Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.18 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 5.1 / Section 36-96.18
Civil action; enforcement by private parties
Status: in_force

A. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action in an appropriate United States district court or state court not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, or the breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this chapter, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach.

B. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under § 36-96.18 A no later than 180 days after the conclusion of the administrative process with respect to a complaint or charge, or not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, whichever is later. This subsection shall not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under § 36-96.9 and without regard to the status of any such complaint. If the Board or a federal agency has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, no action may be filed under this section by such aggrieved person with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms the basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such an agreement.

C. In a civil action under subsection A, if the court or jury finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court or jury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and punitive damages, without limitation otherwise imposed by state law, and the court may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and subject to subsection D, may grant as relief, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.

D. Relief granted under subsection C shall not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and involving bona fide purchasers, encumbrancer or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Board or civil action under this chapter.

E. Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to the private party under subsection C.

1972, c. 591, § 36-94; 1973, c. 372; 1975, c. 566; 1984, c. 271; 1987, c. 167; 1991, c. 557; 1994, c. 814 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-70 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 4 / Section 36-70
Short title
Status: in_force

The short title of the law embraced in this chapter is the Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Law.

Code 1950, § 12-68; 1970, c. 305; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 103; 1986, c. 37.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-85.26 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 4.2 / Article 1 / Section 36-85.26
Dealer alterations
Status: in_force

A. No alteration or modification shall be made to a manufactured home by a dealer after shipment from the manufacturer's plant, unless such alteration or modification is authorized by this chapter or the manufacturer. The dealer shall ensure that all authorized alterations and modifications are performed, if so required, by qualified persons as defined in subsection D. An unauthorized alteration or modification performed by a dealer or his agent or employee shall place primary warranty responsibility for the altered or modified item upon the dealer. If the manufacturer fulfills or is required to fulfill the warranty on the altered or modified item, he shall be entitled to recover damages in the amount of his cost and attorney's fee from the dealer.

B. An unauthorized alteration or modification of a manufactured home by the owner or his agent shall relieve the manufacturer of responsibility to remedy defects caused by such alterations or modifications. A statement to this effect, together with a warning specifying those alterations or modifications which should be performed only by qualified personnel in order to preserve warranty protection, shall be displayed clearly and conspicuously on the face of the warranty. Failure to display such statement shall result in the manufacturer being responsible for the warranty.

C. The Board is authorized to promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) which define the alterations or modifications which must be made by qualified personnel in accordance with the applicable standards of the Code. The Board may require qualified personnel for those alterations and modifications which could impair the structural integrity or safety of the manufactured home.

D. In order to be designated as a person qualified to alter or modify a manufactured home, a person shall comply with state licensing or competency requirements in skills relevant to performing alterations or modifications on manufactured homes.

1991, c. 555; 1992, c. 223.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-27.01 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-27.01
Plan for alternative housing of persons displaced by condemnation, conversion, etc
Status: in_force

In any condemnation proceeding which involves the taking or conversion of properties populated by low and moderate income families in multi-family housing projects owned or controlled by the redevelopment and housing authority, or with respect to the development or redevelopment of any property owned or controlled by it, the authority shall adopt a plan of relocation identifying alternative housing for the persons who will be displaced. No conversion of multi-family housing complexes to industrial use shall be authorized prior to the identification of alternative housing required herein.

1983, c. 518.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-150 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 9 / Section 36-150
Reports
Status: in_force

A. On or before December 1 of each year, the Department shall report to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Governor, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and on such other matters regarding the Fund as the Department may deem appropriate, including the status of the former Housing Partnership Fund, or other items as may be requested by any of the foregoing persons to whom such report is to be submitted.

B. The Department shall report to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget by December 1 of each year on the state's homeless programs, including the number of (i) emergency shelter beds, (ii) transitional housing units, (iii) single room occupancy dwellings, (iv) homeless intervention programs, (v) homeless prevention programs, and (vi) homeless individuals supported by the permanent housing state funding on a locality and statewide basis and the accomplishments achieved by the additional state funding provided to the program. The report shall also include the number of Virginians served by these programs, the costs of the programs, and the financial and in-kind support provided by localities and nonprofit groups to these programs. In preparing the report, the Department shall consult with localities and community-based groups.

1988, c. 687; 2013, c. 754 ; 2025, cc. 30 , 40 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.14 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 5.1 / Section 36-96.14
Issuance of a charge
Status: in_force

Upon failure to resolve a complaint by conciliation and after consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the Board shall issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person or persons and shall immediately refer the charge to the Attorney General, who shall proceed with the charge as directed by § 36-96.16 . The Board may not issue a charge under this section regarding an alleged discriminatory housing practice after the beginning of a trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under an Act of Congress or a state law seeking relief with respect to that discriminatory housing practice.

1. Such charge:

a. Shall consist of a short and plain statement of the facts upon which the Board has found reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur;

b. Shall be based on the final investigative report; and

c. Need not be limited to the acts or grounds alleged in the complaint filed under § 36-96.9 .

2. After the Board issues a charge under this section, the Board shall cause a copy thereof to be served on each respondent named in such charge and on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.

1991, c. 557.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-13 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 36-13
Selection of chairman and other officers, agents and employees
Status: in_force

The governing body of the city or county shall designate which of the commissioners appointed shall be the first chairman, but when the office of the chairman of the authority thereafter becomes vacant, the authority shall select a chairman from among its commissioners. An authority shall select from among its commissioners a vice-chairman, and it may employ a secretary (who shall be executive director), technical experts and such other officers, agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties and compensation.

1938, p. 450; Michie Code 1942, § 3145(5); 1958, c. 82.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.6 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 5.1 / Section 36-96.6
Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants
Status: in_force

A. Any restrictive covenant and any related reversionary interest, purporting to restrict occupancy or ownership of property on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability, whether heretofore or hereafter included in an instrument affecting the title to real or leasehold property, are declared to be void and contrary to the public policy of the Commonwealth.

B. Any person who is asked to accept a document affecting title to real or leasehold property may decline to accept the same if it includes such a covenant or reversionary interest until the covenant or reversionary interest has been removed from the document. Refusal to accept delivery of an instrument for this reason shall not be deemed a breach of a contract to purchase, lease, mortgage, or otherwise deal with such property.

C. No person shall solicit or accept compensation of any kind for the release or removal of any covenant or reversionary interest described in subsection A. Any person violating this subsection shall be liable to any person injured thereby in an amount equal to the greater of three times the compensation solicited or received, or $500, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred.

D. A family care home, foster home, or group home in which individuals with physical disabilities, mental illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disability reside, with one or more resident counselors or other staff persons, shall be considered for all purposes residential occupancy by a single family when construing any restrictive covenant which purports to restrict occupancy or ownership of real or leasehold property to members of a single family or to residential use or structure.

1972, c. 591, § 36-91; 1973, c. 358; 1986, c. 574; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 1998, c. 873 ; 2012, cc. 476 , 507 ; 2020, cc. 1137 , 1140 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477 , 478 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-85.3 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 36-85.3
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless a different meaning or construction is clearly required by the context:

"Administrator" means the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development or his designee.

"Any person" shall, in addition to referring to a natural person, include any partnership, corporation, joint stock company or any association whether incorporated or unincorporated.

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

"Dealer" means any person engaged in the sale, leasing, or distribution of new manufactured homes primarily to persons who in good faith purchase or lease a manufactured home for purposes other than resale.

"Defect" means a failure to comply with an applicable federal manufactured home construction and safety standard that renders the manufactured home or any part of the home unfit for the ordinary use for which it was intended, but does not result in an imminent risk of death or severe personal injury to occupants of the affected home.

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

"Distributor" means any person engaged in the sale and distribution of manufactured homes for resale.

"Federal Act" means the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 as amended (42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq.).

"Federal Regulations" means the Federal Manufactured Home Procedural and Enforcement Regulations.

"Federal Standards" means the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

"HUD" means the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"Imminent safety hazard" means a hazard that presents an imminent risk of death or severe personal injury.

"Manufactured home" means a structure subject to federal regulation, which is transportable in one or more sections; is eight body feet or more in width and forty body feet or more in length in the traveling mode, or is 320 or more square feet when erected on site; is built on a permanent chassis; is designed to be used as a single-family dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities; and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure.

"Manufactured home construction" means all activities relating to the assembly and manufacture of a manufactured home including but not limited to those relating to durability, quality, and safety.

"Manufactured home safety" means the performance of a manufactured home in such a manner that the public is protected against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of accidents due to the design or construction of the home, or any unreasonable risk of death or injury to the user if such accidents do occur.

"Manufacturer" means any person engaged in manufacturing or assembling manufactured homes, including any person engaged in importing manufactured homes.

"Purchaser" means the first person purchasing a manufactured home in good faith for purposes other than resale.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"Skirting" means a weather-resistant material used to enclose the space from the bottom of the manufactured home to grade.

"State Administrative Agency" or "SAA" means the Department of Housing and Community Development which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this law throughout Virginia and of the plan authorized by § 36-85.5 .

"The law" or "this law" means the Virginia Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Law as embraced in this chapter.

1986, c. 37; 1990, c. 593.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-55.28 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1.2 / Section 36-55.28
Appointment and tenure of commissioners; officers; quorum; compensation; liability
Status: in_force

A. The powers of HDA shall be vested in the commissioners of HDA as follows: a representative of the Board of Housing and Community Development, such representative to be selected by that Board; the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development as an ex officio voting commissioner; the Treasurer of the Commonwealth; and seven persons appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, for terms of four years. An additional commissioner satisfying the criteria specified by Section 2 (b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, for a term of four years. If, however, after appointment, the additional commissioner no longer satisfies such criteria, he may be removed by the Governor effective upon the appointment and qualification of his successor, who shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. In appointing persons to the commission the Governor shall refrain from appointing more than three persons from any one commercial or industrial field. No commissioner appointed pursuant to this chapter by the Governor shall serve more than two consecutive full terms. Any vacancies in the membership of HDA shall be filled in like manner but only for the remainder of an unexpired term. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each commissioner shall hold office for the term of his appointment and until his successor shall have been appointed and qualified.

B. The commissioners shall elect from among their number a chairman and a vice-chairman annually and such other officers as they may determine. Meetings shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever two commissioners so request. Five commissioners of the HDA shall constitute a quorum and any action taken by HDA under the provisions of this chapter may be authorized by resolution approved by a majority of the commissioners who are present at any regular or special meeting. No vacancy in the membership of the HDA shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the HDA.

C. Each commissioner shall be compensated from funds of the HDA at the rate per day specified in § 2.2-2813 for each day or portion thereof in which the commissioner is engaged in the business of the HDA. In addition, each commissioner shall be reimbursed for his reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out his duties under this chapter.

D. Commissioners and employees of HDA shall be subject to the standards of conduct set forth in the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) and may be removed from office for inefficiency, neglect of duty or misconduct in the manner set forth therein.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no officer or employee of this Commonwealth shall be deemed to have forfeited or shall forfeit his office or employment by reason of his acceptance of membership on HDA or his service thereto.

F. HDA may use its funds, and may obtain liability insurance or provide self-insurance, for the payment or reimbursement of costs and expenses (including, without limitation, amounts paid or to be paid in satisfaction of judgment or settlement, penalties, attorneys' fees and expenses, and court costs) incident to any liability of its commissioners and employees arising from the performance or discharge of their official duties and such other activities as the commissioners of HDA may by resolution approve for the purpose of making such payment or reimbursement or providing such insurance or self-insurance.

1972, c. 830; 1974, c. 668; 1975, c. 536; 1976, c. 117; 1977, c. 613; 1985, c. 70; 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1988, c. 226; 1992, c. 754; 1993, c. 857; 2002, c. 454 ; 2003, c. 434 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-8 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 36-8
Supplemental nature of chapter
Status: in_force

The powers conferred by this chapter shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law; except as may be expressly provided in the charter of a city or town specifically pertaining to such authority.

1938, p. 458; Michie Code 1942, § 3145(23); 1956, c. 615.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-151 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 9 / Section 36-151
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.

1988, c. 687.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-153 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 10 / Section 36-153
Creation and management of Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting permanent fund to be known as the Virginia Removal or Rehabilitation of Derelict Structures Fund. The Fund shall consist of sums appropriated to the Fund by the General Assembly; sums which may be allocated to the Commonwealth for this purpose by the United States government; all interest earned on moneys in the Fund; and any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. The Fund is created to address the serious problem of derelict structures in the Commonwealth, particularly in urban areas. The Fund shall make grants to local governments for acquisition, demolition, removal, rehabilitation or repair of specific derelict structures.

The Fund shall be administered and managed by the Department as prescribed in this chapter. The Department may disburse from the Fund reasonable costs and expenses incurred in administration and management of the Fund.

1999, c. 1018 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-27.2 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-27.2
Limitations on certain housing authorities; exception
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 36-27 and except as provided in subsection B, no housing authority transacting business and exercising powers as provided in § 36-4 in the City of Norfolk shall be authorized after July 1, 2007, to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain, any real property located within the boundaries set forth in the Conservation and Redevelopment Plan (the Plan) for the East Ocean View Conservation and Redevelopment Project adopted July 1989, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to such plan adopted September 1992.

The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any such real property for which an offer has been made by such housing authority or for which such authority has initiated condemnation proceedings prior to July 1, 2007.

B. The City of Norfolk and the housing authority shall not be precluded from adopting (i) a new redevelopment plan, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 36-27 , 36-49 , and 36-51 , which designates a redevelopment area that includes real property for acquisition that was previously included within the Plan, or (ii) a new conservation plan, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 36-27 , 36-50.1 , and 36-51.1 , which designates a conservation area that includes real property for acquisition that was previously included within the Plan.

2002, c. 540 ; 2007, c. 786 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-19.4 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-19.4
Referendum prior to making cooperation agreements for public housing projects in the City of Portsmouth
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 36-19 , no authority established in the City of Portsmouth shall make any cooperation agreement with the governing body of the city for any public housing project that is not authorized or approved by the governing body of the city on or before July 1, 1960, unless a cooperation agreement for such public housing project has been approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the city voting in an election called by the governing body of the city for such purpose. The procedure for such election shall conform to general law. The provisions of this section shall not affect or impair the provisions of § 36-19.1 , nor shall they apply to such low rent public housing units determined by the governing body of the city as necessary for the satisfactory relocation of families to be displaced by the city's urban renewal program.

1960, c. 490; 1975, c. 575.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-133 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 8 / Section 36-133
Director to supervise Department
Status: in_force

The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development shall, under the direction and control of the Governor be responsible for the supervision of the Department and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Governor.

1977, c. 613; 1984, c. 720.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-169 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 11 / Section 36-169
Review and termination of housing revitalization zone
Status: in_force

A. Upon designation of an area as a housing revitalization zone, the proposals for regulatory flexibility, tax incentives and other public incentives specified in this chapter shall be binding upon the local governing body to the extent and for the period of time specified in the application for zone designation. If the local governing body is unable or unwilling to provide the regulatory flexibility, tax incentives or other public incentives as proposed in the application for zone designation, the housing revitalization zone shall terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 36-166 , qualified business firms and qualified owner occupants located in such housing revitalization zone shall be eligible to receive the grants provided by this chapter for a period of two years after the zone designation has terminated. No business firm or owner occupant may become a qualified business firm or qualified owner occupant after the date of zone termination. The governing body may amend its application with the approval of the Department, provided the governing body proposes an incentive equal to or superior to the unamended application.

B. The Department shall periodically review the effectiveness of the grant program and local incentives in increasing investment in each housing revitalization zone. If no business firms or owner occupants in a housing revitalization zone have qualified for grants provided pursuant to this chapter within a five-year period, the Department shall terminate that housing revitalization zone designation.

2000, cc. 789 , 795 ; 2004, c. 577 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-105.5 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 36-105.5
Enforcement of Building Code on Indian reservations
Status: in_force

A. Recognizing the unique relationship between the Commonwealth and certain of its state-recognized Indian tribes, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the Commonwealth nor any locality therein is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) on any Indian reservation recognized by the Commonwealth whereupon a state-recognized Indian tribe has, by duly enacted tribal ordinance, adopted the Uniform Statewide Building Code and (i) assumed sole responsibility for existing buildings and new construction on the reservation and (ii) for purposes of enforcing the ordinance, retained firms or individuals to function as the building official on such reservation.

B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer or infer responsibility or liability on any party for any action undertaken prior to July 1, 2015.

2015, c. 135 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-32 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 4 / Section 36-32
Remedies of obligee of authority
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:

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

1938, p. 456; Michie Code 1942, § 3145(17).
Va. Code Ann. § 36-22.1 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-22.1
Conveyance of streets; no trespass policy
Status: in_force

Each housing authority shall adopt a "no trespass" policy designed to protect the premises controlled by such authority and residents from nonresidents who enter the premises for unlawful purposes or without any lawful purpose. In adopting such policies, the authority shall determine whether to petition a locality or the Commonwealth to close to the public and convey to the authority any streets serving authority property. Neither a locality nor the Commonwealth shall be required to grant the conveyance.

2004, c. 585 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-27 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-27
Eminent domain
Status: in_force

A. An authority shall have the right to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any real property pursuant to a duly adopted redevelopment or conservation plan, or otherwise only in accordance with this chapter, after the adoption by it of a resolution declaring that the acquisition of the real property described therein is necessary for such public purposes. An authority may exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided in Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1. In condemnation proceedings evidence may be presented as to the value of the property including but not limited to the owner's appraisal and the effect that any pending application for a zoning change, special use permit application or variance application may have on the value of the property. The court may also determine whether there has been unreasonable delay in the institution of the proceedings after public announcement by the condemnor of a project that necessitates acquisition by the condemnor of a designated land area consisting of or including the land sought to be condemned. If the court determines that such unreasonable delay has occurred, it shall instruct the commissioners or jurors in such proceedings to allow any damages proved to their satisfaction by the landowner or landowners to have been sustained to his or their land during and because of such delay, in addition to and separately from the fair market value thereof, but such damages shall not exceed the actual diminution if any in fair market value of the land in substantially the same physical condition over the period of the delay.

B. Prior to the adoption of any redevelopment plan for a redevelopment area pursuant to § 36-49 or any conservation plan for a conservation area pursuant to § 36-49.1 , an authority shall send by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the record owner or owners of every parcel of property to be acquired pursuant to such plan, at their last known address as contained in the records of the treasurer, the current real estate tax assessment records, or the records of such other officer responsible for collecting taxes in that locality, a notice advising such owner that (i) the property owned by such owner is proposed to be acquired, (ii) such owner will have the right to appear before the local governing body and present testimony with respect to the proposed redevelopment or conservation area, and (iii) such owner will have the right to appear in any condemnation proceeding instituted to acquire the property and present any defense which such owner may have to the taking. Such notice shall not be the basis for eligibility for relocation benefits. At the time it makes its price offer, the authority shall also provide to the property owner a copy of the appraisal of the fair market value of such property upon which the authority has based the amount offered for the property, which appraisal shall be prepared by a real estate appraiser licensed in accordance with Chapter 20.1 (§ 54.1-2009 et seq.) of Title 54.1.

C. In all such cases the proceedings shall be according to the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1, so far as they can be applied to the same. No real property belonging to the city, the county, the Commonwealth or any other political subdivision thereof may be acquired without its consent.

1938, p. 453; Michie Code 1942, § 3145(12); 1958, c. 518; 1972, cc. 466, 782; 1989, c. 593; 1998, c. 880 ; 2000, c. 1029 ; 2001, c. 729 ; 2002, c. 272 ; 2003, c. 940 ; 2006, cc. 586 , 784 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-168 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 11 / Section 36-168
Local incentives
Status: in_force

A. In making an application for designation as a housing revitalization zone, the applying locality or localities may propose local tax incentives, including, but not limited to: (i) reduction of permit fees; (ii) reduction of user fees; (iii) partial exemption from taxation of substantially rehabilitated real estate pursuant to § 58.1-3221 ; and (iv) use of public funds to improve living conditions in housing revitalization zones such as code enforcement, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States. In making application for designation as a housing revitalization zone, such application may also contain proposals for regulatory flexibility, including, but not limited to: (i) special zoning districts; (ii) permit process reform; (iii) exemptions from local ordinances as permitted under the Constitution of Virginia and the Code of Virginia; and (iv) other public incentives proposed in the locality's application, which shall be binding upon the locality upon designation of the housing revitalization zone.

B. A locality may establish eligibility criteria for local incentives for qualified business firms and qualified owner occupants that are the same as, or more stringent than, the criteria for eligibility for grants or other benefits provided by this chapter.

2000, cc. 789 , 795 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-85.33 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 4.2 / Article 2 / Section 36-85.33
Revocation of license upon payment from fund
Status: in_force

Upon payment to a claimant from the fund, the Board shall immediately revoke the license of the regulant whose conduct resulted in this payment. Any regulant whose license is revoked shall not be eligible to apply for a license under this chapter until the regulant has repaid in full the amount paid from the fund on his account, plus interest.

1991, c. 555; 1992, c. 223.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-139.02 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 8 / Section 36-139.02
Translation of forms and documents
Status: in_force

The Department shall translate all forms and documents that the Department is mandated by law to create and that are posted on its website for use by residential landlords and tenants into the five non-English languages most commonly spoken in Virginia according to the most recent American Community Survey data published by the United States Census Bureau. The Department may accept materials translated by volunteers but shall verify the accuracy of such translations prior to making the translated materials available on its website. The Department shall post on its website all English and translated versions of all Department-created documents and model forms for use by any persons governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 55.1-1200 et seq.) or the Virginia Manufactured Home Lot Rental Act (§ 55.1-1300 et seq.).

2024, c. 332 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-55.44 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1.2 / Section 36-55.44
Deposit and investment of moneys of HDA
Status: in_force

A. All moneys of HDA except as otherwise authorized or provided in this chapter shall be deposited as soon as practicable in a separate account or accounts in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth, in national banking associations, in federal home loan banks, or to the extent then permitted by law, in savings institutions organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on checks, drafts payable on demand, electronic wire transfers, or other means authorized by HDA. Each payment shall be approved by the executive director or such other officers or employees of HDA as HDA shall authorize. Deposits of such moneys shall, if required by HDA, be secured as it shall prescribe, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits.

B. Unless otherwise limited by contract with the holders of any of its notes or bonds or with any other parties making loans to HDA, any moneys of HDA and any moneys held in trust or otherwise for the payment of such notes, bonds or loans may be invested in (i) obligations or securities which are considered lawful investments for fiduciaries, both individual and corporation, as set forth in § 2.2-4519 , (ii) any investments and deposits authorized by Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2, and (iii) any other investments which are permitted pursuant to subsection C for moneys held under any bond resolution or trust indenture of the Authority and which, when acquired by HDA, have, or are general obligations of issuers who have, long-term ratings of at least AA or Aa or the highest short-term ratings, as applicable, by two rating agencies, one of which shall be Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or any successor thereto.

C. In addition to the authorization in subsection B and regardless of any other provisions of law which would otherwise have the effect of limiting the powers set forth in this subsection, HDA shall have power to contract with the holders of any of its notes or bonds and with any other parties making loans to HDA as to the custody, collection, securing, investment and payment of any moneys of HDA and of any moneys held in trust or otherwise for the payment of such notes, bonds or loans, and to carry out such contracts. Unless otherwise specified in such contracts, moneys held in trust or otherwise for the payment of notes, bonds or loans or in any way to secure notes, bonds or loans and deposits of such moneys may be secured in the same manner as set forth in subsection A.

D. Whenever investments are made in accordance with this section, no commissioner or employee of HDA shall be liable for any loss therefrom in the absence of negligence, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on his part.

1972, c. 830; 1975, c. 536; 1982, cc. 231, 235; 1993, c. 224; 1996, c. 77 ; 1998, c. 442 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-55.27:1 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1.2 / Section 36-55.27:1
Programs and regulations to implement the Consolidated Plan
Status: in_force

The HDA shall be responsible for implementing, to the extent and in the manner determined by the HDA to be reasonable and proper and consistent with its legal and financing responsibilities, new and existing programs, policies, and regulations to accomplish the goals, objectives, and strategies set forth in the Consolidated Plan developed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 36-131 and 36-139 .

1992, c. 754; 2002, c. 461 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-119.1 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 36-119.1
Existing buildings
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not supersede provisions of the Fire Prevention Code promulgated by the Board under § 27-97 , that prescribe standards to be complied with in existing buildings or structures, provided that such regulations shall not impose requirements that are more restrictive than those of the Uniform Statewide Building Code under which the buildings or structures were constructed. Subsequent alteration, enlargement, rehabilitation, repair, or conversion of the occupancy classification of such buildings and structures shall be subject to the construction and rehabilitation provisions of the Building Code.

1986, c. 429; 1988, c. 199; 2002, c. 555 ; 2003, c. 650 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-28 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-28
Planning, zoning and building laws
Status: in_force

All housing projects of an authority shall be subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary and building laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the locality in which the housing project is situated. In the planning and location of any housing project, an authority shall take into consideration the relationship of the project to any larger plan or long-range program for the development of the area in which the housing authority functions.

1938, p. 453; Michie Code 1942, § 3145(13).
Va. Code Ann. § 36-134 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 8 / Section 36-134
General powers of Director
Status: in_force

The Director shall have the following general powers:

A. To employ such personnel as may be required to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

B. To make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of the Department's duties and the execution of its powers under this chapter, including, but not limited to, contracts with the United States, other states, agencies and governmental subdivisions of this Commonwealth.

C. To accept grants from the United States government and agencies and instrumentalities thereof and any other source. To these ends, the Department shall have the power to comply with such conditions and execute such agreements as may be necessary, convenient or desirable.

D. To do all acts necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

1977, c. 613.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-52.2 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 7 / Section 36-52.2
Acquisition of property prior to adoption of development or conservation plan in certain cities
Status: in_force

Whenever the governing body of any city of more than 300,000 population has approved an area for survey and planning preliminary to the adoption of a redevelopment or conservation plan, and the area includes property within such county, city or town duly designated by said governing body for educational, medical center or municipal uses, an authority may acquire such property by deed or by eminent domain.

1968, c. 710.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-99.6:2 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 36-99.6:2
Installation of in-building emergency communication equipment for emergency public safety personnel
Status: in_force

The Board of Housing and Community Development shall promulgate regulations as part of the Building Code requiring such new commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings as determined by the Board be (i) designed and constructed so that emergency public safety personnel may send and receive emergency communications from within those structures or (ii) equipped with emergency communications equipment so that emergency public safety personnel may send and receive emergency communications from within those structures.

For the purposes of this section:

"Emergency communications equipment" includes, but is not limited to, two-way radio communications, signal boosters, bi-directional amplifiers, radiating cable systems or internal multiple antenna, or any combination of the foregoing.

"Emergency public safety personnel" includes firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law-enforcement officers, and other emergency public safety personnel routinely called upon to provide emergency assistance to members of the public in a wide variety of emergency situations, including, but not limited to, fires, medical emergencies, violent crimes, and terrorist attacks.

2003, c. 611 .
Va. Code Ann. § 36-55.24 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1.2 / Section 36-55.24
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Housing Development Authority Act."

1972, c. 830.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-81 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 4 / Section 36-81
Application of local ordinances; enforcement of chapter by local authorities
Status: in_force

Registered industrialized buildings shall be acceptable in all localities as meeting the requirements of this law, which shall supersede the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and state agencies. The local building official is authorized to and shall determine that any unregistered industrialized building shall comply with the provisions of this law. Local requirements affecting industrialized buildings, including zoning, utility connections, preparation of the site, and maintenance of the unit, shall remain in full force and effect. All local building officials are authorized to and shall enforce the provisions of this law, and the rules and regulations made in pursuance thereof.

Code 1950, § 12-79; 1970, c. 305; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 103; 1977, c. 613; 1986, c. 37.
Va. Code Ann. § 36-25 — Virginia Code / Title 36 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 36-25
Payments by housing authorities to other bodies
Status: in_force

An authority may agree to make such payments to the city or county, the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof, which payments such bodies are hereby authorized to accept, and to otherwise expend its funds in such manner as the authority finds consistent with the maintenance of the low-rent character of housing projects or the achievement of the purposes of this Housing Authorities Law.

1946, p. 278; Michie Suppl. 1946, § 3145(4q); 1970, c. 405.