Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2119.4 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2119.4
Fees and charges for water and sewer services provided to a tenant or lessee of the property owner
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any provision of law, general or special, the provisions of this section apply to any locality or authority, as such term is defined in § 15.2-5101 .

B. A locality or authority providing water or sewer services to a lessee or tenant of the property owner shall do so directly to the tenant after (i) obtaining from the property owner a written or electronic authorization to obtain water and sewer services in the name of such lessee or tenant and (ii) if the locality or authority decides to use the lien rights afforded under subsection G of § 15.2-2119 , collecting a security deposit from the lessee or tenant as reasonably determined by the locality to be sufficient to collateralize the locality or authority for not less than three and no more than five months of water and sewer charges. When the property owner has provided the lessee or tenant with written authorization from the property owner to obtain water and sewer services in the name of such lessee or tenant, nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the locality or authority to require (a) the property owner to put water and sewer services in the name of such property owner, except in the case where a single meter serves multiple tenant units, or (b) a security deposit or a guarantee of payment from such property owner. The property owner, lessee, or tenant may provide a copy of the lease or rental agreement to the locality or authority in lieu of the written authorization.

C. For purposes of this section, a written or electronic authorization from the property owner to obtain water and sewer services in the name of such lessee or tenant substantially in the form as follows, or a copy of the lease or rental agreement, shall be sufficient compliance with this section:

DATE

[INSERT NAME OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES PROVIDER AND ADDRESS]

RE: [INSERT FULL TENANT NAME AND ADDRESS]

To Whom It May Concern:

[INSERT TENANT NAME] has entered into a lease for the property located at [INSERT ADDRESS] and is authorized to obtain services at this address as a tenant of [INSERT PROPERTY OWNER NAME].

Signed:

PROPERTY OWNER

D. If the fees and charges charged for water service or the use and services of the sewage disposal system by or in connection with any real estate are not paid when due, a penalty and interest shall be owed, as provided for by general law, by the lessee or tenant. If such lessee or tenant does not pay the full amount of charges, penalty, and interest for water provided or cease such disposal within 30 days thereafter, the locality or authority supplying water or sewage disposal services for the use of such real estate shall notify such lessee or tenant of the delinquency. If such lessee or tenant does not pay the full amount of charges, penalty, and interest for water provided or cease such disposal within 60 days after the delinquent fees and charges charged for water or sewage disposal services are due, the locality or authority supplying water or sewage disposal services for the use of such real estate may cease supplying water and sewage disposal services thereto unless the health officers certify that shutting off the water will endanger the health of the occupants of the premises or the health of others. At least 10 business days prior to ceasing the supply of water or sewage disposal services, the locality or authority supplying such services shall provide the lessee or tenant with written notice of such cessation, with a copy to the property owner.

E. If the lessee or tenant does not pay the full amount of charges, penalty, and interest for water or the use and services of the sewage disposal system in a timely manner as set out herein, in addition to cessation of such service, the locality or authority shall employ reasonable collection efforts and practices to collect amounts due from the lessee or tenant prior to sending written notice to, or taking any collection or legal action against, the property owner regarding the delinquency of payment of such lessee or tenant. For the purposes of this section, "reasonable collection efforts and practices" include (i) applying the security deposit paid by the lessee or tenant held by the locality or authority to the payment of the outstanding balance; and (ii) either filing for the Setoff Debt Collection Program (§ 58.1-520 et seq.) or placing the account with a debt collection service.

F. Only after the locality or service authority has taken the reasonable collection efforts set forth in subsection E of § 15.2-2119 and practices to collect such fees and charges from the lessee or tenant may the locality or service authority proceed to notify the property owner of such outstanding lien obligation of such lessee or tenant and thereafter to record a lien against the property owner by using the lien recordation and release of lien processes as set out in § 15.2-2119 and only after notice to the property owner as required in § 15.2-2119 . Such a lien, up to three months of delinquent water and sewer charges, shall constitute a lien against the property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid taxes.

G. If a lien is recorded against the property owner and the property owner pays any of the delinquent obligations of such former lessee or tenant, upon payment of the outstanding balance, or any portion thereof, or of any amounts of such fees and charges owed by the former tenant, the property owner shall be entitled to receive any refunds and shall be subrogated against the former tenant in place of the locality or authority in the amount paid by the property owner. The locality or authority shall execute all documents necessary to perfect such subrogation in favor of the property owner.

H. Unless a lien has been recorded against the property owner, the locality or authority shall not deny service to a new tenant who is requesting service at a particular property address based upon the fact that a former tenant has not paid any outstanding fees and charges charged for the use and services in the name of the former previous tenant. In addition, the locality or authority shall provide information relative to a former tenant or current tenant to the property owner upon request of the property owner. If the property owner provides the locality or authority a request to be notified of a tenant's delinquent water or sewer bill and provides an email address, the locality or authority shall send the property owner notice when a tenant's water or sewer bill has become 15 days delinquent.

I. When a locality or authority does not require a lessee or tenant to pay a security deposit to the locality or authority as a condition precedent to turning on water or sewer services in the name of the lessee or tenant, such locality or authority shall waive its lien rights against the property owner. All other provisions of this section shall apply.

J. The locality or authority shall not require a security deposit from the lessee or tenant to obtain water and sewer services in the name of such lessee or tenant if such lessee or tenant presents to the locality or authority a landlord authorization letter that has attached documentation showing that such lessee or tenant receives need-based local, state, or federal rental assistance, and the absence of a security deposit shall not prevent a locality from exercising its lien rights as authorized under this section. All other provisions of this section shall apply.

2017, c. 736 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7206 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7206
Organization; compensation
Status: in_force

A. The following provisions apply to the Board of Directors:

1. Three of the directors shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy in the Board of Directors shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Authority.

2. The Board shall hold regular meetings at such times and places as may be established by its bylaws. The Board shall hold its meetings as provided in § 2.2-3707 .

3. The Board shall hold its first organizational meeting on July 1, 2010.

4. The Board shall adopt bylaws governing the conduct of business by the Board and the Authority. Proposed bylaws shall be made available before being duly adopted at each annual meeting. The Board is authorized to adopt bylaws governing the amendment of bylaws at any time.

5. The Board shall annually elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from its membership and a secretary of the Board from either its membership or the staff of the Authority at its annual meeting. The terms of such officers shall be for one year.

6. The Board shall deal with Authority employees solely through the president. The Board shall not give orders to any of the subordinates of the president, either publicly or privately.

7. The Board shall not direct the appointment or removal of any Authority contractor or employee other than the president.

8. The Board may appoint committees from among its membership in accordance with its bylaws.

9. No Board member shall receive any financial compensation for service on the Board. The Board may reimburse members for reasonable expenses they incur while serving on the Board. Any member seeking reimbursement shall itemize and document by receipts such expenses pursuant to subsection E of § 15.2-7205 .

10. The Board shall adopt a travel and expense policy that applies to Board members and Authority employees and addresses what expenditures are appropriate in furtherance of the activities of the Authority.

11. The Board shall adopt a conflict of interest policy addressing the acceptance by Board members or Authority employees of gifts of travel or entertainment from any vendor that seeks or maintains a contract with the Authority.

12. Each member of the Board shall file with the president a disclosure form containing a statement of economic interests as provided in § 2.2-3117 according to the schedule required by § 2.2-3115 .

B. The following provisions apply to the president:

1. The Board shall continue to appoint and contract with a president to manage the operations of the Authority, and the contract with the president that is in effect as of January 1, 2016, shall continue in effect and be binding upon the Authority.

2. The term of the president's employment contract shall not exceed three years. The board may vote to renew the contract of the president for additional terms not to exceed three years each.

3. The president's employment contract shall not contain a severance payout upon termination amounting to more than 12 months of his base salary.

4. The president shall have the sole authority to hire, fire, and manage such staff and contractors as the president deems expedient to the operation of the Authority, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, and to assign such positions, titles, powers, and duties at such salaries as the president deems most effective for the efficient operation of the Authority.

5. The president shall not have the power to enter into an employment contract with any employee of the Authority unless the Board ratifies such contract by a majority vote in an open meeting. Such contract shall be subject to the term and severance payout restrictions applicable to the president's contract as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3.

6. The Board may appoint an employee as acting president during any period of vacancy. The Board shall advertise the vacancy of the presidency and accept applications from candidates interested in filling the vacancy.

C. The Board shall vote annually to retain outside legal counsel to advise the Authority on legal matters. The legal counsel shall be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth, shall not be an employee of the Authority, and shall be separate from and independent of any legal counsel for the City of Bristol, Virginia, or Washington County. The legal counsel shall provide annual training to the Board on the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.).

D. The Board may authorize the position of executive vice-president, to be filled and managed by the president.

E. Notwithstanding the quorum requirement in subsection A, any decision of the Board related to the provision, use, operation, or maintenance of water or sewer systems shall be made by a majority vote of the three members of the Board representing the City of Bristol, Virginia, and the director who is a member of the Washington County Board of Supervisors.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 ; 2016, cc. 724 , 725 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1400 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1400
Governing bodies
Status: in_force

A. The qualified voters of every locality shall elect a governing body for such locality. The date, place, number, term, and other details of the election shall be as specified by law, general or special. Qualification for office is provided in Article 4 (§ 15.2-1522 et seq.) of Chapter 15.

B. The governing body of every locality shall be composed of not fewer than three nor more than 11 members.

C. Chairmen, mayors, supervisors, and councilmen are subject to the prohibitions set forth in §§ 15.2-1534 and 15.2-1535 .

D. A governing body may punish or fine a member of the governing body for disorderly behavior.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 24.2-222 and 24.2-222.1 , any city or town charter, or any other provision of law, general or special, beginning with any election held after January 1, 2022, elections for mayor, members of a local governing body, or members of an elected school board shall be held at the time of the November general election for terms to commence January 1.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, in a locality that imposes district-based or ward-based residency requirements for members of the governing body, the member elected from each district or ward shall be elected by the qualified voters of that district or ward and not by the locality at large.

G. Notwithstanding the provisions of any local government charter, the provisions of § 24.2-304.1 , or any other provision of law, general or special, for municipal elections held after July 1, 2026, every locality with a population of 400,000 or greater shall elect its members of the governing body by individual single-member districts, each of which shall be substantially equally populated. A governing body's presiding officer may be elected at large. Any such governing body that does not already meet the requirements of this subsection shall establish the required districts and shall reapportion the representation in the governing body in accordance with Article 2.1 (§ 24.2-304.1 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 24.2. No further reapportionment of such districts by the governing body shall be permitted until the next decennial census.

1971, Ex. Sess., c. 199, § 15.1-37.4; 1982, c. 297; 1983, c. 595; 1995, c. 249 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 103 , 225 ; 2026, cc. 8 , 10 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1645 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1645
How election held and conducted
Status: in_force

The election specified in § 15.2-1644 shall be held and conducted as other special elections are held and conducted.

Code 1950, § 15-44; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-560; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 42, 245; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-841 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-841
Department of farm and home demonstration
Status: in_force

The department of farm and home demonstration shall consist of the county agricultural agent, who shall be head of the department, a home demonstration agent and such assistants and employees as may be appointed or employed. The county agricultural agent and the home demonstration agent shall be selected from lists of eligibles submitted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. They shall perform such duties as the board imposes upon them.

Code 1950, § 15-384.61; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-774; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5400 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5400
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Electric Authorities Act."

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1603; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3206 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3206
Conflicting petitions for same territory; petition seeking territory lying in two or more counties; procedure
Status: in_force

A. When proceedings for the annexation of territory to a city or town are pending and a petition is filed seeking the annexation of the same territory or a portion thereof to another city or town the case shall be heard by the court in which the original proceedings are pending. The court shall consolidate the cases, hear them together, and make such decision as is just, taking into consideration the interests of all parties to each case.

B. When the territory sought by a city or town lies in two or more counties, all such counties shall be made parties defendant to the case. The motion or petition shall be addressed to the circuit court for the county in which the larger part of the territory is located. The provisions of this article shall apply, mutatis, mutandis, to any such proceedings.

Code 1950, § 15-152.7; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1037; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-721 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-721
Civil service commission
Status: in_force

The board, in addition to any other powers granted by general or special law may appoint a civil service commission ("the commission"), to be composed of five persons who shall receive such compensation as the board prescribes. The initial terms of office of commission members shall be staggered so that the terms of no more than two commissioners expire at one time. At the expiration of the term of each such member, his successor shall be appointed for a term of four years.

The commission, subject to the control of the board, shall establish and operate a classified civil service system for any or all classes of county employees, as designated by the board, which system shall provide for appointment, promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, reinstatement, retirement and discharge of such employees. To this end it may establish a personnel administration and promulgate rules and regulations for the furtherance of the matters herein set out. The commission may appoint such employees and staff as it deems necessary subject to prior authorization of the board.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission may establish its own rules, regulations, or procedures to govern the conduct of hearings before the commission, including whether to permit rehearings.

Code 1950, § 15-355; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-687; 1964, c. 64; 1978, c. 460; 1980, c. 79; 1989, c. 622; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2273 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2273
Fee for processing application under § 15.2-2271 or § 15.2-2272
Status: in_force

Any locality may prescribe and charge a reasonable fee not exceeding $150 for processing an application pursuant to § 15.2-2271 or § 15.2-2272 for the vacating of any plat.

1970, c. 161, § 15.1-482.1; 1975, c. 641; 1978, c. 554; 1984, c. 285; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-302 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Section 15.2-302
When form of government to become effective
Status: in_force

A form of government approved by the voters in accordance with § 15.2-301 shall become effective on January 1 following the election of members of the governing body under the provisions of § 15.2-303 .

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3517 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3517
Existing ordinances
Status: in_force

The ordinances in force in the localities at the time of consolidation, insofar as they are not in conflict with the consolidation agreement, shall be continued in force and effect within the limits of the consolidated localities, subject to repeal or amendment by the governing bodies of the consolidated localities; however, in case of a conflict between the ordinances of localities when the charter of one of them has been retained, the ordinances of the one whose charter has been surrendered shall to the extent of such conflict be void and of no effect. Localities may also provide in the consolidation agreement for an alternative procedure for resolving conflicts between ordinances.

Code 1950, § 15-188; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1097; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7205 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7205
Board of Directors; membership
Status: in_force

A. The powers of the Authority shall be vested in the Authority Board of Directors consisting of five directors. The number of directors shall not be altered by the Authority Board.

B. The Authority Board shall be constituted as follows:

1. One director who is a citizen of the City of Bristol, Virginia, and is not a member of the Bristol City Council, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

2. One director who is a member of the Bristol City Council, appointed by the Bristol City Council to serve a four-year term coterminous with his term on the Council.

3. One director who is a citizen of Washington County and is not a member of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

4. One director who is a citizen of the City of Bristol, Virginia, who is engaged in business and is not a member of the Bristol City Council, appointed by the Authority Board. However, the first such director shall be appointed by the Bristol City Council for a term that ends the sooner of July 1, 2017, or the date upon which the Authority Board appoints a director to this position to serve the remainder of the initial four-year term. The Authority Board shall appoint a director to this position thereafter.

5. One director who is a member of the Washington County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors, appointed by the Washington County Board of Supervisors to serve a four-year term coterminous with his term on the Board of Supervisors.

C. The four-year term of all directors shall begin July 1, 2016. The term of Authority Board membership for any director thereafter shall be four years.

D. Each director who is a member of the Bristol City Council or Washington County Board of Supervisors may serve as many terms as the appointing governing body decides as long as the appointee remains a member of the relevant governing body. The governing body may appoint a different member of the Council or Board of Supervisors at the end of any appointee's four-year Council or Board term or upon the exit of the member from the governing body. In the latter case, the new appointee shall serve for the remainder of the term vacated by an exiting member of the governing body.

E. If funds are available, each director may be reimbursed by the Authority for the amount of actual expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties. Such expense allowance shall constitute a cost of operation and maintenance of such utility systems and shall be prorated among each of the systems it manages using the "Three-Factor" allocation method approved by the Commission. The three factors consist of the percentages that each division comprises of total plant in service, total operating revenues, and total customer accounts. Once each operating division's percentage of each of the three factors is calculated, the sum of the three factors divided by three results in the operating division's share of the total direct or indirect costs.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 ; 2016, cc. 724 , 725 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.35:1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.35:1
Creating or joining more than one authority
Status: in_force

No governing body that is a member of an authority shall create or join with any other governing body in the creation of another authority or join another authority if the latter authority would duplicate the services being performed in any part of the areas being served by the authority of which the governing body is a member.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2017 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2017
Public utilities not to use streets without consent
Status: in_force

No street railway, gas, water, steam or electric heating, electric light or power, cold storage, compressed air, viaduct, conduit, telephone or bridge company, nor any corporation, association, person, or partnership engaged in these or like enterprises, shall be permitted to use the streets, alleys or public grounds of a city or town, without the previous consent of the corporate authorities of such city or town.

Code 1950, § 15-774; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-375; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2316.4:2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7.2 / Section 15.2-2316.4:2
Application reviews
Status: in_force

A. In its receiving, consideration, and processing of a complete application submitted under subsection A of § 15.2-2316.4:1 or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project, a locality shall not:

1. Disapprove an application on the basis of:

a. The applicant's business decision with respect to its designed service, customer demand for service, or quality of its service to or from a particular site;

b. The applicant's specific need for the project, including the applicant's desire to provide additional wireless coverage or capacity; or

c. The wireless facility technology selected by the applicant for use at the project;

2. Require an applicant to provide proprietary, confidential, or other business information to justify the need for the project, including propagation maps and telecommunications traffic studies, or information reviewed by a federal agency as part of the approval process for the same structure and wireless facility, provided that a locality may require an applicant to provide a copy of any approval granted by a federal agency, including conditions imposed by that agency;

3. Require the removal of existing wireless support structures or wireless facilities, wherever located, as a condition for approval of an application. A locality may adopt reasonable rules with respect to the removal of abandoned wireless support structures or wireless facilities;

4. Impose surety requirements, including bonds, escrow deposits, letters of credit, or any other types of financial surety, to ensure that abandoned or unused wireless facilities can be removed, unless the locality imposes similar requirements on other permits for other types of similar commercial development. Any such instrument shall not exceed a reasonable estimate of the direct cost of the removal of the wireless facilities;

5. Discriminate or create a preference on the basis of the ownership, including ownership by the locality, of any property, structure, base station, or wireless support structure, when promulgating rules or procedures for siting wireless facilities or for evaluating applications;

6. Impose any unreasonable requirements or obligations regarding the presentation or appearance of a project, including unreasonable requirements relating to (i) the kinds of materials used or (ii) the arranging, screening, or landscaping of wireless facilities or wireless structures;

7. Impose any requirement that an applicant purchase, subscribe to, use, or employ facilities, networks, or services owned, provided, or operated by a locality, in whole or in part, or by any entity in which a locality has a competitive, economic, financial, governance, or other interest;

8. Condition or require the approval of an application solely on the basis of the applicant's agreement to allow any wireless facilities provided or operated, in whole or in part, by a locality or by any other entity, to be placed at or co-located with the applicant's project;

9. Impose a setback or fall zone requirement for a project that is larger than a setback or fall zone area that is imposed on other types of similar structures of a similar size, including utility poles;

10. Limit the duration of the approval of an application, except a locality may require that construction of the approved project shall commence within two years of final approval and be diligently pursued to completion; or

11. Require an applicant to perform services unrelated to the project described in the application, including restoration work on any surface not disturbed by the applicant's project.

B. Nothing in this article shall prohibit a locality from disapproving an application submitted under subsection A of § 15.2-2316.4:1 or for any zoning approval required for a standard process project:

1. On the basis of the fact that the proposed height of any wireless support structure, wireless facility, or wireless support structure with attached wireless facilities exceeds 50 feet above ground level, provided that the locality follows a local ordinance or regulation that does 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; or

2. That proposes to locate a new structure, or to co-locate a wireless facility, in an area where all cable and public utility facilities are required to be placed underground by a date certain or encouraged to be undergrounded as part of a transportation improvement project or rezoning proceeding as set forth in objectives contained in a comprehensive plan, if:

a. The undergrounding requirement or comprehensive plan objective existed at least three months prior to the submission of the application;

b. The locality allows the co-location of wireless facilities on existing utility poles, government-owned structures with the government's consent, existing wireless support structures, or a building within that area;

c. The locality allows the replacement of existing utility poles and wireless support structures with poles or support structures of the same size or smaller within that area; and

d. The disapproval of the application does 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.

The locality may also disapprove an application if the applicant has not given written notice to adjacent landowners at least 15 days before it applies to locate a new structure in the area.

C. Nothing in this article shall prohibit an applicant from voluntarily submitting, and the locality from accepting, any conditions that otherwise address potential visual or aesthetic effects resulting from the placement of a new structure or facility.

D. Nothing in this article shall prohibit a locality from disapproving an application submitted under a standard process project on the basis of the availability of existing wireless support structures within a reasonable distance that could be used for co-location at reasonable terms and conditions without imposing technical limitations on the applicant.

2018, cc. 835 , 844 ; 2020, c. 344 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-941.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-941.1
Creation of abandoned school revitalization zones
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may establish by ordinance one or more abandoned school revitalization zones for the purpose of providing incentives to private entities to purchase or develop real property or to assemble parcels suitable for economic development that include an abandoned school site. Each locality establishing an abandoned school revitalization zone may grant incentives and provide regulatory flexibility.

B. The incentives provided for in this section may include, but shall not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax or any other type of local tax as permitted by state law, and (iv) waiver of tax liens to facilitate the sale of property, if deemed appropriate.

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 abandoned school 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 abandoned school 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 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 locality 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. A school located in an abandoned school revitalization zone shall be eligible for participation in the Virginia Shell Building Initiative pursuant to § 15.2-941 .

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

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

2018, cc. 498 , 499 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-519 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-519
Department of finance; director; general duties
Status: in_force

The director of finance shall be the head of the department of finance and, as such, have charge of: (i) the administration of the financial affairs of the county, including the budget; (ii) the assessment of property for taxation; (iii) the collection of taxes, license fees and other revenues; (iv) the custody of all public funds belonging to or handled by the county; (v) the supervision of the expenditures of the county and its subdivisions; (vi) the disbursement of county funds; (vii) the purchase, storage and distribution of all supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services needed by any department, office or other using agency of the county unless some other officer or employee is designated for this purpose; (viii) the keeping and supervision of all accounts; and (ix) such other duties as the board requires.

Code 1950, § 15-288; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, cc. 399, 623, § 15.1-605; 1982, c. 647; 1984, c. 485; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2243 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2243
Payment by subdivider of the pro rata share of the cost of certain facilities
Status: in_force

A. A locality may provide in its subdivision ordinance for payment by a subdivider or developer of land of the pro rata share of the cost of providing reasonable and necessary sewerage, water, and drainage facilities, located outside the property limits of the land owned or controlled by the subdivider or developer but necessitated or required, at least in part, by the construction or improvement of the subdivision or development; however, no such payment shall be required until such time as the governing body or a designated department or agency thereof has established a general sewer, water, and drainage improvement program for an area having related and common sewer, water, and drainage conditions and within which the land owned or controlled by the subdivider or developer is located or the governing body has committed itself by ordinance to the establishment of such a program. Such regulations or ordinance shall set forth and establish reasonable standards to determine the proportionate share of total estimated cost of ultimate sewerage, water, and drainage facilities required to adequately serve a related and common area, when and if fully developed in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan, that shall be borne by each subdivider or developer within the area. Such share shall be limited to the amount necessary to protect water quality based upon the pollutant loading caused by the subdivision or development or to the proportion of such total estimated cost which the increased sewage flow, water flow, and/or increased volume and velocity of storm water runoff to be actually caused by the subdivision or development bears to total estimated volume and velocity of such sewage, water, and/or runoff from such area in its fully developed state. In calculating the pollutant loading caused by the subdivision or development or the volume and velocity of storm water runoff, the governing body shall take into account the effect of all on-site storm water facilities or best management practices constructed or required to be constructed by the subdivider or developer and give appropriate credit therefor.

B. A locality that has adopted an ordinance pursuant to subsection A may also provide in its subdivision ordinance that, when adequate water, sewerage, or drainage facilities are not available to serve a proposed subdivision or development, the subdivider or developer of the property may be permitted to install reasonable and necessary water, sewerage, and drainage facilities, located on or outside the property limits of the land owned or controlled by the subdivider or developer but necessitated or required, at least in part, by the utility needs of the development or subdivision, including reasonably anticipated capacity, extensions, or maintenance considerations of a utility service plan for the service area. The ordinance shall provide that such subdivider or developer shall be entitled to reimbursement of a portion of its costs by any subsequent subdivider or developer that utilizes the installed water, sewerage or drainage facilities or from connection fees paid for lots within its development, and the ordinance may limit the duration of the reimbursements. The locality is authorized to administer by ordinance and by adopted reasonable policies and procedures standards for installation of such water, sewerage, and drainage facilities and parameters for pro rata reimbursement or connection or capacity fee reimbursement. The provisions of this subsection shall not be deemed to limit the authority of (i) localities that have not adopted an ordinance pursuant to subsection A or (ii) authorities established pursuant to the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.) to establish policies for reimbursement or credits from connection fees or to other utility fund sources to subdividers and developers constructing water, sewerage, or drainage facilities.

C. Each payment pursuant to subsection A received shall be expended only for necessary engineering and related studies and the construction of those facilities identified in the established sewer, water, and drainage program; however, in lieu of such payment the governing body may provide for the posting of a personal, corporate or property bond, cash escrow, or other method of performance guarantee satisfactory to it conditioned on payment at commencement of such studies or construction. The payments received shall be kept in a separate account for each of the individual improvement programs until such time as they are expended for the improvement program. All bonds, payments, cash escrows, or other performance guarantees hereunder shall be released and used, with any interest earned, as a tax credit on the real estate taxes on the property if construction of the facilities identified in the established water, sewer, and drainage programs is not commenced within 12 years from the date of the posting of the bond, payment, cash escrow, or other performance guarantee.

D. Any funds collected for pro rata programs under this section prior to July 1, 1990, shall continue to be held in separate, interest bearing accounts for the project or projects for which the funds were collected and any interest from such accounts shall continue to accrue to the benefit of the subdivider or developer until such time as the project or projects are completed or until such time as a general sewer and drainage improvement program is established to replace a prior sewer and drainage improvement program. If such a general improvement program is established, the governing body of any locality may abolish any remaining separate accounts and require the transfer of the assets therein into a separate fund for the support of each of the established sewer, water, and drainage programs. Upon the transfer of such assets, subdividers and developers who had met the terms of any existing agreements made under a previous pro rata program shall receive any outstanding interest which has accrued up to the date of transfer, and such subdividers and developers shall be released from any further obligation under those existing agreements. All bonds, payments, cash escrows, or other performance guarantees hereunder shall be released and used, with any interest earned, as a tax credit on the real estate taxes on the property if construction of the facilities identified in the established water, sewer, and drainage programs is not commenced within 12 years from the date of the posting of the bond, payment, cash escrow, or other performance guarantee.

Code 1950, §§ 15-781, 15-967.1; 1950, p. 183; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-466; 1970, c. 436; 1973, cc. 169, 480; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 270; 1978, cc. 429, 439, 440; 1979, cc. 183, 188, 395; 1980, cc. 379, 381; 1981, c. 348; 1983, cc. 167, 609; 1984, c. 111; 1985, cc. 422, 455; 1986, c. 54; 1987, c. 717; 1988, cc. 279, 735; 1989, cc. 332, 393, 403, 495; 1990, cc. 170, 176, 287, 708, 973; 1991, cc. 30, 47, 288, 538; 1992, c. 380; 1993, cc. 836, 846, 864; 1994, c. 421 ; 1995, cc. 386 , 388 , 389 , 452 , 457 , 474 ; 1996, cc. 77 , 325 , 452 , 456 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2001, c. 704 ; 2020, c. 820 ; 2022, c. 629 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2141 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2141
Conflicting petitions for same territory; petition seeking territory in two or more counties
Status: in_force

A. When proceedings for the acquisition of land by a locality are pending and a petition is filed seeking the acquisition of the same land or a portion thereof to another locality, the case shall be heard by the special court in which the original proceedings are pending. The special court shall consolidate the cases and hear them together, and shall make such decision as is just, taking into consideration the interest of all parties to each case.

B. When the land sought by a locality lies in two or more counties, all such counties shall be made parties defendant to the case. The motion or petition shall be addressed to the circuit court of the county in which the larger part of the land is located. The provisions of §§ 15.2-2135 through 15.2-2141 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to any such proceedings.

1976, c. 69, § 15.1-37.1:7; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4907 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4907
Fiscal impact statement
Status: in_force

An authority may require any request for private activity bond financing when submitted to the authority to be accompanied by a statement in the following form, but the absence of any such form shall not affect the validity of a private activity bond:

________________

Date

_________________

(Name of Applicant)

_________________

(Facility)

Signature

____________________

Authority Chairman

_____________________

Name of Authority

If one or more of the above questions do not apply to the facility indicate by writing N/A (not applicable) on the appropriate line.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to bonds, notes or other obligations issued pursuant to hearings held and governmental approvals obtained prior to the effective date of this act in compliance with federal law or regulation.

1983, c. 514, § 15.1-1378.2; 1997, c. 587 ; 1998, c. 728 ; 2023, c. 130 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2109 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2109
Powers of localities as to public utilities and computer services; prevention of pollution of certain water
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may (i) acquire or otherwise obtain control of or (ii) establish, maintain, operate, extend and enlarge: waterworks, sewerage, gas works (natural or manufactured), electric plants, public mass transportation systems, stormwater management systems and other public utilities within or outside the limits of the locality and may acquire within or outside its limits in accordance with § 15.2-1800 whatever land may be necessary for acquiring, locating, establishing, maintaining, operating, extending or enlarging waterworks, sewerage, gas works (natural or manufactured), electric plants, public mass transportation systems, stormwater management systems and other public utilities, and the rights-of-way, rails, pipes, poles, conduits or wires connected therewith, or any of the fixtures or appurtenances thereof. As required by subsection C of § 15.2-1800 , this section expressly authorizes a county to acquire real property for a public use outside its boundaries.

The locality may also prevent the pollution of water and injury to waterworks for which purpose its jurisdiction shall extend to five miles beyond the locality. It may make, erect and construct, within or near its boundaries, drains, sewers and public ducts and acquire within or outside the locality in accordance with § 15.2-1800 so much land as may be necessary to make, erect, construct, operate and maintain any of the works or plants mentioned in this section.

In the exercise of the powers granted by this section, localities shall be subject to the provisions of § 25.1-102 to the same extent as are corporations. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to confer upon any locality the power of eminent domain with respect to any public utility owned or operated by any other political subdivision of this Commonwealth. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to exempt localities from the provisions of Chapters 20 (§ 46.2-2000 et seq.), 22 (§ 46.2-2200 et seq.) and 23 (§ 46.2-2300 et seq.) of Title 46.2.

B. A locality may not (i) acquire all of a public utility's facilities, equipment or appurtenances for the production, transmission or distribution of natural or manufactured gas, or of electric power, within the limits of such locality or (ii) take over or displace, in whole or in part, the utility services provided by such gas or electric public utility to customers within the limits of such locality until after the acquisition is authorized by a majority of the voters voting in a referendum held in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2 in such locality on the question of whether or not such facilities, equipment or appurtenances should be acquired or such services should be taken over or displaced; however, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the use of energy generated from landfill gas in the City of Lynchburg or Fairfax County. In no event, however, shall a locality be required to hold a referendum in order to provide gas or electric service to its own facilities. Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection, a locality may acquire public utility facilities or provide services to customers of a public utility with the consent of the public utility. No city or town which provided electric service as of January 1, 1994, shall be required to hold such a referendum prior to the acquisition of a public utility's facilities, equipment or appurtenances used for the production, transmission or distribution of electric power or to the provision of services to customers of a public utility. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to (a) create a property right or property interest or (b) affect or impair any existing property right or property interest of a public utility.

C. The City of Bristol is authorized to provide computer services as defined in § 18.2-152.2 . "Computer services" as used in this section shall specifically not include the communications link between the host computer and any person or entity other than (i) such locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities or (ii) an adjoining locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities.

Code 1950, § 15-715; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-292; 1970, c. 565; 1980, c. 483; 1994, c. 634 ; 1996, c. 384 ; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 663 ; 2003, c. 940 ; 2007, c. 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6303 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6303
Authorities to file annual reports
Status: in_force

At least once a year, each authority shall file with the Governor a report of its activities for the preceding year.

Code 1950, § 15-940; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1323; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1637 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-1637
Sharing of offices; transfer of jurisdiction
Status: in_force

A. Any attorney for the Commonwealth, clerk of a circuit court, or sheriff who performed his duties and had jurisdiction in both a city and a county prior to July 1, 1971, as provided for in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, shall continue to serve both political subdivisions until the city is transferred in accordance with the provisions of §§ 16.1-69.6 and 17.1-506 to a judicial circuit and district which is comprised of a county other than the circuit and district where the city was situated. Until such transfer is made, the voters residing in the city shall be entitled to vote for these officers at the general election for county officers.

B. Upon the effective date of the transfer referred to in subsection A of this section, the city shall have appointed for it by the judges of the circuit court for the county in the judicial circuit to which the city was transferred an attorney for the Commonwealth, clerk of the circuit court and sheriff, which constitutional officers shall be those of the adjoining county. In cases where the city has an elected sheriff, such sheriff shall be the only sheriff for the city. The city may contract with the county to which it was transferred for jail facilities.

In any case where the effective date of the transfer is to take place within 120 days after an election for any of these officers in the county to which the city is transferred, the voters of the city shall be entitled to vote in that election for each officer. The voting wards or precincts of the city shall be treated as precincts of the adjoining county, and no candidate for these offices shall be required to qualify separately in the city. The voters of the city shall thereafter be entitled to vote for these officers.

C. In order to complete the transfer of the jurisdiction of the respective circuit courts when the situation in subsection A occurs, the following shall control:

1. As to any crime occurring or civil cause of action arising in the city before the effective date of the transfer, the circuit court of the former judicial circuit shall have jurisdiction.

2. As to any crime occurring or civil cause of action arising in the city on or after the effective date of the transfer involving a matter required by general law to be located in a circuit court, the circuit court of the judicial circuit to which the city was transferred shall have jurisdiction.

D. All writings authorized by law to be recorded in the circuit court for the city transferred pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be recorded in the circuit court to which the city was transferred beginning on the effective date of the transfer.

1980, c. 592, § 15.1-994.1; 1987, c. 624; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5204 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 52 / Section 15.2-5204
Members of commission; quorum; compensation; expenses; removal and vacancies
Status: in_force

A. A hospital or health center commission shall consist of the following number of members based upon the number of political subdivisions participating: for one political subdivision, five members; for two, six members; for three, six members; for four, eight members; and for more than four, one member for each of the participating subdivisions. The respective members shall be appointed by the governing bodies of the subdivisions they represent, may be members of such governing bodies, may be residents of such subdivisions, and shall be appointed for such terms as the appointing body designates. A member shall hold office until the earlier of the effective date of his resignation or the date on which his successor has been appointed and has qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. The powers of the commission conferred by this chapter shall be vested in and exercised by the members in office. A majority of the members then in office shall constitute a quorum. The commission shall elect its own chairman and shall adopt rules and regulations for its own procedure and government. The commission members may receive up to $50 for attendance at each commission meeting, not to exceed $1,200 per year, and shall be paid their actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Any commission member may be removed at any time by the governing body appointing him, and vacancies on the commission shall be filled for the unexpired terms.

B. In Chesterfield County, the number of commission members shall be seven and their terms may be staggered as the appointing body designates. Such members shall not be removable at any time by the County's governing body except for malfeasance or at the end of the member's term.

Code 1950, § 32-279; 1978, c. 83, § 15.1-1518; 1979, c. 719; 1980, c. 86; 1993, c. 266; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 658 ; 2007, cc. 472 , 813 ; 2014, c. 735 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6003 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60 / Section 15.2-6003
Board of Authority; members and officers; staff; annual report
Status: in_force

All powers, rights and duties conferred by this chapter, or other provisions of law, upon the Authority shall be exercised by the Board of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Board or the Board of the Authority. Board members shall serve for terms of four years except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. All terms shall commence July 1 of the year of appointment. Initial appointments shall begin July 1, 1988. The Board shall consist of sixteen members, residents of the Commonwealth, as follows:

Three initial members shall be the sitting chairmen of the county boards of supervisors of the three counties which are the three largest contributors to the coal and gas road improvement fund for the fiscal year immediately preceding July 1, 1988, as reported by the treasurers of the affected counties and city. Every four years thereafter, the three members shall be supervisors from the county boards of supervisors of the three counties which are the three largest contributors to the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Fund for the fiscal year immediately preceding July 1 of the year in which new terms of members are to begin. Such supervisors shall be selected by their respective county boards of supervisors.

Five members shall be appointed by the Governor at large; however, if there is any participating county or city in which there resides no member of the Board appointed by the other methods herein specified, the Governor shall include at least one member who is a resident of each such county or city among his appointees. For the first four-year terms these five members shall be selected to the extent possible from former members of the Southwest Virginia Economic Development Commission who reside in Planning District 1 or 2.

One member shall be a representative of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, as designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership.

One member shall be a representative named by the Virginia Coal and Energy Alliance.

Two members shall be the Executive Directors of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commissions.

Three initial members shall be representatives named by the three largest coal producers determined by the dollar value of their contribution to the respective county coal and gas road improvement funds for the fiscal year immediately preceding July 1, 1988, as reported by the treasurers of the affected counties and city. Every four years thereafter, the three members shall be representatives named by the three largest coal producers determined by the dollar value of their contributions to the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Fund for the fiscal year immediately preceding July 1 of the year in which new terms of members are to begin.

One member shall be a representative named by the largest oil and gas producer determined by the dollar value of its contributions to the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Fund for the fiscal year immediately preceding July 1 of the year in which new terms of members are to begin.

Should a member who is a member solely by virtue of his office as member of a board of supervisors or executive director of a planning district commission cease to hold such office, then an immediate vacancy shall occur, and the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by his successor selected by the board of supervisors of his county or as executive director.

Each member of the Board shall, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of this office, take and subscribe the oath prescribed in § 49-1 . They shall receive their expenses spent on business of the Authority.

Ten members of the Authority shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum present shall be necessary for any action taken by the Authority. No vacancy in the membership of the Authority shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Authority.

The Board shall elect from its membership a chairman, a vice-chairman, a treasurer and a secretary for each calendar year. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the Board and affix the seal of the Authority.

The Board may also appoint an executive director, an assistant treasurer and an assistant secretary, and staff to assist same, who shall discharge such functions as may be directed by the Board.

Staff functions of the Authority may be undertaken by the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commissions, as agreed by the Board and participating Commissions.

The Board, promptly following the close of the calendar year, shall submit an annual report of the Authority's activities for the preceding year to the Governor, the General Assembly, the boards of supervisors of the seven coalfield counties and the Norton City Council. Each such report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering the operation of the Authority during such year. The Authority shall cause an audit of its books and accounts to be made at least once each year by a certified public accountant and the cost thereof may be treated as part of the expense of operation.

1988, c. 833, § 15.1-1638; 1989, c. 281; 1990, c. 341; 1995, c. 334 ; 1996, cc. 590 , 598 , 607 ; 1997, c. 587; 2010, c. 869 ; 2014, c. 438 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1133 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1133
Purchase of electric power and energy; duration of contracts; source of payments
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

"Other party" means any other entity, including but not limited to (i) another municipality or public institution of higher education or any political subdivision, public authority, agency, or instrumentality of the Commonwealth, another state, or the United States of America or (ii) a partnership, limited liability company, not-for-profit corporation, electric cooperative, or investor-owned utility, whether created, incorporated, or otherwise organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth or another state or the United States of America.

"Project" means any system or facilities for the generation, transmission, transformation, or supply of electrical power and energy by any means whatsoever, including but not limited to fuel, fuel transportation, and fuel supply resources and other related facilities, any one or more electric generating units situated at a particular site, in the continental United States of America, or any interest in the foregoing, whether an undivided interest as a tenant in common or otherwise, or any right to output, capacity or services thereof.

B. Any municipal corporation in the Commonwealth that on January 1, 2006, owned and operated an electric utility system may contract with any other party to buy power and energy required for its present or future requirements. Such contracts may provide that the source of such power and energy is limited to a specified project or may include provision for replacement power and energy. Any such contract may provide that the municipal corporation so contracting shall be obligated to make payments required by the contract whether or not a project is completed, operable, or operating and notwithstanding the suspension, interruption, interference, reduction, or curtailment of the output of a project or the power and energy contracted for, and that such payments under the contract shall not be subject to any reduction, whether by offset or otherwise, and shall not be conditioned upon the performance or nonperformance by any other party. Such contracts, with respect to any project, may also provide, in the event of default by any municipal corporation or other party that is a party to any such contract for such project in the performance of its obligations thereunder, for any municipal corporation or other party to any such contract for such project to succeed to the rights and interests and assume the obligations of the defaulting party, pro rata or otherwise, as may be agreed upon in such contracts. Such contracts may provide that the other party is not obligated to provide power and energy in the event that the project specified to be the source of power and energy to be purchased and sold under such contracts is inoperable or in the case of the suspension, interference, reduction or curtailment of the output of such project or in events of force majeure.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or charter provision to the contrary, any such contract, with respect to the sale or purchase of capacity, output, power, or energy from a project, may extend for a period not exceeding 50 years from the date a project is estimated to be placed in normal continuous operation; and the execution and effectiveness thereof shall not be subject to any authorizations or approvals by the Commonwealth or any agency, commission, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof except as specifically required by law.

Any such contract shall provide that payments by a municipal corporation under any such contract be made solely from and may be secured by a pledge of and lien upon the revenues derived by such municipal corporation from the ownership and operation of the electric system of such municipal corporation, and such payments shall constitute an operating expense of such electric system. No obligation under such contract shall constitute a legal or equitable pledge, charge, lien, or encumbrance upon any property of the municipal corporation or upon any of its income, receipts, or revenues, except the revenues of its electric system, and neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the municipal corporation are, or may be, pledged for the payment of any obligation under any such contract. A municipal corporation shall be obligated to fix, charge, and collect rents, rates, fees, and charges for electric power and energy and other services, facilities, and commodities sold, furnished, or supplied through its electric system sufficient to provide revenues adequate to meet its obligations under any such contract and to pay any and all other amounts payable from or constituting a charge and lien upon such revenues, including amounts sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on bonds of such municipal corporation heretofore or hereafter issued for purposes related to its electric system. Any pledge made by a municipal corporation pursuant to this paragraph shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth.

2007, cc. 612 , 670 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-958 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958
Local funding for repair or production of low and moderate income rental property or repair of residential property; other housing experiments
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared that the preservation of existing housing in safe and sanitary condition and the production of new housing for persons of low and moderate income are public purposes and uses for which public money may be spent, and that such preservation and production are governmental functions of concern to the Commonwealth. Therefore, the governing body of any locality may provide by ordinance that such locality may make grants or loans to owners of residential rental property occupied, or to be occupied, following rehabilitation or after construction if new, by persons of low and moderate income, for the purpose of rehabilitating or producing such property. Owners assisted in this manner must provide a minimum of 20 percent of the units for low and moderate income persons as defined by the locality for a minimum of 10 years. Participation by an owner under this section is voluntary.

Any locality in the ordinance herein authorized may:

1. Provide for the installation, construction, or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks, parking facilities, playgrounds, and other site improvements essential to the development, preservation or rehabilitation planned;

2. Provide encouragement or financial assistance to the owners or occupants for developing or preserving and upgrading apartment buildings and for improving health and safety, conserving energy, preventing erosion, enhancing the neighborhood, and reducing the displacement of low and moderate income residents of the property;

3. Require that the owner agree to maintain a portion of the property in residential rental use for a period longer than ten years and that a portion of the dwelling units in the property be offered at rents affordable to persons or families of low and moderate income;

4. Provide that the value of assistance given by the locality under subdivisions 1 and 2 above be proportionate to the value of considerations rendered by the owner in maintaining a portion of the dwelling units at reduced rents for persons or families of low and moderate income; and

5. Make loans or grants of local funds to individuals for the purpose of rehabilitating owner-occupied residences or assisting in the purchase of an owner-occupied residence in designated conservation or rehabilitation districts. The locality shall publish annually a report listing the property purchased or rehabilitated pursuant to this provision and the amounts of any grants or loans made for such purpose. Such ordinance shall require that any such loans or grants be applied using the income guidelines issued by the Virginia Housing Development Authority for use in its single family mortgage loan program financed with bonds on which the interest is exempt from federal income taxation. The locality shall offer financial institutions as defined in § 6.2-604 the opportunity to participate in local loan programs established pursuant to this subsection.

1988, c. 862, § 15.1-37.3:9; 1993, c. 791; 1995, c. 393 ; 1997, c. 587; 2008, c. 580 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2400 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2400
Creation of service districts
Status: in_force

Any locality may by ordinance, or any two or more localities may by concurrent ordinances, create service districts within the locality or localities in accordance with the provisions of this article. Service districts may be created to provide additional, more complete or more timely services of government than are desired in the locality or localities as a whole.

Any locality seeking to create a service district shall have a public hearing prior to the creation of the service district. Notice of such hearing shall be published three times in a newspaper of general circulation within the locality, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing.

Code 1950, § 15-8.2; 1962, c. 581, § 15.1-18.2; 1981, c. 631, § 15.1-18.3; 1982, c. 96; 1984, c. 385; 1985, c. 150; 1987, cc. 61, 80, 82; 1988, c. 402; 1989, c. 3; 1990, cc. 44, 515; 1991, cc. 12, 29; 1992, cc. 232, 655; 1993, c. 744; 1994, c. 166 ; 1996, cc. 99 , 430 , 844 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2000, cc. 853 , 925 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1609.9 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1609.9
Compensation of part-time deputies
Status: in_force

The part-time deputies of sheriffs shall not receive fixed salaries, but shall be entitled to receive reasonable compensation for their services and allowances for their expenses, to be determined and paid as hereinafter provided. Each such part-time deputy shall keep a record of all services performed by him as such, which shall be reported to the sheriff whose deputy he is. The sheriff shall likewise keep a record of all services performed by each part-time deputy. Each sheriff shall file a monthly report with the board of supervisors or other governing body of the county or city council, as the case may be, on or before the fifth day of the month next succeeding that in which such services are performed, showing in detail all services and hours of service rendered by part-time deputies. The board of supervisors or other governing body or the city council shall recommend to the Compensation Board what in its judgment is a fair compensation to pay each individual part-time deputy of a sheriff on the basis of such reports, except that the limit for compensation per hour of service shall not exceed the hourly equivalent of the minimum annual salary paid a full-time deputy sheriff of like rank and experience who performs like services in the same county or city. In addition, mileage and other expenses for rendering the services shall be paid. If in the judgment of the governing body such limit would work a hardship on a particular part-time deputy sheriff, each sum may be increased with the written approval of the judge of the circuit court of the county or city for which such officer is appointed.

Code 1950, § 14-90; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-78; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1972, c. 225; 1980, c. 550; 1998, c. 872 ; 2017, c. 337 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1109 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1109
Milk, food and food products
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may regulate and inspect the production, preparation, storage, distribution and sale of milk and milk products, and other beverages, and food and food products, and the sanitation of establishments in which the same are produced, prepared, processed, handled, distributed, sold or offered for sale, and facilities, equipment and vehicles used for such purposes; provided such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions of Chapters 52 (§ 3.2-5200 et seq.) and 54 (§ 3.2-5400 et seq.) of Title 3.2; and may condemn, seize and dispose of any adulterated, impure or dangerous milk, milk product, beverage, food or food product, without liability to the owner thereof.

Code 1950, § 15-77.17; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-853; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-637 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-637
Schedule of compensation
Status: in_force

The board shall establish a schedule of compensation for officers and employees which shall provide uniform compensation for like service. The compensation prescribed shall be subject to such limitations as made by general law.

Code 1950, § 15-331; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-654; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2288.3:1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2288.3:1
Limited brewery license; local regulation of certain activities
Status: in_force

A. It is the policy of the Commonwealth to preserve the economic vitality of the Virginia beer industry while maintaining appropriate land use authority to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth and to permit the reasonable expectation of uses in specific zoning categories. Local restriction upon such activities and public events of breweries licensed pursuant to subdivision 4 of § 4.1-206.1 to market and sell their products shall be reasonable and shall take into account the economic impact on such licensed brewery of such restriction, the agricultural nature of such activities and events, and whether such activities and events are usual and customary for such licensed breweries. Usual and customary activities and events at such licensed breweries shall be permitted unless there is a substantial impact on the health, safety, or welfare of the public. No local ordinance regulating noise, other than outdoor amplified music, arising from activities and events at such licensed breweries shall be more restrictive than that in the general noise ordinance. In authorizing outdoor amplified music at such licensed brewery, the locality shall consider the effect on adjacent property owners and nearby residents.

B. No locality shall regulate any of the following activities of a brewery licensed under subdivision 4 of § 4.1-206.1 :

1. The production and harvesting of barley, other grains, hops, fruit, or other agricultural products and the manufacturing of beer;

2. The on-premises sale, tasting, or consumption of beer during regular business hours within the normal course of business of such licensed brewery;

3. The direct sale and shipment of beer in accordance with Title 4.1 and regulations of the Board of Directors of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority;

4. The sale and shipment of beer to licensed wholesalers and out-of-state purchasers in accordance with Title 4.1, regulations of the Board of Directors of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, and federal law;

5. The storage and warehousing of beer in accordance with Title 4.1, regulations of the Board of Directors of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, and federal law; or

6. The sale of beer-related items that are incidental to the sale of beer.

C. Any locality may exempt any brewery licensed in accordance with subdivision 4 of § 4.1-206.1 on land zoned agricultural from any local regulation of minimum parking, road access, or road upgrade requirements.

2014, c. 365 ; 2015, cc. 38 , 730 ; 2020, cc. 1113 , 1114 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3516 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3516
Registration of voters
Status: in_force

No new registration shall be necessary in case of consolidation, but all voter registrations of the localities shall be transferred to the proper registration books of the consolidated locality, and new registrations shall be made as provided by law just as if no consolidation had taken place.

Code 1950, § 15-187; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1096; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5335 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5335
Acting with federal government
Status: in_force

An authority shall have power to act as agent for the federal government in connection with the acquisition, construction, operation and management of a hospital project or any part thereof.

Code 1950, § 32-248; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1569; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1648 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1648
Donation of land and money
Status: in_force

Any town or individual may donate to the county the land necessary for its uses at any of the locations named in the petition, which shall not be less than one acre, and may offer as an inducement for such removal such sum of money as may be desired. Any offer to donate the land shall be accompanied by a deed for the land, to be regularly executed and placed in the hands of the clerk of the county. Any offer of money shall be accompanied by a certified check or other satisfactory security to be likewise placed in the hands of the clerk to be delivered by him to the treasurer of the county. If the location stated in the deed or offer of money is selected by the voters, the treasurer shall record the deed and collect and place the fund to the credit of the county to be drawn on by the board of supervisors as hereinafter directed.

Code 1950, § 15-47; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-563; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1726.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1726.1
Immigration enforcement agreements with federal authority; required provisions
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Federal immigration enforcement agreement" means an agreement with a federal agency authorizing a law-enforcement officer or employee of the Commonwealth or any of its localities to perform a function of a federal immigration officer or an intergovernmental service agreement with a federal agency authorizing the civil immigration detention of a person in a local, regional, or state correctional facility if such facility also detains or incarcerates persons for violations of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth.

"Law-enforcement agency" means any state or local agency that employs law-enforcement officers and that has as its principal function the enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth and its localities. "Law-enforcement agency" includes any sheriff's office, any police department, any local or regional correctional facility, the Department of State Police, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or any other local or state agency or department that performs law-enforcement functions or that was created to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and its localities.

B. Except as provided in §§ 19.2-81.6 , 19.2-83.2 , 53.1-218 , 53.1-220.1 , and 53.1-220.2 , no person acting in his capacity as a law-enforcement officer shall assist, cooperate with, or use any law-enforcement resources to facilitate any operation that seeks to identify, arrest, or otherwise impose a penalty upon an individual for any violation of federal civil immigration law unless presented with a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a law-enforcement officer from investigating, or assisting in the investigation of, a state or federal crime, including operations conducted with, or as part of, a joint state-federal law-enforcement task force.

C. No law-enforcement agency shall maintain, renew, or enter into any federal immigration enforcement agreement unless such agreement includes the following provisions:

1. That U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall provide to the law-enforcement agency the names and ranks of all federal agents involved in any immigration enforcement activity within the Commonwealth at least seven days prior to engaging in such immigration enforcement activity;

2. That any federal agent operating pursuant to the federal immigration enforcement agreement shall comply with all applicable laws of the Commonwealth while conducting any immigration enforcement activity within the Commonwealth;

3. That any federal agent operating pursuant to the federal immigration enforcement agreement shall be clearly identified as an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. No such clear identification shall include wearing any uniform or displaying the word "police" on any uniform, vehicle, or equipment while conducting any immigration enforcement activity within the Commonwealth;

4. That no agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall conduct any immigration enforcement activity on the property of any school, faith-based organization, or courthouse within the Commonwealth;

5. That, by entering into such federal immigration enforcement agreement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its agents consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth for any civil or criminal proceedings arising from any violation of the provisions of this section or for any violation of the laws of the Commonwealth committed while acting in the performance of their official duties pursuant to such federal immigration enforcement agreement;

6. That neither U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor its agents shall make general requests or demands for information from any agency or entity of the Commonwealth or its localities that are not related to the investigation of a specific person;

7. That neither U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor any of its agents shall request information from any locality within the Commonwealth regarding the immigration or citizenship status of any person unless such request is made pursuant to a valid judicial warrant or judicial subpoena;

8. That no federal agent, during the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening and after closing, shall conduct any immigration enforcement activity within 500 yards of any polling place;

9. That neither U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor its agents shall use any surveillance technology to conduct immigration enforcement within the Commonwealth or otherwise monitor residents of the Commonwealth. Such surveillance technology includes (i) biometric and identification technologies, such as facial recognition systems or fingerprint scanning; (ii) license plate readers; (iii) mobile telephone surveillance, such as cell-site simulators or phone location databases; (iv) digital forensics and hacking tools; and (v) drones or other aerial surveillance. The prohibition under this subdivision shall not apply to the use of surveillance technology to investigate, detain, or arrest any person who (a) is not lawfully present in the United States and (b) has been convicted of any offense set forth in § 17.1-805 , 19.2-297.1 , or 53.1-40.02 ;

10. That no federal agent, for the purpose of conducting any immigration enforcement activity, shall enter a home within the Commonwealth without a valid judicial warrant;

11. That, by entering into such federal immigration enforcement agreement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its agents shall adhere to the provisions of Chapter 7.1 (§ 19.2-83.3 et seq.) of Title 19.2 when conducting an arrest or detention related to immigration enforcement; and

12. That, in addition to the provisions of subdivision 5, by entering into such federal immigration enforcement agreement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its agents agree that any shooting involving any agent while such agent is in the performance of his official duties shall be investigated by the Virginia State Police and shall be subject to prosecution by the attorney for the Commonwealth or the Attorney General in the local jurisdiction where such shooting occurred or as otherwise provided by state law.

D. Any law-enforcement agency that has an existing federal immigration enforcement agreement that is in effect on July 1, 2026, shall obtain in writing no later than September 1, 2026, a modified federal immigration enforcement agreement that complies with the conditions provided in subsection C. Any federal immigration enforcement agreement that is not modified in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed void and unenforceable.

E. Any federal immigration enforcement agreement entered into or maintained in violation of this section shall be void and unenforceable.

F. In addition to any other available right or remedy, the Attorney General, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or a county or city attorney may enforce the provisions of this section and the conditions provided in subsection C by seeking injunctive or declaratory relief. The prevailing party in any such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Director of the Department of Corrections, a sheriff, or a jail superintendent, upon receipt of a federal immigration detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, from transferring custody of an adult as authorized by § 53.1-220.2 .

2026, cc. 1028 , 1098 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2125 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2125
Board, etc., for supervision of such works
Status: in_force

Localities contracting with each other pursuant to § 15.2-2124 may also provide in the contract (i) for a board, commission or other body as deemed appropriate; (ii) for the supervision, general management and operation of such works or structures; and (iii) may prescribe their authority, duties and compensation.

Code 1950, § 15-739; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-319; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4116 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 41 / Section 15.2-4116
Library aid continued
Status: in_force

In any transition under the provisions of this chapter, if a regional library system existed between a former city and the county surrounding it, or if the former city continues to operate an independent library, the Commonwealth shall continue state aid to the former regional library system or independent library the same as if no transition had occurred. The provisions of this section shall apply to all former regional library systems regardless of when a former city reverted to town status.

1991, c. 189, § 15.1-965.24:1; 1994, c. 775 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2009, c. 483 ; 2013, c. 363 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 174 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-516 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-516
Duties of county executive
Status: in_force

The county executive shall be the administrative head of the county. He shall attend all meetings of the board and recommend such action as he deems expedient. He shall be responsible to the board for the proper administration of the affairs of the county which the board has authority to control.

He shall also:

1. Make monthly reports to the board on matters of administration, and keep the board fully advised as to the county's financial condition.

2. Submit to the board a proposed annual budget, with his recommendations, and execute the budget as finally adopted.

3. Execute and enforce all board resolutions and orders and see that all laws of the Commonwealth required to be enforced through the board or some other county officer subject to the control of the board are faithfully executed.

4. Examine regularly the books and papers of every officer and department of the county and report to the board on their condition.

5. Perform such other duties as may be required of him by the board, and as may be otherwise required of him by law.

Code 1950, § 15-285; 1960, c. 513; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-602; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3709 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 37 / Section 15.2-3709
Special debt district
Status: in_force

If so provided in the agreement required by § 15.2-3701 , the territory constituting the former town may be a special debt district for the purpose of repaying all or part of the existing indebtedness chargeable to the town before annulment. A special tax on real property within the special debt district shall be levied for a period not exceeding twenty years. The special tax may be different from and in addition to the general tax rate throughout the entire county or counties in which the town was located.

1992, c. 453, § 15.1-965.38; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1812.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 18 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1812.2
Willful and malicious damage to or defacement of public or private facilities; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may by ordinance make unlawful the willful and malicious damage to or defacement of any public buildings, facilities and personal property or of any private buildings, facilities and personal property. The penalty for violation of such ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The punishment for any such violation in which the defacement is (i) more than 20 feet off the ground, (ii) on a railroad or highway overpass, or (iii) committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, as that term is defined by § 18.2-46.1 , shall include a mandatory minimum fine of $500.

B. Upon a finding of guilt under any such ordinance in any case tried before the court without a jury, in the event the violation constitutes a first offense that results in property damage or loss, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt, upon motion of the defendant, may defer further proceedings and place the defendant on probation pending completion of a plan of community service work. If the defendant fails or refuses to complete the community service as ordered by the court, the court may make final disposition of the case and proceed as otherwise provided. If the community service work is completed as the court prescribes, the court may discharge the defendant and dismiss the proceedings against him. Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is a conviction only for the purposes of applying the ordinance in subsequent proceedings.

C. The ordinance shall direct that the community service, to the extent feasible, include the repair, restoration or replacement of any damage or defacement to property within the locality, and may include clean-up, beautification, landscaping or other appropriate community service within the locality. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall make provision for a designee of the locality to supervise the performance of any community service work required and to report thereon to the court imposing such requirement. At or before the time of sentencing under the ordinance, the court shall receive and consider any plan for making restitution or performing community service submitted by the defendant. The court shall also receive and consider the recommendations of the supervisor of community service in the locality concerning the plan.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person convicted of a violation of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be placed on probation or have his sentence suspended unless such person makes at least partial restitution for such property damage or is compelled to perform community services, or both, as is more particularly set forth in § 19.2-305.1 .

E. If a locality seeks to clean or cover the defacement, it shall give notice to the owner and lessee, if any, of any private building or facility that has been defaced that, within 15 days of receipt of such notice, if the owner or lessee does not clean or cover the defacement or object to the removal of the defacement, the locality may clean or cover the defacement at the locality's expense.

1995, c. 251 , § 18.2-138.1; 1997, cc. 445 , 461 ; 2004, c. 462 ; 2005, c. 614 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4614 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 46 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4614
Approval by Commonwealth Transportation Board
Status: in_force

The district may not construct or improve a mass transit system or public highway without the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and without the approval of each county 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.) of Title 25.1 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 primary 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 held by the commission and improvements of such highway shall vest in the Commonwealth. Upon completion of the 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. § 15.2-5356 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5356
Provisions of bonds and trust indentures
Status: in_force

In connection with the issuance of bonds or the incurring of any obligations and in order to secure the payment of such bonds or obligations, the authority shall have power:

1. To pledge by resolution, trust indenture, or other contract, all or any part of its rents, fees, or revenues.

2. To covenant to impose and maintain such schedule of fees and charges as will produce funds sufficient to pay operating costs and debt service.

3. To covenant with respect to limitations on its right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any hospital project or other property of the authority or any part thereof or with respect to limitations on its right to undertake additional hospital projects.

4. To covenant against pledging all or any part of its rents, fees and revenues to which its right then exists or the right to which may thereafter come into existence or against permitting or suffering any lien thereon.

5. To provide for the release of rents, fees, and revenues from any pledge and reserve rights and powers in, or the right to dispose of, property, the rents, fees and revenues from which are subject to a pledge.

6. To covenant as to the bonds to be issued pursuant to any resolution, trust indenture, or other instrument and as to the issuance of such bonds in escrow or otherwise, and as to the use and disposition of the proceeds thereof.

7. To covenant as to what other, or additional, debt may be incurred by it.

8. To provide for the terms, form, registration, exchange, execution and authentication of bonds.

9. To provide for the replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated bonds.

10. To covenant as to the use of any or all of its property, real or personal.

11. To create or authorize the creation of special funds in which there shall be segregated: (i) the proceeds of any loan or grant; (ii) all of the rents, fees and revenues of any hospital project or projects or parts thereof; (iii) any moneys held for the payment of the costs of operation and maintenance of any such hospital projects or as a reserve for the meeting of contingencies in the operation and maintenance thereof; (iv) any moneys held for the payment of the principal and interest on its bonds or the sums due under its leases or as a reserve for such payments; and (v) any moneys held for any other reserve or contingency; and to covenant as to the use and disposal of the moneys held in such funds.

12. To redeem the bonds and covenant for their redemption and provide the terms and conditions thereof.

13. To covenant against extending the time for the payment of its bonds or interest thereon, directly or indirectly, by any means or in any manner.

14. To prescribe the procedure, if any, by which the terms of any contract with bondholders may be amended or abrogated, the amount of bonds the holders of which must consent thereto and the manner in which such consent may be given.

15. To covenant as to the maintenance of its property, the replacement thereof, the insurance to be carried thereon and the use and disposition of insurance moneys.

16. To vest in an obligee of the authority the right, in the event of the failure of the authority, to observe or perform any covenant on its part to be kept or performed, cure any such default and advance any moneys necessary for such purpose. The moneys so advanced may be made an additional obligation of the authority with such interest, security and priority as may be provided in any trust indenture, lease or contract of the authority with reference thereto.

17. To covenant and prescribe as to the events of default and terms and conditions upon which any or all of its bonds shall become or may be declared due before maturity and as to the terms and conditions upon which such declaration and its consequences may be waived.

18. To covenant as to the rights, liabilities, powers and duties arising upon the breach by it of any covenant, condition, or obligation.

19. To covenant to surrender possession of all or any part of any hospital project or other property of the authority, the revenues from which have been pledged, upon the happening of any event of default (as defined in the contract) and to vest in an obligee the right without judicial proceeding to take possession; to use, operate, manage and control such hospital project or other property or any part thereof; to collect and receive all rents, fees and revenues arising therefrom in the same manner as the authority itself might do; and to dispose of the moneys collected in accordance with the agreement of the authority with such obligee.

20. To vest in a trustee or trustees the right to enforce any covenant made to secure, to pay, or in relation to the bonds, to provide for the powers and duties of such trustee or trustees, to limit liabilities thereof and to provide the terms and conditions upon which the trustee or trustees or the holders of bonds or any proportion of them may enforce any such covenant.

21. To make covenants other than and in addition to the covenants herein expressly authorized, of like or different character.

22. To execute all instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers herein granted or in the performance of its covenants or duties, which may contain such covenants and provisions, in addition to those above specified, as the government or any purchaser of the bonds of the authority may reasonably require.

23. To make such covenants and to do any and all such acts and things as may be necessary or convenient or desirable in order to secure its bonds or, in the absolute discretion of the authority, tend to make the bonds more marketable, notwithstanding that such covenants, acts or things may not be enumerated herein. It is the intention hereof to give the authority power to do all things in the issuance of bonds and in the provisions for their security that are not inconsistent with the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 32-271; 1973, c. 462, § 15.1-1591; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4400 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 44 / Section 15.2-4400
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act."

1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4314 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 43 / Section 15.2-4314
Withdrawal of land from a district; termination of a district
Status: in_force

A. At any time after the creation of a district within any locality, any owner of land lying in such district may file with the program administrator a written request to withdraw all or part of his land from the district for good and reasonable cause. The program administrator shall refer the request to the advisory committee for its recommendation. The advisory committee shall make recommendations concerning the request to withdraw to the local planning commission, which shall hold a public hearing and make recommendations to the local governing body. Land proposed to be withdrawn may be reevaluated through the Virginia or local Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System. The landowner seeking to withdraw land from a district, if denied favorable action by the governing body, shall have an immediate right of appeal de novo to the circuit court serving the territory wherein the district is located. This section shall in no way affect the ability of an owner to withdraw an application for a proposed district or withdraw from a district pursuant to clause (v) of subdivision 1 of § 15.2-4307 or § 15.2-4311 .

B. Upon termination of a district or withdrawal or removal of any land from a district created pursuant to this chapter, land that is no longer part of a district shall be subject to and liable for roll-back taxes as are provided in § 58.1-3237 . Sale or gift of a portion of land in a district to a member of the immediate family as defined in § 15.2-2244 shall not in and of itself constitute a withdrawal or removal of any of the land from a district.

C. Upon termination of a district or upon withdrawal or removal of any land from a district, land that is no longer part of a district shall be subject to those local laws and ordinances prohibited by the provisions of subsection B of § 15.2-4312 .

D. Upon the death of a property owner, any heir at law, devisee, surviving cotenant or personal representative of a sole owner of any fee simple interest in land lying within a district shall, as a matter of right, be entitled to withdraw such land from such district upon the inheritance or descent of such land provided that such heir at law, devisee, surviving cotenant or personal representative files written notice of withdrawal with the local governing body and the local commissioner of the revenue within two years of the date of death of the owner.

E. Upon termination or modification of a district, or upon withdrawal or removal of any parcel of land from a district, the local governing body shall submit a copy of the ordinance or notice of withdrawal to the local commissioner of revenue, the State Forester and the State Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services for information purposes. The commissioner of revenue shall delete the identification of such parcel from the land book and the tax map, and the local governing body shall delete the identification of such parcel from the zoning map, where applicable.

F. The withdrawal or removal of any parcel of land from a lawfully constituted district shall not in itself serve to terminate the existence of the district. The district shall continue in effect and be subject to review as to whether it should be terminated, modified or continued pursuant to § 15.2-4311 of this chapter.

1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1513; 1979, c. 377; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 521 ; 2011, cc. 344 , 355 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4811 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 48 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4811
Approval by Commonwealth Transportation Board
Status: in_force

The district may not construct or improve a public highway or public mass transit system without the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the county. At the request of the commission, the Commonwealth Transportation Board may exercise its 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 facilities within the district. Upon completion of such construction or improvement of a public highway, the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall take such public highway into the primary or secondary system of state highways for purposes of maintenance and subsequent improvement as necessary. Upon acceptance by the Commonwealth of the highway into the state highway system, all rights, title, and interest in the right-of-way and improvements of such 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 such 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. § 15.2-958.7 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958.7
Local Foundation and Soil Management Fund; grant moneys
Status: in_force

Any locality may by ordinance create a local Foundation and Soil Management Fund consisting of appropriated local moneys for the purpose of granting funds to an owner of private property or a common interest community, as that term is defined in § 54.1-2345 , for foundation management and soil settlement repairs on previously developed lands. Grants from such fund shall be used only for (i) the construction, improvement, or repair of a foundation; (ii) soil settlement and compaction control; (iii) foundation failure and soil compaction mitigation and protection measures that are a part of a locality's comprehensive plan to address foundation failure and soil compaction mitigation and protection; or (iv) joint foundation repair and soil compaction mitigation projects. Grants made pursuant to clause (iii) shall, where practicable, prioritize projects that include nature-based practices.

2025, c. 123 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1627.5 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1627.5
Coordination of multidisciplinary response to child sexual abuse and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults
Status: in_force

A. The attorney for the Commonwealth in each jurisdiction in the Commonwealth shall establish a multidisciplinary child sexual abuse response team, which may be an existing multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team shall conduct regular reviews of new and ongoing reports of felony sex offenses in the jurisdiction involving a child and the investigations thereof and, at the request of any member of the team, may conduct reviews of any other reports of child abuse and neglect or sex offenses in the jurisdiction involving a child and the investigations thereof. The multidisciplinary team shall meet frequently enough to ensure that no new or ongoing reports go more than 60 days without being reviewed by the team.

B. The following individuals, or their designees, shall participate in review meetings of the multidisciplinary team established pursuant to subsection A: the attorney for the Commonwealth; law-enforcement officials responsible for the investigation of sex offenses involving a child in the jurisdiction; a representative of the local child protective services unit; a representative of a children's advocacy center serving the jurisdiction, if one exists; and a representative of an Internet Crimes Against Children task force affiliate agency serving the jurisdiction, if one exists. In addition, the attorney for the Commonwealth may invite other individuals, or their designees, including the school superintendent of the jurisdiction; a representative of any sexual assault crisis center serving the jurisdiction, if one exists; the director of the victim/witness program serving the jurisdiction, if one exists; and a health professional knowledgeable in the treatment and provision of services to children who have been sexually abused.

C. The attorney for the Commonwealth in each jurisdiction may also establish a multidisciplinary adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation response team to review cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults as defined in § 63.2-1603 . The multidisciplinary team may be established separately or in conjunction with any already existing multidisciplinary team.

2014, cc. 780 , 801 ; 2019, cc. 170 , 775 ; 2024, cc. 779 , 829 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2616 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2616
Interim receipts or temporary bonds exchangeable for definitive bonds
Status: in_force

Before the preparation of definitive bonds, the governing body of a locality may, subject to the same provisions of this chapter as are applicable to the issuance of definitive bonds, issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds have been executed and are available for delivery.

Code 1950, § 15-666.45; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-204; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.18; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3919 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 39 / Section 15.2-3919
Legislative, etc., district and judicial circuit not affected
Status: in_force

Any city formed under the provisions of this chapter shall be and remain a part of the congressional, senatorial and legislative districts, respectively, and of the judicial circuit in which, as a county, it was geographically located, unless otherwise changed by general law.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.19; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1510.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1510.1
Public announcement of severance packages for certain officials
Status: in_force

Severance benefits provided to any departing official appointed by a local governing body or school board shall be publicly announced by the local governing body or school board, respectively, prior to such departure.

2006, c. 254 ; 2007, c. 257 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1421 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1421
Tie breakers
Status: in_force

The governing body of each county may designate a tie breaker, whose duty it shall be to cast the deciding vote in case of tie, as set forth in § 15.2-1420 . The designation of the tie breaker shall be by election by the voters of the county from the county at large. Every tie breaker shall serve for a period of four years from the date of his election and every tie breaker so elected shall serve the same term as a member of the governing body. No person shall be elected or serve as tie breaker who is not a resident of the county; who is not qualified to hold office as supervisor or who is an employee or officer of the county. Tie breakers heretofore appointed or elected shall continue in office until the expiration of the respective terms. Vacancies in the position of tie breaker shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies in the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-240; 1952, c. 159; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 10; 1954, c. 91; 1962, cc. 595, 623, § 15.1-535; 1966, c. 280; 1972, c. 593; 1974, c. 550; 1981, c. 261; 1994, c. 550 ; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 833 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1122 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1122
Parking or storage of vehicles
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may provide and operate places for, and limited to, the parking or storage of vehicles by the public, which shall include but shall not be limited to parking lots, garages, buildings and other land, structures, equipment and facilities; provide for their management and operation by an agency of the municipality; contract with others for the operation and management thereof upon such terms and conditions as shall be prescribed by the municipal corporation; and charge or authorize the charging of compensation for the parking or storage of vehicles.

Code 1950, § 15-77.48; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-884; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2707 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 27 / Section 15.2-2707
Filing of annual financial statements, deficit correction financial plan with State Corporation Commission required
Status: in_force

Each group self-insurance pool created in the Commonwealth shall file with the State Corporation Commission and with the members of the pool audited financial statements certified by an independent certified public accountant within 120 days after the end of the pool's fiscal year. If a group self-insurance pool fails to file the audited financial statements as required, the Commission may perform the audit and the group self-insurance pool shall reimburse the Commission for the cost of the audit.

The Commission shall prescribe a uniform reporting format for the preparation of pool-audited financial statements and shall also devise a uniform accounting system to be used by group self-insurance pools. The working papers of the certified public accountant and other records pertaining to the preparation of the audited financial statements may be reviewed by the Commission.

If a group self-insurance pool is in a deficit condition, the group self-insurance pool shall promptly file with the Commission a financial plan to correct the deficit condition. If the plan is found to be unacceptable by the Commission and written notice thereof is given to the governing authority of the pool, delinquency proceedings may be commenced and conducted by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 38.2.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:7; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7606 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 76 / Section 15.2-7606
Duties of planning districts within the coastal region
Status: in_force

Each member planning district commission of the Authority shall approve annually a development plan for its area within the coastal region. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plans shall satisfy this requirement if updated and reaffirmed annually by the planning district commission.

The development plan shall outline factors to be considered by the Authority in considering programs and projects for assistance under this chapter and in establishing priorities among assistance requests.

The Authority shall use the plans developed by the planning district commissions to guide the development of a work program for the Authority.

2017, c. 388 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-907.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-907.1
Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty
Status: in_force

Any locality that has a real estate tax abatement program in accordance with this section may, by ordinance, provide that:

1. The owners of property therein shall at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe submit a plan to demolish or renovate any building that has been declared a "derelict building." For purposes of this section, "derelict building" means a residential or nonresidential building or structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might endanger the public's health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous period in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in accordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider.

2. If a building qualifies as a derelict building pursuant to the ordinance, the locality shall notify the owner of the derelict building that the owner is required to submit to the locality a plan, within 90 days, to demolish or renovate the building to address the items that endanger the public's health, safety, or welfare as listed in a written notification provided by the locality. Such plan may be on a form developed by the locality and shall include a proposed time within which the plan will be commenced and completed. The plan may include one or more adjacent properties of the owner, whether or not all of such properties may have been declared derelict buildings. The plan shall be subject to approval by the locality. The locality shall deliver the written notice to the address listed on the real estate tax assessment records of the locality. Written notice sent by first-class mail, with the locality obtaining a U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing shall constitute delivery pursuant to this section.

3. If a locality delivers written notice and the owner of the derelict building has not submitted a plan to the locality within 90 days as provided in subdivision 2, the locality may exercise such remedies as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law. Such remedy may include imposition of a civil penalty not exceeding $500 per month until such time as the owner has submitted a plan in accordance with this section; however, the total civil penalty imposed shall not exceed the cost to demolish the derelict building. Any such civil penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the locality.

4. The owner of a building may apply to the locality and request that such building be declared a derelict building for purposes of this section.

5. The locality, upon receipt of the plan to demolish or renovate the building, at the owner's request, shall meet with the owner submitting the plan and provide information to the owner on the land use and permitting requirements for demolition or renovation.

6. If the property owner's plan is to demolish the derelict building, the building permit application of such owner shall be expedited. If the owner has completed the demolition within 90 days of the date of the building permit issuance, the locality shall refund any building and demolition permit fees. This section shall not supersede any ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2306 relative to historic districts.

7. If the property owner's plan is to renovate the derelict building, and no rezoning is required for the owner's intended use of the property, the site plan or subdivision application and the building permit, as applicable, shall be expedited. The site plan or subdivision fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the site plan or subdivision fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for site plan or subdivision applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property. The building permit fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the building permit fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for building permit applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property.

8. Prior to commencement of a plan to demolish or renovate the derelict building, at the request of the property owner, the real estate assessor shall make an assessment of the property in its current derelict condition. On the building permit application, the owner shall declare the costs of demolition, or the costs of materials and labor to complete the renovation. At the request of the property owner, after demolition or renovation of the derelict building, the real estate assessor shall reflect the fair market value of the demolition costs or the fair market value of the renovation improvements, and reflect such value in the real estate tax assessment records. The real estate tax on an amount equal to the costs of demolition or an amount equal to the increase in the fair market value of the renovations shall be abated for a period of not less than 15 years, and is transferable with the property. The abatement of taxes for demolition shall not apply if the structure demolished is a registered Virginia landmark or is determined by the Department of Historic Resources to contribute to the significance of a registered historic district. However, if the locality has an existing tax abatement program for less than 15 years, as of July 1, 2009, the locality may provide for a tax abatement period of not less than five years.

9. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the locality may proceed to make repairs and secure the building under § 15.2-906 , or the locality may proceed to abate or remove a nuisance under § 15.2-900 . In addition, the locality may exercise such remedies as may exist under the Uniform Statewide Building Code and may exercise such other remedies available under general and special law.

2009, cc. 181 , 551 ; 2020, c. 9 ; 2025, c. 61 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5300 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-5300
Finding and declaration of necessity
Status: in_force

It is declared that conditions resulting from the concentration of population of various cities of the Commonwealth require the construction, maintenance and operation of adequate hospital facilities for the care of the public health, for the control and treatment of epidemics, for the care of the indigent and for the public welfare. In various cities of the Commonwealth, adequate hospital facilities are not available to the inhabitants, and, consequently, many persons, including persons of low income, are forced to do without adequate medical and hospital care and accommodations. These conditions cause an increase in and the spread of disease and crime and constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals and welfare of the Commonwealth and impair economic values. The aforesaid conditions also exist in certain areas surrounding such cities, and these conditions cannot be remedied by the ordinary operations of private enterprises. The providing of adequate hospital and medical care are public uses and purposes for which public money may be spent and private property acquired. It is in the public interest that adequate hospital and medical facilities and care be provided in such concentrated centers of population in order to care for and protect the health and public welfare. The provisions hereinafter enacted are declared as a matter of legislative determination necessary in the public interest.

Code 1950, § 32-213; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1533; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5819 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5819
Policy statement
Status: in_force

It is hereby found, determined, and declared that the acquisition of a major league baseball franchise and a major league baseball stadium will result in substantial economic development in the Commonwealth and is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth and is a public purpose and that the Authority will be performing an essential government function in the exercise of the powers conferred by this chapter.

1996, cc. 950 , 1038 , § 15.1-227.89; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2817 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 28.1 / Section 15.2-2817
Cost of administering programs
Status: in_force

The cost of administering such pilot projects shall be determined by the appropriate state agencies and the counties and cities wherein a pilot program is located and shall have the approval of the Governor.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-298; 2002, c. 747 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2108.15 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-2108.15
Consumer complaints
Status: in_force

A municipality that provides cable television service shall enact an ordinance establishing a procedure for the filing and resolution of complaints relating to the municipality's provision of cable television service. Such ordinance shall comply with Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations and shall be no more favorable or less burdensome to the municipality than such procedure applicable to any private provider providing service in the municipality.

2003, c. 677 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3001 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 30 / Section 15.2-3001
Priority of proceedings in special courts
Status: in_force

Any proceeding heard by a special court appointed pursuant to §§ 15.2-3000 and 15.2-3002 shall have priority over all other cases, including criminal cases, on the docket of the court in which such proceeding is pending or on the docket of each judge designated to hear the case.

1993, c. 398, § 15.1-1168.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-735.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-735.1
Affordable dwelling unit ordinance; permitting certain densities in the comprehensive plan
Status: in_force

A. In a county that provides in its comprehensive plan for the physical development within the county, adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2223 , for densities of development ranging between a floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.0 FAR and 10.0 FAR, or greater, the governing body may adopt as part of its zoning ordinance requirements for the provision of (i) on-site or off-site "Affordable Dwelling Units," as defined herein, or (ii) a cash contribution to the county's affordable housing fund, in lieu of such units, in such amounts as set out herein, as a condition of the governing body's approval of a special exception application for residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects with a density equal to or greater than 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre. Residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects with a density less than 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section and the county's zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. The county's zoning ordinance requirements shall provide as follows:

1. Upon approval of a special exception application approving a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project with a density equal to or greater than 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre, the applicant shall provide on-site Affordable Dwelling Units as part of the project the total gross square footage of which units shall be 5% of the amount of the gross floor area of the project that exceeds 1.0 FAR or an equivalent density based on units per acre. For purposes of this section, "applicant" shall mean the person or entity submitting a special exception application for approval of a residential, commercial or mixed-use project in the county and shall include the successors or assigns of the applicant.

2. As an alternative, upon approval of a special exception application approving a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project with a density equal to or greater than 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre, the applicant may elect to provide any one of the following:

a. Affordable Dwelling Units shall be provided off-site at a location within one-half mile of any Metrorail Station for projects within a Metro Station Area as defined in the county's comprehensive plan, or within one-half mile of the residential, commercial, or mixed-use project for projects not within a Metro Station Area, as provided in the county's zoning ordinance, the total gross square footage of which units shall be 7.5% of the amount of the gross floor area of the project that is over 1.0 FAR or an equivalent density based on units per acre, or

b. Affordable Dwelling Units shall be provided off-site at any other locations in the county other than those provided in the county's zoning ordinance in accordance with subdivision a, the total gross square footage of which units shall be 10% of the amount of the gross floor area of the project that is over 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre, or

c. A cash contribution to the county's affordable housing fund, which contribution shall be calculated as follows for each of the below-described density tiers:

(1) One and one-half dollars per square foot of gross floor area for the first tier of density between zero and 1.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre.

(2) Four dollars per square foot of gross floor area for the tier of density in residential projects between 1.0 FAR and 3.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre, and $4 per square foot of gross floor area for the tier of density in commercial projects above 1.0 FAR.

(3) Eight dollars per square foot of gross floor area for the tier of density in residential projects above 3.0 FAR, or an equivalent density based on units per acre.

(4) For mixed-use projects, cash contributions shall be calculated by applying the proportionate amount of commercial and residential gross floor area to each tier.

The cash contribution shall be indexed to the Consumer Price Index for Housing in the Washington-Baltimore MSA as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and shall be adjusted annually based upon the January changes to such index for that year.

3. The applicant shall provide the county manager or his designee, prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for the residential, commercial, or mixed-use project, a written plan of how the applicant proposes to address the provision of Affordable Dwelling Units or cash contribution as provided in this section and the provisions of the zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. The county manager or his designee shall approve or disapprove the applicant's plan in writing within 30 days of receipt of the written proposal from the applicant. If the county manager or his designee disapproves of the applicant's plan, specific reasons for such disapproval shall be provided.

4. An applicant may submit a written plan to be considered by the governing body or its designee to address the provision of Affordable Dwelling Units or cash contribution as provided in this section and the provisions of the zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section that deviate from the requirements of this section and the ordinance. Any such deviations may be approved in accordance with the procedures established in the county's zoning ordinance, which procedures shall include a provision for an appeal to the governing body of any administrative decision relative to the written plan submitted by the applicant.

5. The ordinance adopted by the county pursuant to this section may provide that, in the discretion of the governing body and with the agreement of the applicant, at the time of consideration of the special exception application, the above requirements may be totally or partially substituted for other compelling public priorities established in plans, studies, policies, or other documents of the county.

6. Applications for a special exception approval of a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project that results in the demolition and rebuilding of an existing project shall be subject to the requirements of this section and the zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section at the time of redevelopment; however, only density that is replaced or rebuilt and any increased density shall be subject to the requirements. This section and the county's zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall not apply to rehabilitation or renovation of existing residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects.

7. For purposes of this section "Affordable Dwelling Unit" means units committed for a 30-year term as affordable to households with incomes at 60% of the area median income.

B. This section shall apply to an application for a special exception approval for a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project with a density provided for by the County's comprehensive plan designation for the property that is the subject matter of the application. This section shall further apply to such an application that requires rezoning of the property that is the subject matter of the application to permit a use provided for by the county's comprehensive plan designation for the subject property.

C. The ordinance adopted by the county pursuant to this section may provide that an application for approval of a special exception for a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project that requests an increase in density that exceeds the density provided for by the county's comprehensive plan designation for the property that is the subject matter of the application shall be subject to an affordable housing requirement in addition to the requirements of this section and the zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.

D. The ordinance adopted by the county pursuant to this section or other provisions of law may provide that an application that requests to amend the county's comprehensive plan designation for the subject property to a higher density designation may be subject to an affordable housing requirement in addition to the requirements of this section and the zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.

E. The ordinance adopted by the county pursuant to this section may provide that applications for a special exception approval for residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects that result in the elimination of existing units affordable to households with incomes equal to or below 80% of the area median income address replacement of the eliminated units as a condition of the governing body's approval of the special exception application.

F. With the exception of the authority under § 15.2-2304 , this section establishes the legislative authority for the county to obtain Affordable Dwelling Units in exchange for the approval of a special exception application for a residential, commercial, or mixed-use project in the county, and a special exception may not be used in combination with any other provision of law in Chapter 22 (§ 15.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 15.2 to obtain Affordable Dwelling Units from an applicant. Nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal the county's authority under any other provision of law.

2006, c. 481 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2003 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2003
Acquisition of land for public rights-of-way outside certain corporate limits
Status: in_force

Whenever the council of any city having a population of more than 100,000 seeks to acquire land for projecting roads, streets and avenues or for extending any of its existing roads, streets and avenues of uniform width into the territory adjacent to such city, it may acquire the necessary lands as permitted by § 15.2-1800 ; however, no such land shall be acquired except within five miles from the corporate limits, and the proposed location of any such projected or extended roads, streets and avenues shall be approved by the board of supervisors of the county in which such road, street or avenue is located.

Code 1950, § 15-772; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-373; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-740.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-740.1
Additional transient occupancy tax
Status: in_force

In addition to the transient occupancy tax authorized by § 58.1-3819 , the board may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed one percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the purpose of promoting tourism and business travel in the county.

2026, cc. 162 , 163 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5421 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5421
Bonds as legal investments and lawful security
Status: in_force

The bonds issued pursuant to this chapter shall be and are hereby declared to be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings institutions, trust companies, building and loan associations, insurance companies, fiduciaries, trustees, and guardians and for all public funds of the Commonwealth or other political corporations or subdivisions of the Commonwealth. Such bonds shall be eligible to secure the deposit of any and all public funds of the Commonwealth and any and all public funds of localities, school districts or other political corporations or subdivisions of the Commonwealth, and such bonds shall be lawful and sufficient security for such deposits to the extent of their value when accompanied by all unmatured coupons appertaining thereto.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1624; 1996, c. 77 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2424 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.2 / Section 15.2-2424
Loans to local governments
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, money in the Fund shall be used solely to make loans to local governments to finance or refinance the cost of any project. No loan from the Fund shall exceed the total cost of the project to be financed or the outstanding principal amount of indebtedness to be refinanced plus reasonable financing expenses.

The Authority shall determine the terms and conditions of any loan from the Fund, which may vary between local governments. Each loan shall be evidenced by appropriate bonds or notes of the local government payable to the Fund. The bonds or notes shall have been duly authorized by the local government and executed by its authorized legal representatives. The Authority is authorized to require in connection with any loan from the Fund such documents, instruments, certificates, legal opinions, and other information as it may deem necessary or convenient. In addition to any other terms or conditions which the Authority may establish, the Authority may require, as a condition to making any loan from the Fund, that the local government receiving the loan covenant perform any of the following:

1. Establish and collect rents, rates, fees, and charges to produce revenue sufficient to pay all or a specified portion of (i) the costs of operation, maintenance, replacement, renewal, and repairs of the project; (ii) any outstanding indebtedness incurred for the purposes of the project, including the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government; and (iii) any amounts necessary to create and maintain any required reserve, including any rate stabilization fund deemed necessary or appropriate by the Authority to offset the need, in whole or in part, for future increases in rents, rates, fees, or charges;

2. Levy and collect ad valorem taxes on all property within the jurisdiction of the local government subject to local taxation sufficient to pay the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government;

3. Create and maintain a special fund or funds for the payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government and any other amounts becoming due under any agreement entered into in connection with the loan, or for the operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of the project or any portions thereof or other property of the local government, and deposit into any fund or funds amounts sufficient to make any payments on the loan as they become due and payable;

4. Create and maintain other special funds as required by the Authority; and

5. Perform other acts, including the conveyance of, or the granting of liens on or security interests in, real and personal property, together with all rights, title and interest therein, to the Fund, or to take other actions as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the Authority to secure payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government and to provide for the remedies of the Fund in the event of any default by the local government in the payment of the loan, including, without limitation, any of the following:

a. The procurement of insurance, guarantees, letters of credit, and other forms of collateral, security, liquidity arrangements or credit supports for the loan from any source, public or private, and the payment therefor of premiums, fees, or other charges;

b. The combination of one or more projects, or the combination of one or more projects with one or more other undertakings, facilities, utilities, or systems, for the purpose of operations and financing, and the pledging of the revenues from such combined projects, undertakings, facilities, utilities, and systems to secure the loan from the Fund to the local government made in connection with such combination or any part or parts thereof;

c. The maintenance, replacement, renewal, and repair of the project; and

d. The procurement of casualty and liability insurance.

All local governments borrowing money from the Fund are authorized to perform any acts, take any action, adopt any proceedings, and make and carry out any contracts that are contemplated by this chapter. Such contracts need not be identical among all local governments, but may be structured as determined by the Authority according to the needs of the contracting local governments and the Fund.

Subject to the rights, if any, of the registered owners of any of the bonds of the Authority, the Authority may consent to and approve any modification in the terms of any loan to any local government subject to the guidelines adopted by the Board.

2009, c. 131 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5609 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 56 / Section 15.2-5609
Trust indenture or agreement to secure payment of bonds
Status: in_force

In the discretion of the authority, any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter may be secured by a trust indenture by way of conveyance, deed of trust or mortgage of any project or any other property of the authority, whether or not financed in whole or in part from the proceeds of such bonds, or by a trust agreement by and between the authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or outside the Commonwealth or by both such conveyance, deed of trust or mortgage and indenture or trust agreement. Such trust indenture or agreement, or the resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds may pledge or assign fees, rents, charges and receipts, collected by, payable to or otherwise derived by the authority, and all other moneys and income of whatever kind or character collected by, payable to or otherwise derived from any project. Such trust indenture or agreement, or resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds, may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the construction, improvement, maintenance, repair, operation and issuance of any project or other property of the authority, and the rates of fees, rents and other charges to be charged, and the custody, safeguarding and application of all moneys of the authority, and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth which may act as depository of the proceeds of such bonds or of other revenues of the authority to furnish indemnifying bonds or to pledge such securities as may be required by the authority. Such trust indenture or agreement or resolution may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, and may restrict the individual right of action by bondholders.

In addition to the foregoing, such trust indenture or agreement or resolution may contain such other provisions as the authority may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of such trust indenture or agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the cost of a project.

Code 1950, § 15-714.22; 1962, c. 393, § 10, § 15.1-1280; 1973, c. 238; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2288.8 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2288.8
Special exceptions for solar photovoltaic projects
Status: in_force

A. Unless otherwise provided by right, each locality shall require a special exception pursuant to §§ 15.2-2204 , 15.2-2286 , and 15.2-2288.7 or a siting agreement pursuant to § 15.2-2316.7 and include in its zoning ordinance regulations and provisions consistent with this section for a special exception as defined in § 15.2-2201 , for any solar photovoltaic project. For the purposes of this section, "solar photovoltaic project" means a ground-mounted solar facility with a generating capacity of one megawatt or more that is designed to serve, or serves, the electricity or thermal needs of any property other than the property where such facility is located.

Any special exception granted pursuant to this section is an amendment to the zoning ordinance pursuant to subdivision A 7 of § 15.2-2286 and shall comply with the following criteria. Where numerical ranges are attached to criteria, localities may choose to establish an ordinance that specifies any number within the applicable range that they deem appropriate for their community. In the issuance of a special exception, a variance from these ordinance criteria may be implemented only with a written agreement of the locality, the property owner or their agent, and the applicant. Nothing in this section shall (i) be construed to relieve projects of the responsibility to comply with all relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and permits, including those related to tree canopy; (ii) require a locality to approve a special exception application considered pursuant to this section; (iii) be construed to prohibit a locality from permitting a solar photovoltaic project or energy storage project by right; or (iv) prohibit the owner of a proposed solar photovoltaic project and a locality from entering into a siting agreement that provides less stringent restrictions than those specified under this subsection.

1. Setback distances shall be measured from the nearest edge of the equipment as follows: (i) between 150 and 200 feet from the nearest point on the outer wall of existing occupied community buildings and dwellings on nonparticipating properties; (ii) between 50 and 100 feet from the outside edge of the roadbed of any road abutting the property; (iii) for projects not greater than 25 megawatts, 50 feet from the edge, and for projects greater than 25 megawatts, 100 feet from the edge, of tidal wetlands or nontidal wetlands, as defined in 9VAC25-830, or from the top of bank of perennial streams, as defined in § 62.1-44.12 2; (iv) for projects of any capacity within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, between 100 and 125 feet from the edge of tidal wetlands, nontidal wetlands, or from the top of bank of perennial streams; and (v) between 50 and 75 feet measured from the nearest shared property line for nonparticipating properties. Nothing in this subdivision shall preclude the owner of a nonparticipating property from waiving the foregoing setback requirements by written agreement. Setbacks shall not be required for internal boundaries between adjacent participating parcels. For purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv), "equipment" is limited to solar panels, racking equipment, and inverters.

2. Fencing for the facility shall comply with § 55.1-2804 , the latest version of the National Electrical Safety Code or any applicable successor standard regarding requirements for limiting access to facilities, and the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.). Vegetative visual screening requirements shall not be required to exceed three feet at planting, shall be between 25 and 50 feet wide, and shall allow for consideration of preexisting natural or manmade visual barriers.

3. The height of solar panels shall not exceed 25 feet above ground when the arrays are at full tilt, except in cases where a height variance is necessary to allow for agrivoltaics activity below or in proximity to the panels. For purposes of this section, "agrivoltaics" means the same as that term is defined in § 10.1-1197.5 .

4. Visual impacts of facilities on public parks, scenic rivers and byways, and historic structures or sites listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or a county register of historic places shall be minimized. A locality may request a viewshed analysis as part of the special exception application to assure that visual impacts are minimized through solar panel placement, height, landscaping, and screening. Such analysis shall account for existing vegetation and planned visual buffers. Such screening may be accomplished on any property with the consent of the property owner.

5. The facility shall implement light intensity dimming solution technology that provides a means of tailoring the intensity level of lights according to surrounding visibility.

6. The facility shall comply with all Department of Environmental Quality stormwater regulations as established in 9VAC25-880.

7. The facility shall minimize new impervious surface on the site and under its solar panels.

8. Land disturbance, including site grading, construction, and landscaping, shall be conducted in compliance with a stormwater pollution prevention plan. Topsoil shall not be removed from the project site. Topsoil shall be returned to disturbed areas from stockpiles as quickly as site conditions allow, unless returning soil would cause adverse impacts to topsoil integrity or is otherwise not practicable for construction activities. Site stabilization shall occur as the site is developed, following appropriate stabilization timelines as identified in the General VPDES Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities, and shall not be delayed until site construction is completed. The facility shall decompact soil as necessary and feasible for re-vegetation after construction has concluded.

9. When all land-disturbing activities at the construction site have been completed, the facility shall initiate permanent stabilization to provide vegetative ground cover that provides a minimum level of coverage over the project site. An ordinance may require up to 75 percent vegetative cover with no significant bare areas that is mature enough to survive and will inhibit erosion. The use of native and naturalized plants shall be encouraged and invasive plants as established pursuant to § 10.1-104.6:2 shall be prohibited. For projects or portions of projects not used for animal grazing, co-located crop production, native and naturalized pollinator plant species, or native and naturalized meadow species shall be planted, except for in the area directly beneath panels, and maintained throughout the solar project's life. The seed mix shall include a diversity of species with varied bloom times. Mowing shall be limited and performed on a schedule that promotes the establishment of the native plantings, controls invasive species, and minimizes impacts to wildlife. All trees and shrubs at the time of planting shall accommodate adequate screening or buffering at the end of five years of planting. Vegetation used to establish a visual screen shall not be trimmed to stunt upward and outward growth or to otherwise limit the effectiveness of the visual screen.

10. The facility shall provide for wildlife passage where needed by limiting fencing to the areas in reasonable proximity to arrays and interconnection equipment to the extent practicable and consistent with safety and security requirements. The facility shall prioritize open wildlife access to riparian areas, wetlands, streams, and other areas not in proximity to panels.

11. The facility shall comply with all applicable state and federal labor and employment laws, including apprenticeships and labor standards necessary to achieve any available tax credit bonuses found in 26 U.S.C. §§ 45Y and 48E.

12. A locality shall require an applicant to enter into a written agreement to decommission equipment, facilities, or devices pursuant to § 15.2-2241.2 .

B. Any locality may grant a special exception pursuant to § 15.2-2286 , and include in its zoning ordinance reasonable regulations and provisions for a special exception as defined in § 15.2-2201 , for an energy storage project. For the purposes of this section, "energy storage project" includes energy storage equipment and technology within an energy storage project that is capable of absorbing energy, storing such energy for a period of time, and redelivering such energy after it has been stored.

C. The governing body of such locality may grant a condition that includes (i) dedication of real property of substantial value or (ii) substantial cash payments for or construction of substantial public improvements, the need for which is not generated solely by the granting of a conditional use permit, so long as such conditions are reasonably related to the project.

D. Once a condition is granted pursuant to subsection C, such condition shall continue in effect until a subsequent amendment changes the zoning on the property for which the conditions were granted. However, such conditions shall continue if the subsequent amendment is part of a comprehensive implementation of a new or substantially revised zoning ordinance.

E. The governing body of such locality shall furnish the State Corporation Commission a record of special exception decisions reached pursuant to this section not more than 60 days after such decision is made. The record shall include (i) the reason for any adverse decision, (ii) any finding of nonconformity with the local comprehensive plan, and (iii) the date of the last revision to the comprehensive plan.

2020, cc. 385 , 414 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 57 , 58 ; 2026, cc. 1005 , 1068 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7300 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 73 / Section 15.2-7300
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2011, c. 716 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6411 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 64 / Section 15.2-6411
Bonds exempt from taxation
Status: in_force

An authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind whatsoever, and its bonds, their transfer, the interest payable on them, and any income derived from them, including any profit realized in their sale or exchange, 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.

1997, cc. 276 , 587, § 15.1-1721.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2006 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2006
Alteration and vacation of public rights-of-way; appeal from decision
Status: in_force

In addition to (i) the powers contained in the charter of any locality, (ii) any powers now had by such governing bodies under the common law or (iii) powers by other provisions of law, public rights-of-way in localities may be altered or vacated on motion of such governing bodies or on application of any person after notice of intention to do so has been published twice in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing. The notice shall specify the time and place of a hearing at which persons affected may appear and be heard. The cost of publishing the notice shall be taxed to the applicant. At the conclusion of the hearing and on application of any person, the governing body may appoint three to five people to view such public right-of-way and report in writing any inconvenience that would result from discontinuing the right-of-way. The governing body may allow the viewers up to fifty dollars each for their services. The sum allowed shall be paid by the person making the application to alter or vacate the public right-of-way. From such report and other evidence, if any, and after the land owners affected thereby, along the public right-of-way proposed to be altered or vacated, have been notified, the governing body may discontinue the public right-of-way. When an applicant requests a vacation to accommodate expansion or development of an existing or proposed business, the governing body may condition the vacation upon commencement of the expansion or development within a specified period of time. Failing to commence within such time may render the vacation, at the option of the governing body, void. A certified copy of the ordinance of vacation shall be recorded as deeds are recorded and indexed in the name of the locality. A conditional vacation shall not be recorded until the condition has been met.

Any appeal shall be filed within sixty days of adoption of the ordinance with the circuit court for the locality in which the public right-of-way is located.

Code 1950, § 15-766; 1950, p. 725; 1952, c. 580; 1956, c. 487; 1958, c. 196; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-364; 1964, c. 13; 1972, c. 357; 1973, c. 71; 1980, c. 236; 1982, c. 381; 1983, c. 33; 1984, c. 175; 1986, c. 41; 1997, c. 587 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-961.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-961.2
Conservation of trees; notice of infill lot grading plan
Status: in_force

An ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-961.1 may allow a locality to post signs on private property that is proposed to be redeveloped with one single-family home that notify the public that an infill lot grading plan is pending for review before the locality. The locality may not require the applicant to be responsible for such posting. The failure to post the property shall not be a ground for denial of such grading plan.

2016, cc. 317 , 412 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5947 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5947
Sharing of revenue among participating localities
Status: in_force

The Authority shall develop and administer a plan to distribute sales and use tax revenues from the Facility to each participating locality. The Authority shall not distribute such revenues to any participating locality until it has paid off any debt incurred pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The plan to distribute sales and use tax revenues shall reasonably account for each participating locality's contributions to the costs of financing, constructing, maintaining, and operating the Facility and Facility Site.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3212 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3212
Determination of value of public improvements
Status: in_force

In determining the value of any public improvement for the purposes set forth in § 15.2-3211 the special court shall take into consideration the original cost thereof less depreciation, reproduction cost at the time of annexation less depreciation, as well as present value.

The city or town shall receive credit, upon a basis to be determined by the court, for any sums it may have contributed to such public improvement and may in the discretion of the court be allowed credit for any portion of the cost thereof contributed by any federal, state or other agency and not borne by the county. When such improvements consist of a school financed in part from county funds and in part from a state grant, the city or town shall receive such credit only upon that portion of the cost paid for by the state grant and only then upon the ratio that children residing in the area annexed and enrolled in such school therein bears to the total attendance of school children in the county.

The governing body of the county or any town therein, portions of which are proposed to be annexed, shall not between the entry of the decree of annexation and the date when the same becomes effective, make or contract for any permanent public improvements, to be paid for by the city or town seeking annexation, without the consent of the corporate authorities of the city or town and the supervision of the official thereof charged with making similar public improvements within the city or town.

Code 1950, § 15-152.13; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1043; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2209.4 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2209.4
Minimum off-street parking requirements; designated areas; administrative reductions
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Bus rapid transit" means a rubber-tired bus transit system with features such as frequent service, dedicated lanes, traffic signal priority, and enhanced stations.

"Designated area" means any parcel located within one-half mile of the entrance to a mass transit or public transportation station or facility. For purposes of this definition, "mass transit or public transportation station or facility" means a building or enhanced structure where members of the general public board or disembark mass transit or public transportation.

"Mass transit or public transportation" means passenger transportation on a fixed route by rubber-tired, rail, or other surface conveyance providing shared-ride service to the general public on a regular and continuing basis, including bus rapid transit or other high-capacity transit service as identified by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. "Mass transit or public transportation" does not include school buses, microtransit, charter or sight-seeing services, a vehicular ferry service that serves as a link in the highway network, or a human service agency or other client-restricted transportation.

"Microtransit" means a flexible, on-demand, dynamically routed shared-ride passenger transportation service that operates similarly to traditional public transit but with greater adaptability to individual trip needs.

B. Any locality that has adopted a zoning ordinance pursuant to this chapter shall not require, as a condition of zoning approval, minimum off-street parking for residential, multifamily, or mixed-use development located within a designated area in amounts exceeding the following:

1. One-half of one parking space per dwelling unit for multifamily or mixed-use residential development; and

2. One parking space per dwelling unit for one-family and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

C. No locality shall adopt or enforce any provision of a zoning ordinance that imposes minimum off-street parking requirements for residential, multifamily, or mixed-use development located within a designated area in excess of the limitations set forth in subsection B.

D. Any locality with a population greater than 600,000 may by ordinance impose off-street parking requirements exceeding the limits in subsections B and C for residential, multifamily, or mixed-use development within one-half mile of a locality-managed fixed-route bus stop, provided that the ordinance includes an administrative process allowing an applicant, in connection with a pending rezoning, special exception, proffered condition amendment, site plan, or subdivision plat, to obtain a reduction of at least 25 percent in minimum off-street parking requirements for such development within 1,000 feet of such bus stop. An administrative reduction shall be granted upon the applicant's demonstration that (i) all dwelling units serve households at or below 70 percent of area median income, using income averaging; (ii) due to the unique characteristics of the site or uses on the site, the spaces proposed to be eliminated are unnecessary or infeasible; or (iii) a written shared parking agreement ensures availability of equivalent spaces within 1,000 feet of the subject property.

E. Any locality with a population greater than 20,000 shall, by ordinance, establish an administrative review process in which developers may request a reduction of minimum off-street parking requirements of not less than 20 percent for residential, multifamily, or mixed-use development proposed on parcels not located within a designated area. The ordinance shall include criteria to determine eligibility for, and prescribe procedures for the submission and review of, the administrative reduction authorized by this subsection.

2026, c. 1075 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2507 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 25 / Section 15.2-2507
Amendment of budget
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504 . However, any such amendment which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the currently adopted budget must be accomplished by publishing notice of a meeting and a public hearing in accordance with § 15.2-1427 . The notice shall state the governing body's intent to amend the budget and include a brief synopsis of the proposed budget amendment. Any local governing body may adopt such amendment at the advertised meeting, after first providing a public hearing during such meeting on the proposed budget amendments.

B. Pursuant to the requirements of §§ 15.2-1609.1 , 15.2-1609.7 , 15.2-1636.8 , and 15.2-1636.13 through 15.2-1636.17 every county and city shall appropriate as part of its annual budget or in amendments thereto amounts for salaries, expenses and other allowances for its constitutional officers that are not less than those established for such offices in the locality by the Compensation Board pursuant to applicable law or, in the event of an appeal pursuant to § 15.2-1636.9 , by the circuit court in accordance with the provisions of that section.

1983, c. 319, § 15.1-162.1; 1984, c. 523; 1997, cc. 587 , 602 ; 2007, c. 297 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5423 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5423
Payments in lieu of property taxes; license tax
Status: in_force

A project owned by an authority shall be exempt from property taxes. However, an authority, other than an authority created by a governmental unit exempt from the referendum requirement of § 15.2-5403 , owning a project shall, in lieu of property taxes, pay to any governmental body authorized to levy property taxes, the amount which would be assessed as taxes on real and personal property of a project if such project were otherwise subject to valuation and assessment by the State Corporation Commission, in the same manner as are public utility companies. Such payments in lieu of taxes shall be due and shall bear interest, if unpaid, as in the cases of taxes on other property. Authorities, other than an authority created by a governmental unit exempt from the referendum requirement of § 15.2-5403 , shall pay the annual state license tax imposed by § 58.1-2626 , or an equal amount in lieu of such tax, to the same extent as if § 58.1-2626 were by its terms expressly applicable to authorities. Payments in lieu of taxes made hereunder shall be treated in the same manner as taxes for purposes of all procedural and substantive provisions of law. The retail sales of an authority created by a governmental unit exempt from the referendum requirement of § 15.2-5403 shall be subject to the taxes imposed under § 58.1-2900 . Except as herein expressly provided with respect to projects owned by an authority, no other property of such authority used or useful in the generation, transmission, transformation, and distribution of electric power and energy shall be subject to payment in lieu of taxes.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1626; 1997, c. 587; 2006, cc. 929 , 941 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1407 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1407
Administrative leave for certain members of governing bodies
Status: in_force

Any duly elected member of a governing body who is an employee of that locality may receive administrative leave each year in addition to his annual and sick leave.

Code 1950, § 15-5; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-13; 1987, c. 432; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4709 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 47 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4709
Reimbursement for advances to local transportation district
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the commission shall direct the district treasurer to reimburse the locality or town from any funds of the district not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, to the extent that a locality or town has made advances.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2245 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2245
Provisions for periodic partial and final release of certain performance guarantees
Status: in_force

A. A subdivision ordinance shall provide for the periodic partial and final complete release of any bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee required by the governing body under this article within thirty days after receipt of written notice by the subdivider or developer of completion of part or all of any public facilities required to be constructed hereunder unless the designated agent notifies the subdivider or developer in writing of nonreceipt of approval by an applicable state agency, or of any specified defects or deficiencies in construction and suggested corrective measures prior to the expiration of the thirty-day period. Any inspection of such public facilities shall be based solely upon conformance with the terms and conditions of the performance agreement and the approved design plan and specifications for the facilities for which the performance guarantee is applicable, and shall not include the approval of any person other than an employee of the governing body, its administrative agency, the Virginia Department of Transportation or other political subdivision or a person who has contracted with the governing body, its administrative agency, the Virginia Department of Transportation or other political subdivision.

B. If no such action is taken by the designated agent within the time specified above, the request shall be deemed approved, and a partial release granted to the subdivider or developer. No final release shall be granted until after expiration of such thirty-day period and there is an additional request in writing sent by certified mail return receipt to the chief administrative officer of such governing body. The designated agent shall act within ten working days of receipt of the request; then if no action is taken the request shall be deemed approved and final release granted to the subdivider or developer.

C. After receipt of the written notices required above, if the governing body or administrative agency takes no action within the times specified above and the subdivider or developer files suit in the local circuit court to obtain partial or final release of a bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee, as the case may be, the circuit court, upon finding the governing body or its administrative agency was without good cause in failing to act, shall award such subdivider or developer his reasonable costs and attorneys' fees.

D. No designated agent shall refuse to make a periodic partial or final release of a bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee for any reason not directly related to the specified defects or deficiencies in construction of the public facilities covered by said bond, escrow, letter of credit or other performance guarantee.

E. Upon written request by the subdivider or developer, the designated agent shall be required to make periodic partial releases of such bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee in a cumulative amount equal to no less than ninety percent of the original amount for which the bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee was taken, and may make partial releases to such lower amounts as may be authorized by the designated agent based upon the percentage of public facilities completed and approved by the governing body, local administrative agency, or state agency having jurisdiction. Periodic partial releases may not occur before the completion of at least thirty percent of the public facilities covered by any bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee. The designated agent shall not be required to execute more than three periodic partial releases in any twelve-month period. Upon final completion and acceptance of the public facilities, the designated agent shall release any remaining bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other performance guarantee to the subdivider or developer. For the purpose of final release, the term "acceptance" means: when the public facility is accepted by and taken over for operation and maintenance by the state agency, local government department or agency, or other public authority which is responsible for maintaining and operating such public facility upon acceptance.

F. For the purposes of this section, a certificate of partial or final completion of such public facilities from either a duly licensed professional engineer or land surveyor, as defined in and limited to § 54.1-400 , or from a department or agency designated by the locality may be accepted without requiring further inspection of such public facilities.

Code 1950, §§ 15-781, 15-967.1; 1950, p. 183; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-466; 1970, c. 436; 1973, cc. 169, 480; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 270; 1978, cc. 429, 439, 440; 1979, cc. 183, 188, 395; 1980, cc. 379, 381; 1981, c. 348; 1983, cc. 167, 609; 1984, c. 111; 1985, cc. 422, 455; 1986, c. 54; 1987, c. 717; 1988, cc. 279, 735; 1989, cc. 332, 393, 403, 495; 1990, cc. 170, 176, 287, 708, 973; 1991, cc. 30, 47, 288, 538; 1992, c. 380; 1993, cc. 836, 846, 864; 1994, c. 421 ; 1995, cc. 386 , 388 , 389 , 452 , 457 , 474 ; 1996, cc. 77 , 325 , 452 , 456 ; 1997, c.; 2002, c. 779 ; 2025, c. 594 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7408 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 74 / Section 15.2-7408
Rules, regulations, and minimum standards
Status: in_force

The Authority shall have the power to adopt, amend, and repeal rules, regulations, and minimum standards for the use, maintenance, and operation of its facilities and governing the conduct of persons and organizations using its facilities.

Unless the Authority shall by unanimous vote of the board of directors determine that an emergency exists, the Authority shall, prior to the adoption of any rule or regulation or alteration, amendment, or modification thereof:

1. Make such rule, regulation, alteration, amendment, or modification in convenient form available for public inspection in the office of the Authority for at least 10 days; and

2. Post in a public place a notice declaring the board of directors' intention to consider adopting such rule, regulation, alteration, amendment, or modification and informing the public that the Authority will at a public meeting consider the adoption of such rule or regulation or such alteration, amendment, or modification, on a day and at a time to be specified in the notice, after the expiration of at least 10 days from the first day of the posting of the notice thereof. The Authority's rules and regulations shall be available for public inspection in the Authority's principal office.

The Authority's rules and regulations relating to (i) traffic, including but not limited to motor vehicle speed limits and the location of and charges for public parking; (ii) access to Authority facilities, including but not limited to solicitation, handbilling, and picketing; and (iii) site management and maintenance shall have the force of law, as shall any other rule or regulation of the Authority, which shall contain a determination by the Authority that it is necessary to accord the same force and effect of law in the interest of the public safety. However, with respect to motor vehicle traffic rules and regulations, the Authority shall obtain the approval of the appropriate official of the political subdivision in which such rules or regulations are to be enforced. The violation of any rule or regulation of the Authority relating to motor vehicle traffic shall be tried and punished in the same manner as if it had been committed on the public roads of the participating political subdivision in which such violation occurred. All other violations of the rules and regulations having the force of law shall be punishable as misdemeanors.

2014, c. 471 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5131 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-5131
Bonds not debts of Commonwealth or participating political subdivision
Status: in_force

A. Revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not constitute a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision. All bonds shall contain a statement on their face substantially to the effect that neither the faith and credit of the Commonwealth nor the faith and credit of any political subdivision are pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds. The issuance of revenue bonds under the provisions of this chapter shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the Commonwealth or any political subdivision to levy any taxes or to make any appropriation for their payment except from the funds pledged under the provisions of this chapter.

B. Unless otherwise provided in the ordinance which forms the authority or in a subsequent ordinance or resolution authorizing additional improvements, neither the Commonwealth nor any locality shall pay any part of the principal or interest of any bonds issued by a community development authority formed pursuant to §§ 15.2-5152 through 15.2-5157 , nor shall any locality carry any part of such bonds on its financial statements as a contingent obligation; except that if a community development authority fails to pay such bonds, to the extent that a locality has imposed a real property tax surcharge or a special assessment at the request of a community development authority pursuant to subdivisions A 3 or A 5 of § 15.2-5158 , funds collected from such sources may be paid against such debt.

C. Debt issued by a community development authority formed pursuant to §§ 15.2-5152 through 15.2-5157 shall not be considered in determining the debt limit of any locality.

Code 1950, § 15-764.19; 1950, p. 1323; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1257; 1997, cc. 363 , 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1613.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1613.1
Processing fee may be imposed on certain individuals
Status: in_force

Any county or city may by ordinance authorize a processing fee not to exceed $25 on any individual admitted to a county, city, or regional jail following conviction. The fee shall be ordered as a part of court costs collected by the clerk, deposited into the account of the treasurer of the county or city and shall be used by the local sheriff's office to defray the costs of processing arrested persons into local or regional jails. If processing costs are incurred by a regional jail rather than a local sheriff's office, the fees collected pursuant to such ordinance may be used by the regional jail to defray the costs of processing arrested persons. Where costs are incurred by a sheriff's office and a regional jail the fees collected pursuant to such ordinance may be divided proportionately as determined by the local governing body or bodies, between the sheriff's office and the regional jail. Where costs are incurred by a police department for booking or fingerprinting services, the fees collected pursuant to such ordinance may be divided proportionately as determined by the local governing body or bodies, between the sheriff's office and the police department.

2002, c. 840 ; 2003, c. 623 ; 2011, cc. 300 , 664 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4102 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 41 / Section 15.2-4102
Citizen petition for town status
Status: in_force

Voters equal in number to fifteen percent or more of the registered voters of the city as of January 1 of the year in which the petition is filed may petition the circuit court for the city, stating that it is desirable that such city make the transition to town status. All of the signatures on the petition shall have been made and filed within a twelve-month period. A copy of the petition shall be served on the city attorney and the county attorney, or if there is none, on the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county and on the mayor of the city and the chairman of the board of supervisors of the adjoining counties. A copy of the petition shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the city and the adjoining county. The case shall proceed in all respects as though instituted in the manner prescribed in § 15.2-4101 , and the court shall forthwith refer the petition to the Commission on Local Government for review pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ 15.2-2900 et seq.).

1988, c. 881, § 15.1-965.10; 1997, cc. 178 , 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2907 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 29 / Section 15.2-2907
Actions for annexation, immunity, establishment of city, etc.; investigations and reports by Commission; negotiation
Status: in_force

A. No locality or person shall file any action in any court in Virginia to annex territory, to have an area declared immune from annexation based upon provision of urban-type services, to establish an independent city, to consolidate two or more localities, at least one of which is a county, into a city, to make a transition from a county to a city or to make a transition from city status to town status, without first notifying the Commission and all local governments located within or contiguous to, or sharing functions, revenue, or tax sources with, the locality proposing such action. Upon receipt of the notice the Commission shall hold hearings, make investigations, analyze local needs and make findings of facts and recommendations, which may, in cases where immunity or annexation is sought, recommend a grant of immunity or annexation of a greater or smaller area than that proposed by the locality pursuant to the procedures of this chapter. Such findings shall be rendered within six months after the Commission receives notice from the locality intending to file court action, provided that the Commission on its own motion may extend the period for filing its report by no more than sixty days. No further extension thereafter of the time for filing shall be made by the Commission without the agreement of the parties. No court action may be filed until the Commission has made its findings of facts. Unless the parties agree otherwise, no court action may be filed more than 180 days after the Commission renders its final report as provided for in this section. While the matter is before the Commission, the Commission may actively seek to negotiate a settlement of the proposed action between the affected localities. The Commission may direct that the conduct of the negotiations be in executive session. In addition, the Commission may, with the agreement of the parties, appoint an independent mediator, who shall be compensated as agreed to by the parties. Offers and statements made in negotiations shall not be reported in the finding of facts or introduced in evidence in any subsequent court proceedings between the parties.

B. The Commission shall report, in writing, its findings and recommendations to the affected localities, any other localities likely to be affected by such proposed action, and to any court which may subsequently consider the action. The report shall be based upon the criteria and standards established by law for any such proposed action. The report, or any copy thereof, bearing the signature of the chairman of the Commission shall be admissible in evidence in any subsequent proceeding relating to the subject matter thereof. The court in any such proceeding shall consider the report but shall not be bound by the report's findings or recommendations.

Before making the report the Commission shall conduct hearings at which any interested person may testify. Prior to the hearing, the Commission shall publish a notice of the hearing once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected counties and cities. The second advertisement shall appear not less than six days nor more than twenty-one days prior to the hearing.

C. A court on motion of any party or of the Commission may for cause shown extend the time for filing of the Commission's report but no such extension of time shall exceed ninety days unless the parties agree otherwise.

D. Except for any hearing or meeting specifically required by law, Chapter 37 (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) of Title 2.2 shall not be applicable to the Commission nor meetings convened by members of the Commission, its employees, or by its designated mediators with local governing bodies or members thereof, nor shall such chapter be applicable to meetings of local governing bodies, or members thereof, held for purpose of negotiating any issues which are or would be subject to the Commission's review. Offers and statements made in any negotiation or mediation activity conducted under the direction of the Commission shall not be recorded in any report issued by the Commission, nor shall they be introduced in evidence in any subsequent court proceeding by the Commission or any other party.

E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any locality, either prior or subsequent to the filing of any annexation or partial immunity suit in any court of this Commonwealth in which it is one of the parties, may notify the Commission on Local Government that it desires to attempt to negotiate an agreement with one or more adjacent localities relative to annexation or partial immunity under the direction of the Commission. A copy of the notice shall be served on all adjacent localities. The affected localities shall then attempt to resolve their differences relative to annexation or partial immunity, and shall keep the Commission advised of the progress being made. The Commission, or its designee, may serve as a mediator and the Commission's staff and resources shall be available to the negotiating localities. All expenses of the negotiations, including expenses of the Commission or its staff incurred in the negotiations, shall be borne by the parties initiating the notice unless otherwise agreed by the parties. All suits for either annexation or partial immunity by or against any locality involved in such negotiations shall be stayed while the negotiations are in progress. If, after a hearing, the Commission finds that none of the parties is willing to continue to negotiate, or if it finds that three months have elapsed with no substantial progress toward settlement, it shall declare the negotiations to be terminated. Unless the parties agree otherwise, negotiations shall in any event terminate twelve months from the date the initial notice was given to the Commission. Immediately upon such finding and declaration by the Commission, or upon the expiration of twelve months from the initial notice or any agreed extension thereof, whichever first occurs, any stay of a pending suit for annexation or partial immunity entered under this section shall automatically terminate and no new notice to negotiate shall thereafter be filed by any party.

F. A locality may proceed simultaneously under subsections A and E of this section.

1980, c. 558, 577, 592, § 15.1-945.7; 1983, c. 217; 1985, c. 478; 1988, c. 881; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1425 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1425
Actions by localities
Status: in_force

The governing body of every locality in the performance of its duties, obligations and functions may adopt, as appropriate, ordinances, resolutions and motions.

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1307 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 13 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1307
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this article, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

"Joint activity" means a governmental function which is carried out by, performed on behalf of, or contracted for two or more localities within a region and includes present and future activities.

"Locality" means all counties, cities and towns within a regional partnership.

"Region" means a planning district; however, by agreement of the localities of the planning district, localities which are not part of a planning district may be added to the region if the locality's governing body by vote agrees to become part of the region. In addition, localities may establish, with the approval of the Department of Housing and Community Development, a different regional configuration, provided that at least one of the localities is a city, if a city exists within the planning district, unless the city voluntarily agrees not to participate.

"Regional partnership" means an organization composed of government, business, education and civic leaders approved by the local governing bodies of the region to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The organization may be an existing or newly established regional planning or economic development organization serving the region.

1996, cc. 1045 , 1055 , § 15.1-1227.2; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1605.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1605.1
Supplementing compensation of certain county and city officers and their employees
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of any county or city, in its discretion, may supplement the compensation of the sheriff, treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, director of finance, clerk of the circuit court, or attorney for the Commonwealth, or any of their deputies or employees, above the salary of any such officer, deputy or employee, in such amounts as it may deem expedient. Such additional compensation shall be wholly payable from the funds of any such county or city.

1970, c. 153, § 14.1-11.4; 1973, c. 437; 1974, c. 423; 1998, c. 872 ; 1999, c. 283 ; 2002, c. 832 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3107 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 31 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3107
Publication of agreed boundary line
Status: in_force

A. Before adopting an agreement pursuant to § 15.2-3106 , each governing body shall advertise its intention to approve such an agreement at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in its locality, and such notice shall include a descriptive summary of the proposed agreement. The summary shall describe the new boundary, but need not include a metes and bounds description. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the clerk of the governing body which is considering the proposed agreement. A joint publication of the proposed agreement by the localities which otherwise meets the requirements of this section shall satisfy this requirement. If joint publication is used, the publication costs shall be apportioned between the participating localities in the manner agreed upon by them. After providing the notice required by this section, each locality shall hold at least one public hearing on the agreement prior to its adoption.

B. Notice of any agreement as provided in subsection A hereof shall be served upon the affected property owners, if any, of the area affected by the agreement, and if the owners of at least one third of the affected parcels object to the change, they shall be permitted to intervene in the proceedings as prescribed in § 15.2-3108 and show cause why the boundary line should not be changed. For purposes of this article "affected parcel" means a parcel of real property that is the subject of the boundary relocation or change, as shown on the current real estate tax assessment records. One notice sent by first class mail to the last known address of the owners of such parcels as shown on the current real estate tax assessment books or current real estate tax assessment records shall be deemed adequate compliance with this requirement, provided that a representative of each local governing body shall make affidavit that such mailings have been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the petition as prescribed in § 15.2-3108 . Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as to invalidate any subsequently adopted boundary line agreement because of the inadvertent failure by the representatives of the local governments to give written notice to the owner, owners, or their agent of any parcel involved.

1977, c. 277, § 15.1-1031.2; 1983, c. 594; 1993, c. 392; 1997, c. 587; 2014, c. 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5112 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5112
Joinder of another locality or authority; withdrawal from authority
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may become a member of any existing authority, and any locality that is a member of an existing authority may withdraw therefrom upon unanimous consent of the remaining members of the authority in accordance with this section. However, no locality may withdraw from any authority that has outstanding bonds without the unanimous consent of all the holders of such bonds unless all such bonds have been paid or cashed or United States government obligations have been deposited for their payment.

B. The governing body of any locality wishing to withdraw from an existing authority shall signify its desire by resolution or ordinance.

C. The governing body of any locality wishing to become a member of an existing authority and the governing bodies of the political subdivisions then members of the authority shall by concurrent resolutions or ordinances or by agreement provide for the joinder of such locality. The resolutions, ordinances, or agreement creating the expanded authority shall specify the number and terms of office of members of the board of the expanded authority which are to be appointed by each of the participating political subdivisions, and the names, addresses, and terms of office of initial appointments to board membership. Upon the date of issuance of the certificate by the State Corporation Commission as provided in this section, the terms of office of the board members of the existing authority shall terminate and the appointments made in the resolutions, ordinances, or agreement creating the expanded authority shall become effective.

D. If the authority by resolution expresses its consent to withdrawal or joinder of a locality, the governing body of such locality and the governing bodies of the political subdivisions then members of the authority shall advertise the ordinance, resolution, or agreement and hold a public hearing in accordance with § 15.2-5104 .

Upon adoption or approval of the ordinance, resolution, or agreement, the governing body seeking to withdraw or join the authority shall file either an application to withdraw from or an application to become a member of the authority, whichever applies, with the State Corporation Commission. A joinder application shall set forth all of the information required in the case of original incorporation and shall be accompanied by certified copies of the resolutions, ordinances, or agreement described in subsection C. Joinder and withdrawal applications shall be executed by the proper officers of the withdrawing or incoming locality under its official seal, and shall be joined in by the proper officers of the governing board of the authority, and in the case of a locality seeking to become a member of the authority also by the proper officers of each of the political subdivisions that are then members of the authority, pursuant to resolutions by the governing bodies of such political subdivisions.

E. If the State Corporation Commission finds that the application conforms to law, it shall approve the application. When all proper fees and charges have been paid, it shall file the approved application and issue to the applicant a certificate of withdrawal or a certificate of joinder, whichever applies, attached to a copy of the approved application. The withdrawal or joinder shall become effective upon the issuing of such certificate.

F. Any authority may join an existing authority if the joinder is approved by concurrent ordinances or resolutions of the localities which created the joining authority, notwithstanding any contrary provisions of § 15.2-5150 . However, if the localities, at the time of the creation of an authority, state that the authority is created with the intention of joining an existing authority, such concurrent ordinances or resolutions shall not be necessary. The provisions of this section pertaining to a locality becoming a member or withdrawing from an authority shall also apply, mutatis mutandis, to an authority becoming a member or withdrawing.

Code 1950, § 15-764.10; 1950, p. 1316; 1960, c. 313; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1248; 1968, c. 355; 1973, c. 478; 1993, cc. 670, 690; 1995, cc. 414 , 415 , 634 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487 .