.

In fixing rents, rates, fees and other charges as provided in this section, the authority shall hold a public hearing, advertised as required in § 15.2-5403 , at which hearing the public may submit comments with respect to such rents, rates, fees and other charges to the authority. The authority shall charge and collect the rates, fees and charges so fixed or revised. Rates, rentals, fees and charges for the sale or purchase of output or capacity of, or for the use of and for the electric power and energy or services, facilities and commodities sold, furnished or supplied by a project may be fixed and revised and charged and collected by the authority under this chapter without obtaining the approval or consent of any department, division, commission, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth, and without any other proceeding or the happening of any other condition or thing than those proceedings, conditions or things which are specifically required by this chapter.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1619; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4306 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 43 / Section 15.2-4306
Criteria for evaluating application
Status: in_force

Land being considered for inclusion in a district may be evaluated by the advisory committee and the planning commission through the Virginia Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a local LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local planning commission and the advisory committee, and at any public hearing at which an application that has been filed pursuant to § 15.2-4303 is being considered:

1. The agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district or addition and in areas adjacent thereto;

2. The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the district and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or forestal production;

3. The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the district and in areas adjacent thereto;

4. Local developmental patterns and needs;

5. The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations;

6. The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district for agricultural and forestal uses; and

7. Any other matter which may be relevant.

In judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant agricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate, topography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal products, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of agriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions and such other factors as may be relevant.

1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5355 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5355
Negotiability
Status: in_force

Any provision of any law to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds, interim certificates, or other obligations issued pursuant to this chapter shall be fully negotiable.

Code 1950, § 32-270; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1590; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-809 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-809
Compensation of officers and employees
Status: in_force

The board shall, subject to the limitations of general law, fix the compensation of all county officers and employees, except as it may authorize the head of some department or office to fix the compensation of subordinates and employees in such department or office.

Code 1950, § 15-384.24; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-736; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-731 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-731
Retirement benefits for part-time employees
Status: in_force

The board may by resolution elect to have those of its officers and employees who are regularly employed part-time on a salary basis, whose tenure is not restricted as to temporary or provisional appointment, become eligible to participate in the county retirement systems as provided by local ordinance.

1985, c. 415, § 15.1-687.9; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7202 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7202
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Authority" means the BVU Authority created by entity conversion of Bristol Virginia Utilities by this chapter.

"Board," "Authority Board," or "Board of Directors" means the governing body of the Authority.

"Bonds" means any bonds, notes, debentures, bond acceptance notes, or other evidence of financial indebtedness either issued or assumed by the Authority pursuant to this chapter.

"Bristol Virginia Utilities Board" means the Board of Directors of Bristol Virginia Utilities governing that entity until the Authority Board takes office on July 1, 2010.

"City" means the City of Bristol, Virginia.

"City Council" means the City Council of the City of Bristol, Virginia.

"Commission" means the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

"Commonwealth" means the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Infrastructure" means all property, whether attached to real property or not, now used by Bristol Virginia Utilities and hereafter used by the Authority for the provision of (i) electric, water, sewer, telecommunications, internet, and cable television services and (ii) all other utility services the Authority may lawfully provide.

"MLEC" means any city, county, or town certificated to provide local exchange and/or interexchange telecommunications services pursuant to § 56-265.4:4 and any authority granted such powers pursuant to § 15.2-7209 .

"Political subdivision" means, when referring to an entity other than the Authority, a locality, authority, or other public body of the Commonwealth or of any state in which the Authority does business.

"Utility," "utilities," or "utility services" means and includes electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications, internet and cable television services, including all other services that might be lawfully rendered by use of its fiber optic system.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 ; 2016, cc. 724 , 725 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4117 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 41 / Section 15.2-4117
Temporary restriction on annexation
Status: in_force

For a period of two years from the effective date of a court order granting town status to a city making the transition from city status to town status, the town shall not file an annexation notice with the Commission on Local Government pursuant to § 15.2-2907 , nor shall it institute an annexation court action against any county. However, the foregoing shall not prohibit the institution of nor require the stay of an annexation proceeding or the filing of an annexation notice for the purpose of implementing an annexation agreement, provided that the extent, terms and conditions of such agreement have been agreed upon by the governing bodies of the county and the town.

1996, cc. 641 , 649 , § 15.1-965.24:2; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.21 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.21
Exemption from taxation
Status: in_force

No authority shall be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project acquired or constructed by it under the provisions of this chapter or upon the income therefrom. The bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, their transfer and the income therefor, including any profit made on their sale, shall be free from taxation within the Commonwealth.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3537 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3537
Publication of consolidation agreement
Status: in_force

Each locality which is a party to a consolidation agreement shall cause a copy of the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the agreement and a reference to the place in the locality where a copy of the agreement may be examined, to be published in its locality at least once a week for four successive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the locality.

Code 1950, § 15-223; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1137; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-720.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-720.1
Employee benefits; residence in county
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the county board, in order to ensure its competitiveness as an employer, may by ordinance provide for the use of funds, other than state funds, to provide grants for county and school board employees, as well as employees of local constitutional officers, to purchase or rent residences, for use as the employee's principal residence, within the county.

2002, c. 330 ; 2004, cc. 22 , 510 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2626 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2626
Contracts concerning interest rates, currency, cash flow or other basis
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may enter into any contract which the governing body of the locality determines to be necessary or appropriate to place the obligation or investment of the locality, as represented by the bonds or the investment of their proceeds, in whole or in part, on the interest rate, cash flow or other basis desired by the locality, which contract may include without limitation, contracts commonly known as interest rate swap agreements, and futures or contracts providing for payments based on levels of, or changes in, interest rates. These contracts or arrangements may be entered into by the locality in connection with, or incidental to, entering into, or maintaining any (i) agreement which secures bonds or (ii) investment, or contract providing for investment, otherwise authorized by law. These contracts and arrangements may contain such payment, security, default, remedy, and other terms and conditions as determined by the governing body of the locality, after giving due consideration to the creditworthiness of the counterparty or other obligated party, including any rating by any nationally recognized rating agency, and any other criteria as may be appropriate.

B. Any money set aside and pledged to secure payments of bonds or any of the contracts entered into pursuant to this section, may be invested in accordance with Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2 and may be pledged to and used to service any of the contracts or agreements entered into pursuant to this section.

1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.27; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-621 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-621
Same; claims against counties; accounts
Status: in_force

The director of finance shall audit all claims against the county for goods or services. It shall be his duty (i) to ascertain that such claims are in accordance with the purchase orders or contracts from which the claims arise; (ii) to draw all checks in settlement of such claims; (iii) to keep a record of the revenues and expenditures of the county; (iv) to keep such accounts and records of the affairs of the county as shall be prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts; and (v) at the end of each month, to prepare and submit to the board statements showing the progress and status of the county's affairs in such form as agreed upon by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the board.

Code 1950, § 15-320; 1954, c. 46; 1956, c. 349; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, cc. 399, 623, § 15.1-640; 1982, c. 647; 1991, c. 16; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5431
Provisions of chapter controlling over other statutes and charters
Status: in_force

Any provision of this chapter which is found to be in conflict with any other statute or charter shall be controlling and shall supersede such other statute or charter to the extent of such conflict.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1634; 1997, c. 587; 2015, c. 709 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.17 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.17
Payments to counties which do not have certain officers
Status: in_force

The Compensation Board shall determine the compensation and expense allowances for the attorney for the Commonwealth, the treasurer and the commissioner of the revenue for each county which adopts any form of county organization and government provided for in Chapter 5 (§ 15.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 8 (§ 15.2-800 et seq.) of this title in the same manner as if such county had not adopted such form of county organization and government and had continued to have all of such officers. Thereafter, the portion of such compensation and such expense allowances payable by the Commonwealth shall be paid into the general fund of the treasury of the county. The actual compensation and expense allowances to be paid the attorney for the Commonwealth, the treasurer and the commissioner of the revenue, or the officers, agents or employees performing the duties and exercising the powers thereof, of any such county shall be fixed and determined as provided in said Chapter 5 (§ 15.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 8 (§ 15.2-800 et seq.) of this title without regard to the limits provided for in this article.

Code 1950, § 14-79; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-67; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 236; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6609 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6609
Reports
Status: in_force

The Authority shall keep minutes of its proceedings, which minutes shall be open to public inspection during normal business hours. It shall keep suitable records of all its financial transactions and shall arrange to have the same audited annually by an independent certified public accountant. Copies of each such audit shall be furnished to each participating political subdivision and shall be open to public inspection.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3225 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3225
County or district officers resident in annexed territory to remain in office; reelection
Status: in_force

If a county or district officer resides in a territory annexed to a city, such officer may continue in office until the end of the term for which he was elected or appointed. The provisions of § 15.2-3823 shall prevail with respect to successive reelections of such officers. Removal of such officer, during his term of office from any such territory, to another part of the city or town to which it is annexed shall not vacate his office, but residence in any part of such city or town shall during his term of office be deemed residence in the county or district.

Code 1950, § 15-152.23; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1053; 1964, c. 202; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5411 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5411
Contracts for planning, acquisition, construction, etc., of projects
Status: in_force

An authority may contract for the planning, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, operation, maintenance, repair, extension, and improvement of a project or may contract with one or more units to perform these functions, by advertising for bids, preparing plans and specifications in advance of construction, or securing performances and payment bonds to the extent that its board of directors determines that these actions are desirable in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. Except as otherwise provided by this section, no contract shall be invalid or unenforceable by reason of nonperformance of the conditions required by any other law relating to public contracts.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1614; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5422 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5422
Bonds exempt from taxation
Status: in_force

Bonds, their transfer and the income therefrom, including any profit made on the sale thereof, shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, except inheritance or gift taxes.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1625; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5802 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5802
Members of Authority; chairman; terms
Status: in_force

A. The Authority shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Governor, and the Governor shall designate one of the members as chairman. The members of the Authority annually shall elect a vice-chairman from their membership who shall perform the duties of the chairman in his absence. In making appointments to the Authority, the Governor shall ensure that the geographic areas of the Commonwealth are represented; however, in the event a major league baseball stadium is proposed, at least four members of the Authority shall be residents of the county or city in which the facility is proposed to be located. The appointments of the members by the Governor shall be confirmed in accordance with § 2.2-107 .

B. The term of a member of the Authority is four years. However, upon the initial appointment of the members of the Authority, the terms of the members shall be staggered as follows: The initial term of three of the members shall be four years; the initial term of three members shall be three years; and the initial term of the remaining three members shall be two years. The Governor shall designate the term to be served by each appointee at the time of appointment.

At the end of a term, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Upon the end of the term of a member, or upon the resignation or removal of a member, the Governor shall appoint a member to the Authority. The Governor may remove a member for cause in accordance with § 2.2-108 . The members of the Authority shall receive no compensation for their services, but a member may be reimbursed by the Authority for reasonable expenses actually incurred in the performance of the duties of that office.

1992, c. 823, § 15.1-227.72; 1995, cc. 613 , 629 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5340 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5340
Contracts
Status: in_force

An authority shall have power to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the authority.

Code 1950, § 32-255; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1575; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5138 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-5138
Enforcement of charges
Status: in_force

Any resolution or trust agreement providing for the issuance of revenue bonds under the provisions of this chapter may include any of the following provisions, and may require the authority to adopt such resolutions or to take such other lawful action as is necessary to effectuate such provisions. The authority may adopt such resolutions and take such other actions as follows:

1. Require the owner, tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land who is obligated to pay rates, fees or charges for the use of or for the services furnished by any system acquired or constructed by the authority under the provisions of this chapter to make a reasonable deposit with the authority in advance to insure the payment of such rates, fees or charges and to be subject to application to the payment thereof if delinquent.

2. If any rates, fees or charges for the use of and for the services furnished by any system acquired or constructed by the authority under the provisions of this chapter are not paid within thirty days after due, the authority may at the expiration of such thirty-day period disconnect the premises from the water or sewer system, or otherwise suspend services and proceed to recover the amount of any such delinquent rates, fees or charges, with interest, in a civil action.

3. If any rates, fees or charges for the use and services of any sewer system acquired or constructed by the authority under the provisions of this chapter are not paid within thirty days after they become due, require that the owner, tenant or occupant of such premises cease disposing of sewage or industrial wastes originating from or on such premises by discharge directly or indirectly into the sewer system until such rates, fees or charges, with interest, are paid. If such owner, tenant or occupant does not cease such disposal at the expiration of the thirty-day period, the authority may require any political subdivision, district, private corporation, board, body or person supplying water to or selling water for use on such premises to cease supplying water to or selling water for use on such premises within five days after the receipt of notice of such delinquency from the authority. If such political subdivision, district, private corporation, board, body or person does not, at the expiration of such five-day period, cease supplying water to or selling water for use on such premises, then the authority may shut off the supply of water to such premises.

The water supply to or for any person, or for use on real estate of any person, shall not be shut off or stopped under this section if the State Health Commissioner, upon application of the local board of health or health officer of the locality in which such water is supplied or such real estate is located, has found and certifies to the authorities charged with the responsibility of ceasing to supply or sell such water, or to shut off the supply of such water, that ceasing to supply or shutting off such water supply will endanger the health of such person and the health of others in the locality.

Code 1950, § 15-764.24; 1950, p. 1326; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1262; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-537 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-537
Officers not affected by adoption of plan
Status: in_force

The following officers shall not, except as herein otherwise provided, be affected by the adoption of the county executive form:

1. Jury commissioners;

2. County electoral boards;

3. Registrars;

4. Judges and clerks of elections; and

5. Magistrates.

Code 1950, § 15-338; 1950, p. 974; 1952, c. 37; 1962, cc. 596, 623, § 15.1-662; 1973, c. 545; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5343 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5343
Eminent domain
Status: in_force

The authority shall have the right to acquire by eminent domain any real property, including fixtures and improvements, which it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter after the adoption by it of a resolution declaring that the acquisition of the property described therein is in the public interest and necessary for public use. The authority may exercise the power of eminent domain pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 and any applicable statutory provisions in force or hereafter enacted for the exercise of the power of eminent domain by cities.

Property already devoted to a public use may be acquired. No property belonging to any locality, government, religious corporation, unincorporated church or charitable corporation may be acquired without its consent.

Code 1950, § 32-258; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1578; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 940 ; 2005, c. 928 ; 2006, c. 673 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-846 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-846
Salaries and expenses of board members; administrative staff
Status: in_force

The board shall establish the salaries and allowances of board members in accordance with the provisions of general law provided:

1. A public hearing shall be held on the salaries to be established;

2. No increase in such salaries shall be effective until the expiration of the current term of all board members whose salaries are to be increased; and

3. Any action or procedure necessary to be taken to increase such salaries shall be completed not later than April 15 of any year in which there is an election for board members.

Each board member, in addition to salary and allowances, shall be entitled to reasonable administrative staff support paid by the county in conformity with existing pay scales and whose duty shall be limited exclusively to county business.

1975, c. 143, § 15.1-778.1; 1978, c. 382; 1982, c. 376; 1983, c. 152; 1988, c. 879; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3204 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3204
Notice of motion; service and publication
Status: in_force

At least thirty days before instituting any annexation proceeding under this chapter, a city or town shall serve notice and a certified copy of the ordinance on the attorney for the Commonwealth, or on the county attorney, if there is one, and on the chairman of the governing body of the county wherein such territory lies that it will, on a given day, petition the circuit court to grant the annexation requested in the ordinance. A copy of the notice and ordinance, or a descriptive summary of the notice and ordinance and a reference to the place within the city or town where copies of the notice and ordinance may be examined, shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks in some newspaper published in such city or town, and when there is no newspaper published therein, then in a newspaper having general circulation in the county whose territory is affected. The proof of service or certificate of service of the notice and ordinance shall be returned after service to the clerk of the circuit court. Certification from the owner, editor or manager of the newspaper publishing the notice and ordinance or descriptive summary shall be proof of publication.

Code 1950, § 15-152.5; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1035; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3217 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3217
Court granting annexation to exist for 10 years
Status: in_force

The special court shall not be dissolved after rendering a decision granting any motion or petition for annexation, but shall remain in existence for a period of 10 years from the effective date of any annexation order entered, or from the date of any decision of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals affirming such an order. Vacancies occurring in the court during such 10-year period shall be filled as provided in § 15.2-3004 .

The court may be reconvened at any time during the 10-year period on its own motion, or on motion of the governing body of the county, or of the city or town, or on petition of not less than 50 registered voters or property owners in the area annexed; however, if the area annexed contains fewer than 100 registered voters or property owners, a majority of such registered voters or property owners may petition for the reconvening of the court.

The court shall have power and it shall be its duty, at any time during such period, to enforce the performance of the terms and conditions under which annexation was granted, and to issue appropriate process to compel such performance. The court may, in its discretion, award attorney fees, and court and other reasonable costs to the party or parties on whose motion the court is reconvened.

Any such action of the court shall be subject to review by the Court of Appeals in the same manner as is provided with respect to the original decision of the court.

Code 1950, § 15-152.17; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1047; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2662 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2662
Validation of bonds
Status: in_force

All proceedings taken before July 1, 1991, for or with respect to the authorization, issuance, sale, execution or delivery of bonds by or on behalf of any locality are validated, ratified, approved and confirmed, and any bonds so issued are valid, legal, binding and enforceable obligations of the locality.

All proceedings taken before July 1, 1992, for or with respect to the authorization, issuance, sale, execution or delivery of bonds by or on behalf of any locality are validated, ratified, approved and confirmed, and any bonds so issued, are valid, legal, binding and enforceable obligations of the locality.

1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.64; 1994, c. 714 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7411 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 74 / Section 15.2-7411
Deposit and investment of funds
Status: in_force

Except as provided by contract with a participating political subdivision, all moneys received pursuant to the authority of this act, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues or otherwise, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this act. All moneys of the Authority shall be deposited as soon as practicable in a separate account or accounts in one or more banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or national banking associations having their principal offices in the Commonwealth. Such deposits shall be continuously secured in accordance with the Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act (§ 2.2-4400 et seq.).

Funds of the Authority not needed for immediate use or disbursement may, subject to the provisions of any contract between the Authority and the holders of its bonds, be invested in securities that are considered lawful investments for fiduciaries.

2014, c. 471 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5804 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5804
Executive Director appointment; duties
Status: in_force

A. The Authority shall appoint an Executive Director, who is the chief administrative officer and secretary of the Authority and serves at the pleasure of the Authority. The Executive Director shall be paid from funds as may be appropriated or received by the Authority.

B. In addition to any other duties set forth in this chapter, the Executive Director shall:

1. Direct and supervise the administrative affairs and activities of the Authority in accordance with its rules, regulations, and policies;

2. Attend all meetings and keep minutes of all proceedings;

3. Approve all accounts for salaries, per diem payments, and allowable expenses of the Authority and its employees and consultants and approve all expenses incidental to the operation of the Authority;

4. Report and make recommendations to the Authority on the merits and status of any proposed facility; and

5. Perform any other duty that the Authority requires for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

1992, c. 823, § 15.1-227.74; 1995, cc. 613 , 629 ; 1996, cc. 950 , 1038 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4202 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 42 / Section 15.2-4202
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter:

"Commission" means a planning district commission. Planning district commissions are composed of the duly appointed representatives of the localities or Indian tribes which are parties to the charter agreement.

"Indian tribe" means an Indian tribe or band that is recognized by federal law.

"Planning district" means a contiguous area within the boundaries established by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

"Population," unless a different census is clearly set forth, means the number of inhabitants according to the United States census latest preceding the time at which any provision dependent upon population is being applied, or the time as of which it is being construed, unless there is available an annual estimate of population prepared by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, which has been filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development, in which event the estimate shall govern.

1968, c. 224, § 15.1-1402; 1976, c. 760; 1986, c. 164; 1990, c. 722; 1995, cc. 732 , 796 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2017, c. 377 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.32 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.32
Investment in bonds
Status: in_force

Any bonds issued pursuant to this chapter are hereby made securities in which all public officers, bodies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth; all insurance companies and associations; and all savings banks and savings institutions, including savings and loan associations, trust companies, beneficial and benevolent associations, administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries in the Commonwealth, may properly and legally invest funds in their control.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4405 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 44 / Section 15.2-4405
Creation of districts of local significance
Status: in_force

A. A participating locality shall have the authority to create agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal districts of local significance by the adoption of a general ordinance establishing a local districts program according to the provisions of this chapter.

B. In participating localities where such an ordinance has been adopted by the local governing body, any owner or owners of land may submit an application pursuant to § 15.2-4403 to the locality for the creation of an agricultural, forestal, or an agricultural and forestal district of local significance within such locality. Each individual district of local significance shall have a core of no less than the minimum acreage specified in the general ordinance, which minimum acreage in no case shall be less than 20 acres in one parcel or contiguous parcels, provided that (i) any noncontiguous parcel that is not part of the core may be included in a district of local significance if the nearest boundary of such noncontiguous parcel is within one-quarter of a mile of the core and (ii) such noncontiguous parcel had previously been included in a district of local significance. No owner of land shall be included in any agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal district of local significance without the owner's written approval. A separate application may be made by any owner or owners of land for additional contiguous qualifying lands, or noncontiguous lands that meet the conditions of clauses (i) and (ii), to be included in an already created district at any time following such creation.

C. Upon receipt of a proposal for a district of local significance, the local governing body shall refer the proposal to the planning commission which shall:

1. Provide notice of the proposal by publishing a notice in a newspaper having general circulation within the proposed district and by posting such notice in three conspicuous places within the jurisdiction in which the proposed district is located. The notice shall state that an application for an agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal district of local significance has been submitted to the local governing body, that a copy of the application is on file open to public inspection in the office of the clerk, that any proposals for modifications of the district shall be filed within 30 days, that any owner included in the proposal may withdraw his land, in whole or in part, at any time until the local governing body makes a final decision as to the constitution of the district pursuant to subsection D, and that hearing dates of the planning commission and local governing body shall be published and posted within 30 days.

2. Refer such proposal and modifications to the advisory committee.

D. Within one year of the date of filing of the application for such original proposal, the proposal: shall be reviewed by (i) the advisory committee, which shall report to the local planning commission its recommendations concerning the proposal and proposed modifications; (ii) the planning commission, which, after receiving the report of the advisory committee, shall hold a public hearing as prescribed in subsection E, and shall report its recommendations concerning the proposal and proposed modifications to the local governing body; and (iii) the local governing body, which, after receiving the report of the local planning commission and the advisory committee, shall hold a public hearing as prescribed below, and may create the district or any modification of the district by the adoption of a district ordinance as described in subsection E, or reject the creation of a district as it deems appropriate. All districts shall meet the minimum requirements set forth in the participating locality's general ordinance for the creation of districts of local significance.

E. Public hearings required to be held by the planning commission and local governing body shall be conducted in the following manner:

1. The hearing as prescribed by law shall be held where the local governing body usually meets or at a place otherwise readily accessible to the proposed district;

2. The notice of the public hearing as prescribed by law shall contain a description of the proposed district, any proposed modifications and any recommendations of the local planning commission or the advisory committee; and

3. The notice shall be published twice in a newspaper having a general circulation within the proposed district, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing. Such notice shall be given in writing complete with proposed modifications to those municipalities whose territory encompasses or is part of the proposed district.

F. The general ordinance establishing the program to create agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal districts of local significance shall state the criteria which shall be considered by the advisory committee and the local planning commission in advising the local governing body and by the local governing body in making its decision on whether or not to create a district. These criteria shall be based on and consistent with the following factors:

1. The agricultural and forestal significance within the proposed district and in areas adjacent thereto;

2. The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the proposed district and adjacent thereto that are not now in active farming or production;

3. The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the proposed district and adjacent thereto;

4. Local developmental patterns and needs including zoning and the comprehensive plan;

5. The scenic and historic features of land uses within the proposed district and adjacent thereto;

6. The environmental benefits of preserving the lands in the district in their existing use; and

7. Any other matter which may be relevant.

In judging significance, any relevant agricultural and forest maps may be considered as well as soil, climate, topography, quality of tree cover, other natural factors, markets for farm and forest products, the extent and nature of farm and forest improvements, evidence of commitment to long-term farm and forest use, anticipated trends in agricultural and forest economic conditions and technology, and such other factors as may be relevant. Criteria for judging the significance of lands in local agricultural and forestal districts to be created pursuant to this chapter may differ from those for judging the significance of lands in statewide districts to be created pursuant to Chapter 43 (§ 15.2-4300 et seq.).

1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.6; 1994, c. 431 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2010, c. 653 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1404 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1404
How localities may sue or be sued; arbitration
Status: in_force

Every locality may sue or be sued in its own name in relation to all matters connected with its duties. The process instituting suit against a locality shall be served as provided in § 8.01-300 .

The governing body of any locality may enter into a written agreement to submit any existing controversy to arbitration and may execute a contract which contains a provision to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising.

Code 1950, § 15-3; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-508; 1968, c. 422; 1985, c. 416; 1987, c. 483; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3245 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-3245
Validation of proceedings
Status: in_force

All proceedings prior to July 1, 1960, taken in contraction of the corporate limits of the City of Fairfax are hereby validated, ratified, approved, and confirmed, and all such contractions or attempted contractions of the corporate limits of such city are hereby declared to have been validly created and established, notwithstanding any defects or irregularities in the creation thereof.

1960, c. 420, § 15.1-1067.1; 1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5313 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-5313
Service on commissioner by mail
Status: in_force

If, after due and diligent search, a commissioner to whom charges are required to be delivered hereunder cannot be found within the city where the authority is located, such charges shall be deemed served upon the commissioner if mailed to him at his last known address as it appears upon the records of the authority.

Code 1950, § 32-227; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1546; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-830 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-830
Same; claims against counties; accounts
Status: in_force

The director of finance shall audit all claims against the county for goods or services. He shall also (i) ascertain that such claims are in accordance with the purchase orders or contracts of employment from which the claims arise; (ii) present such claims to the board for approval after such audit; (iii) draw all checks in settlement of such claims after approval by the board unless the board otherwise provides; (iv) keep a record of the revenues and expenditures of the county; (v) keep such accounts and records of the county's affairs as shall be prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts; and (vi) at the end of each month, prepare and submit to the board statements showing the progress and status of the county's affairs in such form as agreed upon by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the board. Such accounts and records may be kept in such form, including microphotography or other reproductive method, as the board prescribes.

Code 1950, § 15-384.53; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-766; 1972, c. 456; 1982, c. 647; 1987, c. 419; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1119 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1119
Hospitals, sanatoria, homes, clinics, etc
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may provide and operate, within or outside the municipal corporation, hospitals, sanatoria, homes, clinics, institutions and facilities for the care, treatment and maintenance of the sick, of children, the aged, destitute and indigent; may contract with others for supplying such services; and may charge and collect compensation for such care, treatment and maintenance.

Code 1950, § 15-77.45; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-881; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2288.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2288.2
Localities may not require special use permit for certain temporary structures
Status: in_force

A zoning ordinance shall not require that a special exception or special use permit be obtained in order to erect a tent on private property (i) intended to serve as a temporary structure for a period of three days or less and (ii) that will be used primarily for private or family-related events including, but not limited to, weddings and estate sales.

2006, c. 249 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1655 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1655
No other election held for ten years
Status: in_force

After an election has been held in any county upon the question of the removal of its courthouse, no other such election shall be held within ten years.

Code 1950, § 15-54; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-570; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3703 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 37 / Section 15.2-3703
Notice of motion; service and publication; docketing
Status: in_force

Upon adoption of the ordinance required by § 15.2-3702 , the town shall serve notice on the attorney for the Commonwealth, or on the county attorney, if there is one, and on the chairman of the governing body of the county or counties in which the town is located that it will, on a given day, not less than thirty days thereafter, move the circuit court for an order as provided by § 15.2-3702 . A copy of the notice and ordinance, or a descriptive summary of the notice and ordinance and a reference to the place within the town where copies of the notice and ordinance may be examined, shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the town. The proof of service or certificate of service of the notice and ordinance shall be returned after service to the clerk of the circuit court. When the publication of the notice and ordinance is completed, the case shall be docketed for entry of the referendum order. Certification of the owner, editor or manager of the newspaper publishing the notice and ordinance shall be proof of publication.

1992, c. 453, § 15.1-965.31; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5370 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53.1 / Section 15.2-5370
Directors; qualifications; terms; vacancies
Status: in_force

The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors in which all powers of the Authority shall be vested. The Authority shall consist of members as follows:

The Executive Director for the Coalfield Economic Development Authority, or his designee;

The Chief Executive Officer of the Norton Community Hospital located in the City of Norton, Virginia, or his designee;

One representative from the Lonesome Pine Hospital;

The Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association, or his designee;

The Chief Executive Officer of the Russell County Medical Center, or his designee;

The Chief Executive Officer of the Clinch Valley Medical Center, or his designee;

The District Health Director for the Cumberland Health District, or his designee;

The District Health Director for the LENOWISCO Health District, or his designee;

The Dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, or his designee;

The Dean of the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, or his designee;

The Dean of the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, or his designee;

The Chancellor of the University of Virginia's College at Wise, or his designee;

The President of the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, or his designee;

The President of Frontier Health, or his designee;

The President of the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy, or his designee;

The President of the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, or his designee;

The Chairman of the Board of the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium, or his designee;

Two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules;

Two members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; and

One member for each participating locality, provided that each such member shall be appointed initially as follows: the representatives of Buchanan and Dickenson Counties being appointed for one-year terms; the representatives of Lee County and the City of Norton being appointed for two-year terms; the representatives of Russell and Scott Counties being appointed for three-year terms; and the representatives of Tazewell and Wise Counties being appointed for four-year terms. Subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four years, except appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. In addition, representatives may be selected from the Counties of Smyth and Washington and the City of Bristol and shall serve initial terms as determined by the board of directors. All terms of office shall be deemed to commence upon the date of the initial appointment to the Authority, and thereafter in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph. If, at the end of any term of office of any director a successor thereto has not been appointed, then the director whose term of office has expired shall continue to hold office until his successor is appointed and qualified. Each director shall, upon appointment or reappointment, before entering upon his duties take and subscribe the oath prescribed by § 49-1 .

The directors shall elect from their membership a chairman and a vice-chairman and from their membership or not, as they desire, a secretary and a treasurer or a secretary-treasurer, who shall continue to hold such office until their respective successors are elected.

2007, c. 676 ; 2008, c. 803 ; 2010, c. 575 ; 2011, c. 514 ; 2014, c. 236 ; 2015, c. 741 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2236 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2236
Periodic review and readoption
Status: in_force

The official map and any additions thereto or modifications thereof shall be reviewed within five years from the date of adoption or readoption of the map by the governing body. The procedure by the local planning commission and the governing body in connection with the review shall conform to that prescribed as to original adoption of the map. Neither the official map nor any additions thereto or modifications thereof shall be of any force or effect for more than five years after adoption or readoption of the map unless readopted by the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-965; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-461; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1718 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1718
Receipt of missing child reports
Status: in_force

No police or sheriff's department shall establish or maintain any policy which requires the observance of any waiting period before accepting a missing child report as defined in § 52-32 . Upon receipt of a missing child report by any police or sheriff's department, the department shall immediately, but in all cases within two hours of receiving the report, enter identifying and descriptive data about the child into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center Systems, forward the report to the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse within the Department of State Police, notify all other law-enforcement agencies in the area, and initiate an investigation of the case.

1985, c. 259, § 15.1-131.9; 1990, c. 239; 1997, c. 587; 2004, cc. 248 , 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2012 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2012
Fee for processing application
Status: in_force

A locality may prescribe and charge a fee up to $150 for processing an application pursuant to § 15.2-2011 .

1986, c. 96, § 15.1-377.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6617 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6617
Taxation
Status: in_force

The exercise of the powers granted by this act shall in all respects be presumed to be for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce, and for the promotion of their health, safety, welfare, convenience and prosperity, and as the operation and maintenance of any project that the Authority is authorized to undertake will constitute the performance of an essential governmental function, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any facilities acquired and constructed by it under the provisions of this act and the bonds issued under the provisions of this act, their transfer and the income therefrom including any profit made on the sale thereof, shall at all times be free and exempt from taxation by the Commonwealth and by any political subdivision thereof. Persons, firms, partnerships, associations, corporations, and organizations leasing property of the Authority or doing business on property of the Authority shall be subject to and liable for payment of all applicable taxes of the political subdivision in which such leased property lies or in which business is conducted including, but not limited to, any leasehold tax on real property and taxes on hotel and motel rooms, taxes on the sale of tobacco products, taxes on the sale of meals and beverages, privilege taxes and local general retail sales and use taxes, taxes to be paid on licenses in respect to any business, profession, vocation or calling, and taxes upon consumers of gas, electricity, telephone, and other public utility services.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2292 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2292
Zoning provisions for home-based child care
Status: in_force

A. Zoning ordinances for all purposes shall consider home-based child care as defined in § 22.1-289.02 , serving one through four children, exclusive of the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home as residential occupancy by a single family. No conditions more restrictive than those imposed on residences occupied by persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption shall be imposed upon such a home. Nothing in this section shall apply to any county or city which is subject to § 15.2-741 or 15.2-914 .

B. A local governing body may by ordinance allow a zoning administrator to use an administrative process to issue zoning permits for home-based child care, as defined in § 22.1-289.02 , serving five through 12 children, exclusive of the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home. The ordinance may contain such standards as the local governing body deems appropriate and shall include a requirement that notification be sent by registered or certified letter to the last known address of each adjacent property owner. If the zoning administrator receives no written objection from a person so notified within 30 days of the date of sending the letter and determines that the home-based child care otherwise complies with the provisions of the ordinance and all other applicable local ordinances, the zoning administrator shall issue the permit sought. If the zoning administrator receives a written objection from a person so notified within 30 days of the date of sending the letter and determines that the home-based child care otherwise complies with the provisions of the ordinance, the zoning administrator shall consider such objection and may (i) issue or deny the permit sought or (ii) if required by the ordinance, refer the permit to the local governing body for consideration. The ordinance shall provide a process whereby an applicant for home-based child care that is denied a permit through the administrative process may request that its application be considered after a hearing following public notice as provided in § 15.2-2204 . Upon such hearing, the local governing body may, in its discretion, approve the permit, subject to such conditions as agreed upon by the applicant and the locality, or deny the permit. The provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit a local governing body from exercising its authority, if at all, under subdivision A 3 of § 15.2-2286 .

1994, cc. 781 , 798 , § 15 .1-486.5; 1997, c. 587 ; 2014, c. 771 ; 2015, cc. 758 , 770 ; 2019, cc. 380 , 442 ; 2020, cc. 860 , 861 ; 2026, c. 917 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4104 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 41 / Section 15.2-4104
Time limit for intervenors; publication of order
Status: in_force

The special court shall by order fix a time within which a qualified voter, property owner, political subdivision, or other interested party not served may become a party to proceedings instituted under this chapter, and thereafter no such petition shall be received except for good cause shown. A copy of the order shall be published at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the city and county.

1988, c. 881, § 15.1-965.13; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1530 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1530
Bonds required of treasurers or directors of finance of cities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, the penalty of the bond for treasurers or directors of finance of cities shall be not less than fifteen percent of the amount of revenue to be received annually by him but not more than $750,000 for treasurers or directors of finance of cities under 100,000 population nor more than $1,950,000 for treasurers or directors of finance of cities over 100,000.

Code 1950, § 15-481; 1950, p. 411; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-44; 1973, c. 195; 1997, c.; 2025, c. 98 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2223.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2223.1
Comprehensive plan to include urban development areas
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

"Commercial" means property devoted to usual and customary business purposes for the sale of goods and services and includes, but is not limited to, retail operations, hotels, motels and offices. "Commercial" does not include residential dwelling units, including apartments and condominiums, or agricultural or forestal production, or manufacturing, processing, assembling, storing, warehousing, or distributing.

"Commission" means the Commission on Local Government.

"Developable acreage," solely for the purposes of calculating density within the urban development area, means land that is not included in (i) existing parks, rights-of-way of arterial and collector streets, railways, and public utilities and (ii) other existing public lands and facilities.

"Population growth" means the difference in population from the next-to-latest to the latest decennial census year, based on population reported by the United States Bureau of the Census. In computing its population growth, a locality may exclude the inmate population of any new or expanded correctional facility that opened within the time period between the two censuses.

"Urban development area" means an area designated by a locality that is (i) appropriate for higher density development due to its proximity to transportation facilities, the availability of a public or community water and sewer system, or a developed area and (ii) to the extent feasible, to be used for redevelopment or infill development.

B. Any locality may amend its comprehensive plan to incorporate one or more urban development areas.

1. Urban development areas are areas that may be appropriate for development at a density on the developable acreage of at least four single-family residences, six townhouses, or 12 apartments, condominium units, or cooperative units per acre, and an authorized floor area ratio of at least 0.4 per acre for commercial development, any proportional combination thereof, or any other combination or arrangement that is adopted by a locality in meeting the intent of this section.

2. The urban development areas designated by a locality may be sufficient to meet projected residential and commercial growth in the locality for an ensuing period of at least 10 but not more than 20 years, which may include phasing of development within the urban development areas. Where an urban development area in a county with the urban county executive form of government includes planned or existing rail transit, the planning horizon may be for an ensuing period of at least 10 but not more than 40 years. Future residential and commercial growth shall be based on official estimates of either the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, the Virginia Employment Commission, the United States Bureau of the Census, or other official government projections required for federal transportation planning purposes.

3. The boundaries and size of each urban development area shall be reexamined and, if necessary, revised every five years in conjunction with the review of the comprehensive plan and in accordance with the most recent available population growth estimates and projections.

4. The boundaries of each urban development area shall be identified in the locality's comprehensive plan and shall be shown on future land use maps contained in such comprehensive plan.

5. Urban development areas, if designated, shall incorporate principles of traditional neighborhood design, which may include but need not be limited to (i) pedestrian-friendly road design, (ii) interconnection of new local streets with existing local streets and roads, (iii) connectivity of road and pedestrian networks, (iv) preservation of natural areas, (v) mixed-use neighborhoods, including mixed housing types, with affordable housing to meet the projected family income distributions of future residential growth, (vi) reduction of front and side yard building setbacks, and (vii) reduction of subdivision street widths and turning radii at subdivision street intersections.

6. The comprehensive plan shall describe any financial and other incentives for development in the urban development areas.

7. A portion of one or more urban development areas may be designated as a receiving area for any transfer of development rights program established by the locality.

C. No locality that has amended its comprehensive plan in accordance with this section shall limit or prohibit development pursuant to existing zoning or shall refuse to consider any application for rezoning based solely on the fact that the property is located outside the urban development area.

D. Localities shall consult with adjacent localities, as well as the relevant planning district commission and metropolitan planning organization, in establishing the appropriate size and location of urban development areas to promote orderly and efficient development of their region.

E. Any county that amends its comprehensive plan pursuant to subsection B may designate one or more urban development areas in any incorporated town within such county, if the council of the town has also amended its comprehensive plan to designate the same areas as urban development areas with at least the same density designated by the county. However, if a town has established an urban development area within its corporate boundaries, the county within which the town is located shall not include the town's projected population and commercial growth when initially determining or reexamining the size and boundary of any other urban development area within the county.

F. To the extent possible, federal, state and local transportation, housing, water and sewer facility, economic development, and other public infrastructure funding for new and expanded facilities shall be directed to designated urban development areas or to such similar areas that accommodate growth in a manner consistent with this section.

2007, c. 896 ; 2009, c. 327 ; 2010, cc. 465 , 528 ; 2011, c. 561 ; 2012, cc. 192 , 518 , 805 , 836 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7222 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7222
Appropriation by political subdivision
Status: in_force

Any political subdivision of the Commonwealth is authorized to provide services, to donate real or personal property, and to make appropriations to the Authority for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Authority's facilities. Any such political subdivision is hereby authorized to issue its bonds, including general obligation bonds, in the manner provided in the Public Finance Act of 1991 (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.) or in any applicable municipal charter for the purpose of providing funds to be appropriated to the Authority, and such political subdivisions may enter into contracts obligating such bond proceeds to the Authority.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2107 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2107
Persons occupying or using streets, etc., contrary to law
Status: in_force

Any person occupying or using any of the streets, avenues, parks, bridges or any other public places or public property or any public easement of any description of a city or town, in a manner not permitted to the general public, without having first legally obtained the consent of the city or town shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Each day's continuance thereof shall be a separate offense. Such occupancy or use shall be deemed a nuisance. The court trying the case may cause the nuisance to be abated and commit the offenders and all their agents and employees engaged in such offenses to jail until the order of the court is obeyed.

Code 1950, § 15-736; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-316; 1983, c. 613; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2417 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.1 / Section 15.2-2417
Grants and loans
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, money in the Fund shall be used to make grants or loans to local governments to finance the assembling, planning, clearing, and remediation of sites for the purpose of promoting such sites to private developers for redevelopment.

No grant shall exceed $500,000. Each grant shall be conditioned upon a 100 percent match of funds by the local government. The Board shall develop guidelines for the administration of the grant program established by this chapter.

The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of any loan from the Fund; however, it is the intent of this chapter that the Board make long-term no-interest loans to localities to encourage utilization of any available funds. All loans from the Fund shall be evidenced by appropriate notes of the loan recipient payable to the Fund. The Director of the Department is authorized to require in connection with any loan from the Fund any documents, instruments, certificates, legal opinions or other information he deems necessary or convenient.

2000, c. 757 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.19 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.19
Adjustment of questions of division of compensation, expenses, etc
Status: in_force

The Compensation Board may adjust equitably all questions of the division of compensation, allowances for deputies and assistants, office expenses and premiums on bonds which may arise due to the change of incumbents in any such offices or from any other cause. All adjustments shall be made as nearly as possible in accordance with the intent of this Code. The Board may, on written application from any clerk of a court of record, and for good cause shown, increase the allowance made to such clerks for deputies and assistants, office expenses and premiums on bonds. The governing body of a county or city may, by resolution adopted and certified, make to the Compensation Board any recommendation it may desire to make with respect to the expense account of any clerk of a court of record as to increase or decrease of expense.

Code 1950, § 14-152; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-142; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2414 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.1 / Section 15.2-2414
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Board of Housing and Community Development.

"Department" means the Department of Housing and Community Development.

"Fund" means the Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment Fund created by this chapter.

"Local government" or "locality" means any county, city or town in the Commonwealth.

2000, c. 757 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5714 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 57 / Section 15.2-5714
Bonds mutilated, lost or destroyed
Status: in_force

Should any bond issued under this chapter become mutilated or be lost or destroyed, the authority may cause a new bond of like date, number and tenor to be executed and delivered in exchange and substitution for, and upon cancellation of, such mutilated bond and its coupons, or in lieu of and in substitution for such lost or destroyed bond and its unmatured coupons. Such new bond or coupon shall not be executed or delivered until the holder of the mutilated, lost or destroyed bond (i) has paid the reasonable expense and charges in connection therewith; (ii) in the case of a lost or destroyed bond, has filed with the authority and its treasurer satisfactory evidence that such bond was lost or destroyed and that the holder was the owner thereof; and (iii) has furnished indemnity satisfactory to its treasurer.

Code 1950, § 15-714.12; 1962, c. 203, § 15.1-1238.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-108.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 15.2-108.1
Local fees charged to places of worship
Status: in_force

Localities shall not charge any fee to any church, synagogue, or other place of worship unless authorized by general law or special act of the General Assembly. Nothing in this section shall apply to any fire prevention inspection fees.

2012, c. 804 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-931 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-931
Regulation of garbage and refuse pickup and disposal services; contracting for such services in certain localities
Status: in_force

A. Localities may adopt ordinances requiring the delivery of all or any portion of the garbage, trash or refuse generated or disposed of within such localities to waste disposal facilities located therein, or to waste disposal facilities located outside of such localities if the localities have contracted for capacity at or service from such facilities.

Such ordinances may not be adopted until the local governing body, following one or more public hearings, has made the following findings:

1. That other waste disposal facilities, including privately owned facilities and regional facilities, are: (i) unavailable; (ii) inadequate; (iii) unreliable; or (iv) not economically feasible, to meet the current and anticipated needs of the locality for waste disposal capacity; and

2. That the ordinance is necessary to ensure the availability of adequate financing for the construction, expansion or closing of the locality's facilities, and the costs incidental or related thereto.

No ordinance adopted by a locality under this subsection shall prevent or prohibit the disposal of garbage, trash or refuse at any facility: (i) which has been issued a solid waste management facility permit by an agency of the Commonwealth on or before July 1, 1991; or (ii) for which a Part A permit application for a new solid waste management facility permit, including local governing body certification, was submitted to the Department of Waste Management in accordance with § 10.1-1408.1 B on or before December 31, 1991.

B. Localities may provide in any ordinance adopted under this section that it is unlawful for any person to dispose of his garbage, trash and refuse in or at any other place. No such ordinance making it unlawful to dispose of garbage, trash and refuse in any other place shall apply to the occupants of single-family residences or family farms disposing of their own garbage, trash or refuse if such occupants have paid the fees, rates and charges of other single-family residences and family farms in the same service area.

No ordinance adopted under this section shall apply to garbage, trash and refuse generated, purchased or utilized by an entity engaged in the business of manufacturing, mining, processing, refining or conversion except for an entity engaged in the production of energy or refuse-derived fuels for sale to a person other than any entity controlling, controlled by or under the same control as the manufacturer, miner, processor, refiner or converter. Nor shall such ordinance apply to (i) recyclable materials, which are those materials that have been source-separated by any person or materials that have been separated from garbage, trash and refuse by any person for utilization in both cases as a raw material to be manufactured into a product other than fuel or energy, (ii) construction debris to be disposed of in a landfill, or (iii) waste oil. Such ordinances may provide penalties, fines and other punishment for violations.

Such localities are authorized to contract with any person, whether profit or nonprofit, for garbage and refuse pickup and disposal services in their respective localities and to enter into contracts relating to waste disposal facilities which recover energy or materials from garbage, trash and refuse. Such contracts may make provision for, among other things, (i) the purchase by the localities of all or a portion of the disposal capacity of a waste disposal facility located within or outside the localities for their present or future waste disposal requirements, (ii) the operation of such facility by the localities, (iii) the delivery by or on behalf of the contracting localities of specified quantities of garbage, trash and refuse, whether or not such counties, cities, and towns collect such garbage, trash and refuse, and the making of payments in respect of such quantities of garbage, trash and refuse, whether or not such garbage, trash and refuse are delivered, including payments in respect of revenues lost if garbage, trash and refuse are not delivered, (iv) adjustments to payments made by the localities in respect of inflation, changes in energy prices or residue disposal costs, taxes imposed upon the facility owner or operator, or other events beyond the control of the facility operator or owners, (v) the fixing and collection of fees, rates or charges for use of the disposal facility and for any product or service resulting from operation of the facility, and (vi) such other provision as is necessary for the safe and effective construction, maintenance or operation of such facility, whether or not such provision displaces competition in any market. Any such contract shall not be deemed to be a debt or gift of the localities within the meaning of any law, charter provision or debt limitation. Nothing in the foregoing powers granted such localities includes the authority to pledge the full faith and credit of such localities in violation of Article X, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia.

It has been and is continuing to be the policy of the Commonwealth to authorize each locality to displace or limit competition in the area of garbage, trash or refuse collection services and garbage, trash or refuse disposal services to provide for the health and safety of its citizens, to control disease, to prevent blight and other environmental degradation, to promote the generation of energy and the recovery of useful resources from garbage, trash and refuse, to protect limited natural resources for the benefit of its citizens, to limit noxious odors and unsightly garbage, trash and refuse and decay and to promote the general health and welfare by providing for adequate garbage, trash and refuse collection services and garbage, trash and refuse disposal services. Accordingly, governing bodies are directed and authorized to exercise all powers regarding garbage, trash and refuse collection and garbage, trash and refuse disposal notwithstanding any anti-competitive effect.

C. The following localities may by ordinance require the delivery of all or any portion of the garbage, trash and refuse generated or disposed of within such localities to waste disposal facilities located therein or to waste disposal facilities located outside of such localities if the localities have contracted for capacity at or service from such facilities: (i) Arlington County or the City of Alexandria, singly or jointly, two or all of such counties and cities; (ii) Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, or Stafford County and any town situated within or city wholly surrounded by any of such counties, singly or jointly, two or more of such localities, that have by resolution of the governing body committed the locality to own or operate a resource recovery waste disposal facility; and (iii) localities which are members of the Richmond Regional Planning District No. 15 or Crater Planning District No. 19, singly or jointly, two or more of such localities, that by ordinance of the governing body after a minimum of two public hearings, and after complying with applicable provisions of the Public Procurement Act (Chapter 43 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) of Title 2.2), have committed the locality to own, operate or contract for the operation of a resource recovery waste disposal facility.

1984, c. 763, § 15.1-28.01; 1987, c. 422; 1988, c. 264; 1991, cc. 521, 615; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1808 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1808
Certain sports facilities
Status: in_force

A locality may provide and operate stadiums and arenas and the lands, structures, equipment and facilities appurtenant thereto; provide for their management and operation by an agency of the locality; contract with others for the operation and management thereof upon such terms and conditions as shall be prescribed by the locality; and charge or authorize the charging of compensation for the use of or admission to such stadiums and arenas and their appurtenances.

Code 1950, § 15-77.50; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-886; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-814 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-814
Inquiries and investigations by board of supervisors
Status: in_force

The board may inquire into the official conduct of any office or officer under its control, and investigate the accounts, receipts, disbursements and expenses of any county or district officer. For these purposes it may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of books, papers and other evidence. If any witness fails or refuses to obey any such lawful order of the board, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 15-384.49; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-762; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7419 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 74 / Section 15.2-7419
Appropriation by political subdivision
Status: in_force

Any participating political subdivision, or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, is authorized to provide services, to donate real or personal property, and to make appropriations to the Authority for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Authority's facilities. Any such political subdivision is hereby authorized to issue its bonds, including general obligation bonds, in the manner provided in the Public Finance Act (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.) or in any applicable municipal charter for the purpose of providing funds to be appropriated to the Authority, and such political subdivisions may enter into contracts obligating such bond proceeds to the Authority.

The Authority may agree to assume or reimburse a participating political subdivision for any indebtedness incurred by such participating political subdivision with respect to facilities conveyed by it to the Authority.

2014, c. 471 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2127 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2127
Disapproval of system by governing body; failure to disapprove within seventy days
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county notified of the proposed establishment of a sewage system or of the extension of any existing sewage system under § 15.2-2126 is authorized to disapprove the same, if it finds that such sewage system is not capable of serving the proposed number of connections by reason of inadequate pipes, conduits, pumping stations, force mains, or sewage treatment plants or is otherwise inadequate to render the proposed service. If, at the expiration of seventy days from the date on which the applicant appeared before the governing body, such governing body has not disapproved the application, the applicant may proceed with the construction and installation of such sewage system, provided he first gives notice to the chairman of the governing body by registered mail of his intention to proceed.

Code 1950, § 15-739.8; 1954, c. 382; 1956, c. 273; 1958, c. 65; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-327; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5809 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5809
Investments in bonds
Status: in_force

Any financial institution, investment company, insurance company or association, and any personal representative, guardian, trustee, or other fiduciary, may legally invest any moneys belonging to them or within their control in any bonds issued by the Authority.

1992, c. 823, § 15.1-227.79; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5211 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 52 / Section 15.2-5211
Bonds payable from revenues of hospital or health centers
Status: in_force

Any bonds issued under this chapter shall be payable only from the revenues and receipts of the hospital or health center for the acquisition, establishment or construction of which the bonds were issued and from any property the commission has made subject to a lien to secure such bonds. The bonds and other obligations of the commission shall not be a debt of any locality or of the Commonwealth, and neither the commission members nor any person executing the bonds or other obligations shall be liable personally thereon by reason of the issuance thereof.

Code 1950, § 32-285; 1950, p. 244; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1525; 1994, c. 759 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-412 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 4 / Section 15.2-412
Local board of social services and local director of social services
Status: in_force

The board of county supervisors shall select three qualified citizens of the county, one of whom may be a member of the board of county supervisors, who shall constitute the local board of social services; alternatively, the board of county supervisors may choose a board of social services consisting of five qualified citizens. Such board shall, insofar as not inconsistent with this form of county organization and government, exercise all the powers conferred, and perform all the duties imposed, upon local boards of social services by law. There also shall be a local director of social services who shall be chosen by the board of county supervisors, or by the local board of social services if the board of county supervisors so provides, from a list of eligibles furnished by the Director of the Department of Social Services. He shall, insofar as consistent with this form of county organization and government, exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed upon local directors of social services by general law. The local board of social services and the local director of social services shall also perform such other duties as required by the board of county supervisors.

Code 1950, § 15-374; 1950, p. 696; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-710; 1968, c. 80; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1997, c. 587; 2002, c. 747 ; 2010, cc. 349 , 436 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.19 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.19
Limitations in bond resolution or trust agreement
Status: in_force

The resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds of the authority, and any trust agreement securing such bonds, may contain such limitations upon the issuance of additional revenue bonds as the authority deems proper. Such additional revenue bonds shall be issued under such limitations.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5337 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5337
Purchase or lease of property; sale of property
Status: in_force

An authority shall have power to purchase, lease, obtain options upon, acquire by gift, grant, bequest, devise, or otherwise any property real or personal or any interest therein from any person, locality or government.

An authority shall have power to sell, exchange, transfer, or assign any of its property real or personal or any interest therein to any person, locality or government.

Code 1950, §§ 32-250, 32-251; 1979, c. 719, §§ 15.1-1571, 15.1-1572; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.8:1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.8:1
Amendment of articles of incorporation
Status: in_force

The articles of incorporation of any authority created under the provisions of this chapter may be amended with respect to the name or powers of such or in any other manner not inconsistent with this chapter by following the procedure prescribed by law for the creation of an authority.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2645 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2645
Amount of bonds
Status: in_force

No refunding bonds shall be issued in a principal amount exceeding that necessary to amortize the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the bonds to be refunded and pay all expenses reasonably incurred in the issuance of the refunding bonds less the amount then in any sinking, escrow and other funds which are available for the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on the bonds to be refunded.

Code 1950, § 15-666.35; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-194; 1977, c. 442; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.47; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-839 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-839
Department and board of health
Status: in_force

The department of health shall consist of the county health officer, who shall be chosen from a list of eligibles furnished by the State Board of Health and the other officers and employees of such department. The county health officer shall be head of such department and shall exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed upon the local health officer and the local board of health by general law, not inconsistent herewith. He shall also perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.

The board of supervisors may select two qualified county citizens, who, together with the county health officer, shall constitute the county board of health. Such board shall advise and cooperate with the department of health and shall have power to adopt rules and regulations, not in conflict with law, concerning the department. The board of health may at any time be abolished by the board of supervisors.

Code 1950, § 15-384.59; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-772; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-903 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-903
Ordinances taxing and regulating "automobile graveyards," "junkyards," and certain vacant and abandoned property
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may adopt ordinances imposing license taxes upon and otherwise regulating the maintenance and operation of places commonly known as automobile graveyards and junkyards and may prescribe fines and other punishment for violations of such ordinances.

No such ordinance shall be adopted until after notice in accordance with § 15.2-1427 has been published.

As used in this section the terms "automobile graveyard" and "junkyard" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 33.2-804 .

B. The Counties of Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fauquier, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, Tazewell, Warren and York may adopt an ordinance imposing the screening of automobile graveyards and junkyards, unless screening is impractical due to topography, as set forth in § 33.2-804 . Any such ordinance may apply to any automobile graveyard or junkyard within the boundaries of such county regardless of the date on which any such automobile graveyard or junkyard may have come into existence, notwithstanding the provisions of § 33.2-804 .

C. The City of Newport News may adopt an ordinance imposing screening or landscape screening for retail or commercial properties that have been vacant or abandoned for more than three years within designated areas consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.

Code 1950, § 15-18; 1956, c. 672; 1958, c. 552; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-28; 1968, c. 409; 1993, c. 714; 1995, c. 207 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 1998, c. 180 ; 2001, c. 10 ; 2004, c. 493 ; 2005, c. 702 ; 2006, cc. 669 , 722 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3834 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3834
Congressional, etc., districts and judicial circuit not changed
Status: in_force

Any city created under this chapter shall continue to be and remain a part of the congressional, senatorial and legislative districts, respectively, and of the judicial circuit wherein such city is geographically located.

Code 1950, § 15-109; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1010; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3108 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 31 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3108
Petition and hearing; recordation of order; costs
Status: in_force

Within a reasonable time after a voluntary boundary agreement is adopted by the affected localities, each affected locality shall petition the circuit court for one of the affected localities to approve the boundary agreement. The petition shall set forth the facts pertaining to the desire to relocate or change the boundary line between the localities, and the petition shall include or have attached to it either (i) a plat depicting the change in the boundaries of the localities as agreed; (ii) a metes and bounds description of the new boundary line as agreed upon by the two localities; or (iii) a Geographic Information System (GIS) map depicting the change in the boundaries of the localities as agreed, having been established by Virginia State Plane Coordinates System, South Zone or North Zone, as applicable, meeting National Geodetic Survey standards. If the court finds that the procedures required by § 15.2-3107 have been complied with and that the petition is otherwise in proper order, the court shall enter an appropriate order establishing the new boundary. The order shall include a plat depicting the change in the boundaries of the locality, a metes and bounds description of the new boundary line of the locality, or a GIS map depicting the change in the boundaries of the localities that includes the Virginia State Plane, South Zone or North Zone coordinates, as applicable, and that order shall be entered in the land records of the court and indexed in the names of the localities which were involved. Costs shall be awarded as the court may determine. Whenever such an order is entered, a certified copy of the order shall be sent to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by the clerk of the court.

1977, c. 277, § 15.1-1031.3; 1983, c. 594; 1993, c. 392; 1997, c. 587 ; 2013, c. 773 ; 2016, c. 153 ; 2018, cc. 85 , 319 ; 2019, cc. 118 , 385 , 705 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-402 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 4 / Section 15.2-402
Board of county supervisors; election; terms; chairman; vacancies
Status: in_force

A. The powers and duties of the county as a body politic and corporate shall be vested in a board of county supervisors ("the board").

B. The board shall consist of one member elected from the county at large by the qualified voters of the county and one member from each magisterial or election district in the county elected by the qualified voters of such magisterial or election district. The board members shall be elected at the same time and for the same term as provided by general law for the election of boards of supervisors of counties. The board shall elect its chairman from its membership.

C. Members of the board in office immediately prior to the day upon which the county board form becomes effective in the county shall be and, unless sooner removed, continue as members until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors have qualified.

D. If the change in the form of county organization and government becomes effective on January 1 next succeeding the regular election of board members in the county, such members-elect shall qualify and, as soon as possible after the county board form becomes effective in the county, succeed the then incumbents as board members and as such continue until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors have qualified.

E. At the regular November election next succeeding the approval of the county board form, one board member shall be elected from the county at large by the qualified voters of the county; his term of office shall begin on January 1 next succeeding such election and shall run for a term coincident with that of the other board members. Pending his election and taking office, the office of member from the county at large shall remain vacant.

F. Except as otherwise provided in subsection E of this section, any vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled pursuant to Article 6 (§ 24.2-225 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 24.2.

Code 1950, § 15-365; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-700; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 158; 1993, c. 731; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1516 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1516
Exceptions
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 15.2-1513 through 15.2-1515 shall not be applicable to constitutional officers or their employees or other officers elected by the voters.

1991, c. 234, § 15.1-20.6; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2413.7 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2413.7
Amendment to the tourism improvement district plan
Status: in_force

A. At any time after the establishment or extension of a tourism improvement district pursuant to the provisions of this article, the tourism improvement district plan upon which the establishment or extension was based, may, upon the recommendation of the administering nonprofit, be amended by the locality after compliance with the procedures set forth in this section.

B. Amendments to the tourism improvement district plan that provide for changes to the boundaries of the tourism improvement district or any change in the method of determining fees upon which the business fee is based may be adopted by ordinance, provided that the locality shall, after a public hearing, determine that it is in the public interest to authorize the changes to the boundaries of the tourism improvement district or the changes to the method of determining fees. The locality shall give notice of the hearing by publication of a notice on the locality's website or in at least one newspaper having general circulation in the tourism improvement district specifying the time when and the place where the hearing will be held and stating any changes to the boundaries of the tourism improvement district, or any change in the method of determining fees upon which the business fee is based. The notice shall be published at least 10 days prior to the date specified for the hearing.

C. Amendments to the tourism improvement district plan that provide for the tourism improvement district to incur indebtedness in order to provide for additional activities, that provide for an increase only in the amount to be expended annually for activities, or that provide for an increase in the total maximum amount to be expended for activities in the tourism improvement district may be adopted by ordinance. Prior to the adoption of an ordinance making one or more of the amendments as described in this subsection, the governing body shall, after a public hearing, determine that it is in the public interest to authorize the tourism improvement district to incur indebtedness to provide for additional activities, to increase the amount to be expended annually, or to increase the total maximum amount to be expended for activities in the tourism improvement district, or any applicable combination of the foregoing. Notice of the hearing shall be published and mailed in the manner provided in § 15.2-2413.4 .

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 500 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1907 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 19 / Section 15.2-1907
Condemnation for water supplies and water lines
Status: in_force

Upon compliance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1, cities and towns may acquire by condemnation any lands or rights-of-way necessary for maintaining, protecting, or providing supplies of water for public use or for laying water pipes, and counties may so acquire such lands or rights-of-way within their borders. Any interest acquired under this section by a county, city or town shall be subject to the provisions of § 25.1-102 .

Code 1950, § 25-232; 1964, c. 291, § 25-232.01; 1980, c. 559; 1986, c. 117; 2003, c. 940 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1704 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1704
Powers and duties of police force
Status: in_force

A. The police force of a locality is hereby invested with all the power and authority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at common law and is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation of peace and the enforcement of state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.

B. A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to execute and serve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and any other powers granted to law-enforcement officers in § 16.1-340 , 16.1-340.1 , 37.2-808 , or 37.2-809 , (ii) to serve an order of protection pursuant to §§ 16.1-253.1 , 16.1-253.4 , and 16.1-279.1 , (iii) to execute all warrants or summons as may be placed in his hands by any magistrate serving the locality and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce orders of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant to §§ 32.1-48.09 , 32.1-48.012 , and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an emergency custody order issued pursuant to § 32.1-48.02 . A town police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of § 9.1-102 , may, with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make return thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be found within the corporate limits of the town.

Code 1950, § 15-557; 1960, c. 167; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-138; 1982, c. 38; 1984, c. 661; 1992, cc. 729, 742; 1995, c. 844 ; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 425 ; 1999, c. 495 ; 2007, c. 724 ; 2008, cc. 551 , 691 ; 2010, cc. 778 , 825 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6205 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 62 / Section 15.2-6205
General powers of Authority; regulations; enforcement of statutes, rules, etc
Status: in_force

The Authority acting through its Board:

1. Is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the power to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, make contracts, and adopt and use a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient;

2. May retain legal counsel to represent the Authority in hearings, controversies, or matters involving the interests of the Authority and the furtherance of its purposes; and

3. May adopt, alter or repeal its own bylaws and regulations which govern the manner in which its business may be transacted and may provide for the appointment of such committees, and the functions thereof, as the Authority deems necessary to facilitate its business. Each committee shall consist of the number of persons as the Authority deems advisable. Committee members shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed their necessary traveling and other expenses incurred while on the business of the Authority. The Authority may set a flat fee for the expenses of a member in attendance at a meeting of the Authority or at its other functions. Such fee shall not exceed $100 per day.

1993, c. 982, § 15.1-1666; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-851 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-851
Expedited land development review procedure
Status: in_force

A. A county may establish, by ordinance, a separate processing procedure for the review of preliminary and final subdivision and site plans and other development plans certified by licensed professional engineers, architects, landscape architects and land surveyors who are also licensed pursuant to § 54.1-408 and recommended for submission by persons who have received special training in such county's land development ordinances and regulations. The purpose of such separate review procedure is to provide a procedure to expedite the county's review of certain qualified land development plans. If a separate procedure is established, the county shall establish within the adopted ordinance the criteria for qualification of persons and whose work is eligible to use the separate procedure as well as a procedure for determining if the qualifications are met by persons applying to use the separate procedure. Persons who satisfy the criteria of subsection B below shall qualify as plans examiners. Plans reviewed and recommended for submission by plans examiners and certified by the appropriately licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor shall qualify for the separate processing procedure.

B. The qualifications of those persons who may participate in this program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. A bachelor of science degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or related science or equivalent experience or a land surveyor certified pursuant to § 54.1-408 .

2. Successful completion of an educational program specified by the county.

3. A minimum of two years of land development engineering design experience acceptable to the county.

4. Attendance at continuing educational courses specified by the county.

5. Consistent preparation and submission of plans which meet all applicable ordinances and regulations.

C. If an expedited review procedure is adopted by the board of supervisors pursuant to this section, the board of supervisors shall establish an advisory plans examiner board which shall make recommendations to the board of supervisors on the general operation of the program, on the general qualifications of those who may participate in the expedited processing procedure, on initial and continuing educational programs needed to qualify and maintain qualification for such a program, and on the general administration and operation of such a program. In addition, the plans examiner board shall submit recommendations to the board of supervisors as to those persons who meet the established qualifications for participation in the program and as to whether those persons who have previously qualified to participate in the program should be disqualified, suspended or otherwise disciplined. The plans examiner board shall consist of six members who shall be appointed by the board of supervisors for staggered four-year terms. Initial terms may be less than four years so as to provide for staggered terms. The plans examiner board shall consist of three persons in private practice as licensed professional engineers or land surveyors certified pursuant to § 54.1-408 , at least one of whom shall be a certified land surveyor; one person employed by the county government; one person employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation who shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member; and one citizen member. All plans examiner board members who serve as licensed engineers or as certified surveyors must maintain their professional license or certification as a condition of holding office, and all such persons shall have at least two years of experience in land development procedures of the county. The citizen member shall meet the qualifications provided in § 54.1-107 . However, such member, notwithstanding the proscription of provision (i) of § 54.1-107 , shall have training as an engineer or surveyor and may be currently licensed, certified or practicing his profession.

D. The expedited land development program shall include an educational program conducted under the auspices of a public institution of higher education. The instructors in the educational program shall consist of persons in the private and public sectors who are qualified to prepare land development plans. The educational program shall include the comprehensive and detailed study of county ordinances and regulations relating to plans and how they are applied.

E. The separate processing system may include a review of selected or random aspects of plans rather than a detailed review of all aspects. However, it shall also include periodic detailed review of plans prepared by persons who qualify for the system.

F. In no event shall this section relieve persons who prepare and submit plans of the responsibilities and obligations which they would otherwise have with regard to the preparation of plans, nor shall it relieve the county of its obligation to review other plans in the time periods and manner prescribed by law.

1989, c. 735, § 15.1-783.01; 1990, c. 822; 1997, c. 587 ; 2009, c. 309 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2633 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2633
Borrowing by certain cities to pay expenses
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any city may contract debts by borrowing money and authorizing the issuance of its bonds maturing more than one year after their date to pay the expenses associated with it becoming a city, including without limitation, payments to any county for educational services pending the establishment of its school system, provided:

1. The debts shall not be created after five years from the date it became a city, and

2. The debts shall not at any time during the five-year period exceed one percent of the assessed valuation of the real estate in the city subject to taxation, as shown by the last preceding assessment for taxes.

1978, c. 524, § 15.1-175.2; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.34; 1997, c. 587.