Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-104 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 15.2-104
Liens against real estate
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision contained in this title to the contrary, wherever this title provides for or authorizes a lien upon real estate for a local assessment, fee, rent or charge, other than real estate taxes, not paid when due, such lien shall not bind or affect a subsequent bona fide purchaser of the real estate for valuable consideration without actual notice of the lien unless, at the time of the transfer of record of the real estate to the purchaser, a statement containing the name of the record owner of the real estate and the amount of such unpaid assessments, fees, rents or charges is entered in the judgment lien book in the clerk's office where deeds are recorded or is contained in records maintained by the local treasurer for real estate tax liens pursuant to § 58.1-3930 with respect to the real estate against which the lien is asserted. Any such lien binding on the owner of the real estate at the time of sale or other disposition shall be paid from the sale or other proceeds as real estate taxes assessed thereon are required to be paid. The clerk shall cause such statement to be entered and properly indexed against the record owner of the real estate, for which the clerk shall be entitled to a fee of two dollars per entry, or such other fee as may be specifically provided for such purpose in this title, to be paid by the locality or other political subdivision asserting the lien and to be added to the amount of the lien. If the amount of such lien and all accrued interest due thereon are paid in full, the locality or other political subdivision asserting the lien shall deliver a certificate evidencing such payment to the person paying the same, and, upon presentation of such certificate, the clerk having record of the lien shall mark the entry of such lien satisfied, for which he shall be entitled to a fee of one dollar, or such other fee as may be specifically provided for such purpose in this title.

1994, c. 525 , § 15.1-37.3:13; 1996, c. 612 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2303.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2303.2
Proffered cash payments and expenditures
Status: in_force

A. The governing body of any locality accepting cash payments voluntarily proffered on or after July 1, 2005, pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 shall, within 12 years of receiving full payment of all cash proffered pursuant to an approved rezoning application, begin, or cause to begin (i) construction, (ii) site work, (iii) engineering, (iv) right-of-way acquisition, (v) surveying, or (vi) utility relocation on the improvements for which the cash payments were proffered. A locality that does not comply with the above requirement, or does not begin alternative improvements as provided for in subsection C, shall forward the amount of the proffered cash payments to the Commonwealth Transportation Board no later than December 31 following the fiscal year in which such forfeiture occurred for direct allocation to the secondary system construction program or the urban system construction program for the locality in which the proffered cash payments were collected. The funds to which any locality may be entitled under the provisions of Title 33.2 for construction, improvement, or maintenance of primary, secondary, or urban roads shall not be diminished by reason of any funds remitted pursuant to this subsection by such locality, regardless of whether such contributions are matched by state or federal funds.

B. The governing body of any locality eligible to accept any proffered cash payments pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 shall, for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year 2007, (i) include in its capital improvement program created pursuant to § 15.2-2239 , or as an appendix thereto, the amount of all proffered cash payments received during the most recent fiscal year for which a report has been filed pursuant to subsection E, and (ii) include in its annual capital budget the amount of proffered cash payments projected to be used for expenditures or appropriated for capital improvements in the ensuing year.

C. Regardless of the date of rezoning approval, unless prohibited by the proffer agreement accepted by the governing body of a locality pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 , a locality may utilize any cash payments proffered for any road improvement or any transportation improvement that is incorporated into the capital improvements program as its matching contribution under § 33.2-357 . For purposes of this section, "road improvement" includes construction of new roads or improvement or expansion of existing roads as required by applicable construction standards of the Virginia Department of Transportation to meet increased demand attributable to new development. For purposes of this section, "transportation improvement" means any real or personal property acquired, constructed, improved, or used for constructing, improving, or operating any (i) public mass transit system or (ii) highway, or portion or interchange thereof, including parking facilities located within a district created pursuant to this title. Such improvements shall include, without limitation, public mass transit systems, public highways, and all buildings, structures, approaches, and facilities thereof and appurtenances thereto, rights-of-way, bridges, tunnels, stations, terminals, and all related equipment and fixtures.

Regardless of the date of rezoning approval, unless prohibited by the proffer agreement accepted by the governing body of a locality pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 , a locality may utilize any cash payments proffered for capital improvements for alternative improvements of the same category within the locality in the vicinity of the improvements for which the cash payments were originally made. Prior to utilization of such cash payments for the alternative improvements, the governing body of the locality shall give at least 30 days' written notice of the proposed alternative improvements to the entity who paid such cash payment mailed to the last known address of such entity, or if proffer payment records no longer exist, then to the original zoning applicant, and conduct a public hearing on such proposal advertised as provided in subsection F of § 15.2-1427 . The governing body of the locality prior to the use of such cash payments for alternative improvements shall, following such public hearing, find: (a) the improvements for which the cash payments were proffered cannot occur in a timely manner or the functional purpose for which the cash payment was made no longer exists; (b) the alternative improvements are within the vicinity of the proposed improvements for which the cash payments were proffered; and (c) the alternative improvements are in the public interest. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act, the governing body may negotiate and award a contract without competition to an entity that is constructing road improvements pursuant to a proffered zoning condition or special exception condition in order to expand the scope of the road improvements by utilizing cash proffers of others or other available locally generated funds. The local governing body shall adopt a resolution stating the basis for awarding the construction contract to extend the scope of the road improvements. All road improvements to be included in the state primary or secondary system of highways must conform to the adopted standards of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

D. Notwithstanding any provision of this section or any other provision of law, general or special, no cash payment proffered pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 shall be used for any capital improvement to an existing facility, such as a renovation or technology upgrade, that does not expand the capacity of such facility or for any operating expense of any existing facility such as ordinary maintenance or repair.

E. The governing body of any locality with a population in excess of 3,500 persons accepting a cash payment voluntarily proffered pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 shall within three months of the close of each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2002 and for each fiscal year thereafter, report to the Commission on Local Government the following information for the preceding fiscal year:

1. The aggregate dollar amount of proffered cash payments collected by the locality;

2. The estimated aggregate dollar amount of proffered cash payments that have been pledged to the locality and which pledges are not conditioned on any event other than time; and

3. The total dollar amount of proffered cash payments expended by the locality, and the aggregate dollar amount expended in each of the following categories:

F. The governing body of any locality with a population in excess of 3,500 persons eligible to accept any proffered cash payments pursuant to § 15.2-2298 , 15.2-2303 , or 15.2-2303.1 but that did not accept any proffered cash payments during the preceding fiscal year shall within three months of the close of each fiscal year, beginning in 2001 and for each fiscal year thereafter, so notify the Commission on Local Government.

G. The Commission on Local Government shall by November 30, 2001, and by November 30 of each fiscal year thereafter, prepare and make available to the public and the chairmen of the Senate Local Government Committee and the House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee an annual report containing the information made available to it pursuant to subsections E and F.

2001, c. 282 ; 2003, c. 522 ; 2005, c. 855 ; 2006, cc. 583 , 872 , 882 ; 2007, c. 321 ; 2012, c. 521 ; 2013, cc. 510 , 541 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2635 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2635
What indebtedness not included in determining limitation
Status: in_force

In determining the limitation contained in § 15.2-2634 , there shall not be included the classes of indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (4) of Article VII, Section 10 (a) of the Constitution of Virginia.

1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.36; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1724 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1724
Police and other officers may be sent beyond territorial limits
Status: in_force

Whenever the necessity arises (i) for the enforcement of laws designed to control or prohibit the use or sale of controlled drugs as defined in § 54.1-3401 or laws contained in Article 3 (§ 18.2-47 et seq.) of Chapter 4 or Article 3 (§ 18.2-346 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2, (ii) in response to any law-enforcement emergency involving any immediate threat to life or public safety, (iii) during the execution of the provisions of Article 4 (§ 37.2-808 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 37.2 or § 16.1-340 or 16.1-340.1 relating to orders for temporary detention or emergency custody for mental health evaluation or (iv) during any emergency resulting from the existence of a state of war, internal disorder, or fire, flood, epidemic or other public disaster, the police officers and other officers, agents and employees of any locality, the police officers of the Division of Capitol Police, and the police of any state-supported institution of higher learning appointed pursuant to subsection B of § 23.1-812 may, together with all necessary equipment, lawfully go or be sent beyond the territorial limits of such locality, such agency, or such state-supported institution of higher learning to any point within or without the Commonwealth to assist in meeting such emergency or need, or while en route to a part of the jurisdiction which is only accessible by roads outside the jurisdiction. However, the police of any state-supported institution of higher learning may be sent only to a locality within the Commonwealth, or locality outside the Commonwealth, whose boundaries are contiguous with the locality in which such institution is located. No member of a police force of any state-supported institution of higher learning shall be sent beyond the territorial limits of the locality in which such institution is located unless such member has met the requirements established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services as provided in clause (i) of subdivision 2 of § 9.1-102 .

In such event the acts performed for such purpose by such police officers or other officers, agents or employees and the expenditures made for such purpose by such locality, such agency, or a state-supported institution of higher learning shall be deemed conclusively to be for a public and governmental purpose, and all of the immunities from liability enjoyed by a locality, agency, or a state-supported institution of higher learning when acting through its police officers or other officers, agents or employees for a public or governmental purpose within its territorial limits shall be enjoyed by it to the same extent when such locality, agency, or a state-supported institution of higher learning within the Commonwealth is so acting, under this section or under other lawful authority, beyond its territorial limits.

The police officers and other officers, agents and employees of any locality, agency, or a state-supported institution of higher learning when acting hereunder or under other lawful authority beyond the territorial limits of such locality, agency, or such state-supported institution of higher learning shall have all of the immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances and regulations and shall have all of the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation and other benefits enjoyed by them while performing their respective duties within the territorial limits of such locality, agency, or such state-supported institution of higher learning.

Code 1950, § 15-552; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-131; 1968, c. 800; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 238; 1976, c. 457; 1977, c. 79; 1979, c. 503; 1984, c. 779; 1992, c. 566; 1993, c. 860; 1995, c. 844 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2008, c. 437 ; 2010, cc. 778 , 825 ; 2013, c. 428 ; 2020, c. 122 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7221 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7221
Sovereign immunity
Status: in_force

No provisions of this chapter nor act of an authority, including the procurement of insurance or self-insurance, shall be deemed a waiver of any sovereign immunity to which the Authority or its directors, officers, employees, or agents are otherwise entitled.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-719.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-719.1
Naming U.S. Route 29
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-2019 or 33.2-213 , the board may by ordinance name any section of U.S. Route 29 located within the boundaries of the locality. The Department of Transportation shall place and maintain appropriate signs indicating the name of such highway, and the costs of producing, placing, and maintaining these signs shall be paid by the locality.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 261 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2650 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2650
Article controlling as to proceedings involving validity
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article apply to all suits, actions and proceedings of whatever nature involving the validity of bonds of any locality or other political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of the Commonwealth or of any locality, whether the bonds are to be issued following an election on the question of their issuance or without necessity of an election. These provisions supersede all other acts and statutes on the subject and are controlling in all cases, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or charter to the contrary.

Code 1950, § 15-666.54; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-213; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.52; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 570 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5944 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5944
Restrictions related to sports teams
Status: in_force

A. If the Authority plans to use a Facility for the sole purpose of conducting athletic events involving a sports team, the Authority shall not enter into any contractual agreement with such sports team unless such contractual agreement requires that the sports team (i) not relocate until any bonds issued under this chapter are repaid or defeased and (ii) operate the Facility until any bonds issued under this chapter are repaid or defeased.

B. If the Authority plans to use a Facility for the sole purpose of conducting athletic events involving a sports team, the Authority shall not issue bonds under this chapter until it executes a long-term lease with (i) the owner of the sports team or (ii) a third party that has entered into a long-term sublease with the owner of the sports team.

C. If the Authority plans to use a Facility for the sole purpose of conducting athletic events involving a sports team, the Authority shall not issue bonds under this chapter until the league of which the sports team is a member publicly approves a proposal for the sports team to be located in a Hampton Roads locality.

D. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply if the Authority plans to use a Facility also for the purpose of holding entertainment events and conferences.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-105 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 15.2-105
Penalty and interest for failure to pay accounts when due
Status: in_force

Any person failing to pay, pursuant to an ordinance, any account due a locality on or before its due date, other than taxes which are provided for in Title 58.1, may, at the option of the locality, incur a penalty thereon of ten dollars or an amount not exceeding ten percent. The penalty shall be added to the amount of the account due from such person. No penalty shall be imposed for failure to pay any account if such failure was not in any way the fault of the debtor.

Interest at the rate of ten percent annually from the first day following the day such account is due may be collected upon the principal and penalty of all such accounts.

1984, c. 520, § 15.1-37.3:6; 1985, c. 342; 1989, c. 366; 1992, c. 229; 1997, cc. 587, 700 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1123.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1123.1
Lynchburg Regional Airport police department
Status: in_force

2015, c. 213 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 37 , 55 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6208 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 62 / Section 15.2-6208
Eligible use of funds
Status: in_force

From such funds as may be appropriated or received, the Authority may make loans and grants for the benefit of qualified private, for-profit enterprises and public or not-for-profit enterprises, nonprofit industrial development corporations, or industrial development authorities for financing the following:

1. Purchase of real estate;

2. Grading of sites;

3. Water, sewer, natural gas or electrical line improvements, replacement and extensions;

4. Construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of buildings;

5. Construction of parking facilities;

6. Access roads construction and street improvements;

7. Purchase or lease of machinery and tools; and

8. Any other improvements deemed necessary by the Authority to meet its objectives.

1993, c. 982, § 15.1-1669; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2433 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.3 / Section 15.2-2433
Annual audit
Status: in_force

The Auditor of Public Accounts, or his legally authorized representatives, shall annually audit the accounts of the Authority, and the cost of such audit services as shall be required shall be borne by the Authority. The audit shall be performed at least each fiscal year, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, include such tests of the accounting records and such auditing procedures as are considered necessary under the circumstances. The Authority shall furnish copies of such audit to the Governor.

2010, c. 724 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5704 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 57 / Section 15.2-5704
Powers of authority
Status: in_force

Each authority shall be deemed to be performing essential governmental functions providing for the public health and welfare, and is authorized and empowered:

1. To have existence for such term of years as specified by the participating localities;

2. To adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;

3. To adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure;

4. To maintain an office at such place or places as it may designate;

5. To sue and be sued;

6. To acquire, purchase, lease as lessee, construct, reconstruct, improve, extend, operate and maintain parks within, or partly within and partly outside, one or more of the participating localities; to acquire by gift, purchase or the exercise of the right of eminent domain lands or rights in land or water rights in connection therewith; and to sell, lease as lessor, transfer or dispose of any property or interest therein acquired by it; however, the power of eminent domain shall not extend beyond the geographical limits of the localities composing the authority;

7. To regulate the uses of all lands and facilities under control of the authority;

8. To locate and operate a retail fee-based electric vehicle charging station on property under the jurisdiction of the authority; to provide that the use of such station is restricted to the employees of the locality, authority, and authorized visitors; and to install signage that provides notice of such restriction;

9. To issue revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds of the authority, such bonds to be payable solely from revenues derived from the use of the facilities or the furnishing of park services;

10. To accept grants and gifts from the localities forming or thereafter joining the authority, the Commonwealth, the federal government or any other governmental bodies or political subdivisions, and from any other person;

11. To enter into contracts with the federal government, the Commonwealth, any political subdivision, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or with any other person providing for or relating to the furnishing of park services or facilities;

12. To contract with any municipality, county, person or any public authority or political subdivision of this or any adjoining state, on such terms as the authority shall deem proper, for the construction, operation and maintenance of any park which is partly in this Commonwealth and partly in such adjoining state;

13. To exercise the same rights for acquiring property for the construction or improvement, maintenance or operation of a park as the locality or localities by which such authority is created may exercise. The governing body of any participating locality, notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, is authorized and empowered to transfer jurisdiction over, to lease, lend, grant or convey to the authority, upon the request of the authority, upon such terms and conditions as the governing body of such locality may agree with the authority as reasonable and fair, real or personal property as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the acquisition, construction, improvement, operation or maintenance of a park, including public roads and other property already devoted to public use. Agreements may be entered into by the authority with the Commonwealth, or any agency acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, for the acquisition of any lands or property, owned or controlled by the Commonwealth, for the purposes of construction or improvement, maintenance or operation of a park;

14. In the event of annexation by a municipality not a member of the authority of lands, areas, or territory served by the authority, then such authority may continue to do business, exercise its jurisdiction over properties and facilities in and upon or over such lands, areas or territory as long as any bonds or indebtedness remain outstanding or unpaid, or any contracts or other obligations remain in force;

15. To make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under this chapter, including a trust agreement or trust agreements securing any revenue bonds or revenue refunding bonds issued hereunder;

16. To do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this chapter;

17. To borrow, at such rates of interest as the law authorizes, from the federal government or any agency thereof, individuals, partnerships, or private or municipal corporations, for the purpose of acquiring parklands and improvements thereon; to issue its notes, bonds or other obligations; to secure such obligations by mortgage or pledge of the property and improvements being acquired and the income derived therefrom; and to use any revenues and other income of the authority for payment of interest and retirement of principal of such obligations provided that prior approval of the governing body of the locality shall be obtained by an authority that was created by a single locality. Any locality which has formed or joined an authority may lend money to the authority. The power to borrow set forth in this subdivision shall be in addition to the power to issue revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds set forth in subdivision 9 and § 15.2-5712 . Notes, bonds or other obligations issued under this subdivision shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth; and

18. To adopt such rules and regulations from time to time, not in conflict with the laws of this Commonwealth, concerning the use of properties under its control as will tend to the protection of such property and the public thereon. No such rule or regulation shall be adopted until after notice of an intention to propose such rule or regulation for passage has been published in accordance with the procedures required for the adoption of general county ordinances and emergency county ordinances as set forth in § 15.2-1427 , mutatis mutandis.

Code 1950, § 15-714.5; 1950, p. 1246; 1952, c. 401; 1956, c. 472; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1232; 1968, c. 613; 1976, c. 483; 1977, c. 381; 1981, c. 182; 1996, c. 279 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2022, c. 255 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2511 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 25 / Section 15.2-2511
Audit of local government records, etc.; Auditor of Public Accounts; audit of shortages; civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. Localities shall have all their accounts and records, including all accounts and records of their constitutional officers, audited annually as of June 30 by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with the specifications furnished by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The certified public accountant shall present a detailed written report to the local governing body at a public session by the following December 31. Every locality shall contract for the performance of the annual audit not later than April 1 of each fiscal year, and such contract shall incorporate the provisions of this section relating to audit specifications and report date. The report shall be (i) submitted to the Auditor of Public Accounts, (ii) preserved by the clerk of the local governing body, and (iii) open to public inspection at all times by any qualified voter. If the audit is not completed as required by this section, the locality shall promptly post a statement on its website, if such website exists, declaring that the required audit is pending, the reasons for the delay, and the estimated date of completion. Such statement shall also be posted and made available to the public at the next scheduled meeting of the local governing body and also be sent to the Auditor of Public Accounts. The statement shall continue to be posted and updated until the audit is complete. If a locality fails to post such notice or make such notice available to the public, any aggrieved person may proceed to enforce such action by filing a petition for mandamus to the general district court, supported by an affidavit showing good cause. The court, if it finds that a violation has occurred, may issue a writ of mandamus and impose a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000 against the locality, which amount shall be paid into the Literary Fund.

The accounts and records of any county or city officer listed in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, hereinafter referred to as "constitutional officers," shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

When the annual audit conducted pursuant to this subsection includes the clerk of the circuit court, the audit shall satisfy the requirement of an audit pursuant to § 30-134 .

In the event that a locality fails to obtain the annual audit prescribed by this subsection, the Auditor of Public Accounts may undertake the audit or may employ the services of certified public accountants and charge the full cost of such services to the locality. However, no part of the cost and expense of such audit shall be paid by any locality whose governing body has its accounts audited for the fiscal years in question as prescribed above and furnishes the Auditor of Public Accounts with a copy of such audit.

B. Except where otherwise authorized by statute, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit the accounts of local governments and constitutional officers only when (i) special circumstances require an audit or (ii) there is suspected fraud or inappropriate handling of funds that may affect the financial interests of the Commonwealth. However, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall also audit the accounts of a local government at any other time upon a majority vote of the local governing body, with all expenses of the audit to be borne by the requesting locality. In all instances, such audits shall be carried out with the approval of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Any shortage existing in the accounts of the locality or constitutional officer, as ascertained by the audit, shall be made public within 30 days after the shortage is discovered, and a brief statement thereof shall be sent by the Auditor of Public Accounts to the members and clerk of the local governing body and to the circuit court for the locality and shall be filed in the clerk's office of such court.

C. The provisions of this section shall apply to all counties and cities, to all towns having a population of 3,500 or over, and to all towns constituting a separate school division regardless of their population. However, any town with a population of less than 3,500 that voluntarily has an audit prepared shall also submit the results of such audit to the Auditor of Public Accounts.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any town not required to submit an audit pursuant to subsection C that voluntarily contracts for or performs an audit shall submit the results of such audit to the Auditor of Public Accounts upon completion of the audit.

Code 1950, § 15-583; 1958, c. 615; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-167; 1978, c. 725; 1981, c. 139; 1985, c. 315; 1993, c. 681; 1997, c. 587 ; 2013, cc. 239 , 392 ; 2019, cc. 322 , 361 ; 2020, c. 699 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-109 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 15.2-109
Regulations on political campaign signs
Status: in_force

No locality shall have the authority to prohibit the display of political campaign signs on private property if the signs are in compliance with zoning and right-of-way restrictions applicable to temporary nonpolitical signs, if the signs have been posted with the permission of the owner. The provisions of this section shall supersede the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation in conflict with this section. This section shall have no effect upon the regulations of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

2004, c. 388 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1240 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1240
Violation of § 15.2-1238 or § 15.2-1239 a misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Any violation of § 15.2-1238 or § 15.2-1239 shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided by § 18.2-12 .

Code 1950, § 15-548; 1960, c. 360; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-112; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6314 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6314
Exemption from taxation; authorities to be municipal corporate instrumentalities of Commonwealth
Status: in_force

The bonds or other securities issued by an authority, the interest thereon, and all real and personal property and any interest therein of an authority, and all income derived therefrom by an authority shall at all times be free from taxation by the Commonwealth, or by any political subdivision thereof. The authority shall be regarded as a municipal corporate instrumentality of the Commonwealth for the purpose of discharging its functions and exercising its powers under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 15-952; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1335; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3237 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-3237
Application to be made to circuit court; appointment of special court; who may appear against
Status: in_force

Within thirty days of the enactment of an ordinance proposing to reduce the corporate limits of a city or town, the city or town shall apply to the circuit court for the city, or to the circuit court for the city or town, for an order confirming the ordinance. The circuit court with which the petition is filed shall notify the Supreme Court, which shall appoint a special court to hear the case as prescribed by Chapter 30 (§ 15.2-3000 et seq.) of this title. One or more residents or landowners of the territory proposed to be abandoned, or the governing body of the county or counties contiguous thereto, may appear and by petition set forth reasons why the corporate limits should not be reduced.

Code 1950, § 15-154; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1060; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6204 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 62 / Section 15.2-6204
Office of Authority; title to property
Status: in_force

The Board shall maintain the principal office of the Authority within the Region. All records shall be kept and business transacted at such office. The title to all property of every kind belonging to the Authority shall be titled to the Authority, which shall hold it for the benefit of its members and the Commonwealth.

1993, c. 982, § 15.1-1665; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3805 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3805
Time limit for intervenors; publication of order
Status: in_force

The special court shall by order fix a time within which a voter, property owner or political subdivision not served may become a party to a proceeding instituted under this chapter, and thereafter no such petition shall be received, except for good cause shown. A copy of the order shall be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county and in the adjoining or adjacent counties and cities, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the time fixed by the special court.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-982.5; 1997, c. 587 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.16 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.16
Proceeds of bonds
Status: in_force

The proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to § 15.2-5431.14 shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the project or projects for which they were issued and shall be disbursed in such manner and under such restrictions, if any, as the authority may provide in the authorizing resolution or in any trust agreement. If the proceeds of the bonds, by error of estimates or otherwise, are less than such cost, additional bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit and, unless otherwise provided in the authorizing resolution or in the trust agreement securing them, shall be deemed to be of the same issue and entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the bonds first issued for the same purpose. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue exceed the amount required for the purpose for which such bonds were issued, the surplus shall be deposited to the credit of the sinking fund for such bonds.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5942 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5942
Public hearings; notice; reports
Status: in_force

A. At least 30 days before (i) acquiring or entering into a lease involving a Facility Site and (ii) entering into a construction contract for a Facility, the Authority shall submit to the General Assembly a detailed written report and findings of the Authority on the proposed acquisition, lease, or contract. The report and findings shall include a detailed plan of the method of funding and the economic benefits of the proposal.

B. The State Treasurer shall be provided with copies of (i) all documents relating to the proposed issuance of any bonds pursuant to § 15.2-5943 and (ii) all documents relating to a proposed acquisition, lease, or contract described in subsection A. Such copies shall be provided sufficiently in advance of such bond issuance or acquisition, lease, or contract to conduct such reviews as the State Treasurer deems necessary. Such reviews shall be completed within 60 days after the date that the Treasurer is provided such documents. In the event that the Commonwealth is an obligated person determined to be material to an evaluation of the offering for which financial information will be included or referenced in the offering document in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c 2-12 under the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or in the event that in the opinion of the State Treasurer, with the concurrence of the Debt Capacity Advisory Committee established under Article 5 (§ 2.2-2712 et seq.) of Chapter 27 of Title 2.2, such bond issue or contractual obligation will be considered tax-supported debt of the Commonwealth or have an adverse impact on the debt capacity or the credit ratings of the Commonwealth, such bond issue or contractual obligation must be authorized by the General Assembly. Within 60 days of receiving the documents described in this subsection, the Treasurer shall deliver a written opinion to the Authority and participating localities regarding whether the bond issue or contractual obligation will be considered tax-supported debt of the Commonwealth or have an adverse impact on the debt capacity or the credit ratings of the Commonwealth.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4710 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 47 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4710
Cooperation between districts and other political subdivisions
Status: in_force

Any local district created under the provisions of this chapter may enter into agreements with localities and other political subdivisions within the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with the authority contained in § 15.2-1305 .

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2281 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2281
Jurisdiction of localities
Status: in_force

For the purpose of zoning, the governing body of a county shall have jurisdiction over all the unincorporated territory in the county, and the governing body of a municipality shall have jurisdiction over the incorporated area of the municipality.

Code 1950, §§ 15-819, 15-844, 15-968; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-486; 1966, c. 344; 1969, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1972, c. 789; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1627.6 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1627.6
Coordination of multidisciplinary response to human trafficking
Status: in_force

A. The attorney for the Commonwealth in each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall coordinate the establishment of a multidisciplinary response to human trafficking as set forth in Article 3 (§ 18.2-346 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 and hold a meeting, at least annually, to (i) discuss implementation of protocols and policies for human trafficking response teams consistent with those established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to subdivision 37 d of § 9.1-102 ; (ii) establish and review guidelines for the community's response to the various forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking; and (iii) review protocols for the trauma-informed, victim-centered collection, preservation, and secure storage of evidence from physical evidence recovery kit examinations consistent with § 19.2-165.1 .

B. The following persons or their designees shall be invited to participate in the annual meeting: the attorney for the Commonwealth; a representative of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission in jurisdictions served by a public defender office; the sheriff; the director of the local sexual assault crisis center providing services in the jurisdiction, if any; the chief of each police department and the chief of each campus police department of any institution of higher education in the jurisdiction, if any; a forensic nurse examiner or other health care provider who performs physical evidence recovery kit examinations in the jurisdiction, if any; a health professional knowledgeable in the treatment of trauma-informed, victim-centered services; a social worker knowledgeable in the needs of immigrant communities; the state Human Trafficking Response Coordinator or his designee; a representative from at least one national or local organization that supports victims of human trafficking; at least one survivor of human trafficking; the director of the victim/witness program in the jurisdiction, if any; a division superintendent or his designee from at least one of the local school divisions; and a labor union representative knowledgeable about labor trafficking. In addition, the attorney for the Commonwealth may invite other individuals, or their designees, to participate in the annual meeting, including (i) local health department district directors; (ii) the administrator of each licensed hospital within the jurisdiction; (iii) the director of each health safety net clinic within the jurisdiction, including those clinics created by 42 C.F.R. § 491.1 and the free and charitable clinics; (iv) local administrators in charitable clinics or local hospitals, as well as other health care providers or local nonprofit organizations working with victims of trafficking; and (v) as determined by the attorney for the Commonwealth, any other local health care providers.

C. Attorneys for the Commonwealth are authorized to conduct the human trafficking response team annual meetings using other methods to encourage attendance, including electronic communication means as provided in § 2.2-3708.3 .

2024, c. 366 ; 2025, c. 375 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-530 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-530
Powers and duties of sheriff
Status: in_force

The sheriff shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general law. He shall have the custody of, and be charged with the duty of feeding and caring for, all prisoners confined in the county jail. He shall perform such other duties the board imposes upon him.

Code 1950, § 15-291; 1952, c. 413; 1958, c. 112; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-608; 1972, c. 360; 1977, c. 584; 1984, c. 722; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1116 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1116
Smoke; fuel-burning equipment
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may regulate the emission of smoke, the construction, installation and maintenance of fuel-burning equipment, and the methods of firing and stoking furnaces and boilers.

Code 1950, § 15-77.32; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-868; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-936 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-936
Garbage and refuse disposal; fee exemption
Status: in_force

Persons may be exempted, deferred, or charged a lesser amount by a locality from paying any charges and fees authorized by any law for the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse. Ordinances providing for such exemptions, deferrals or charges of lesser amounts may be conditioned upon only the income criteria as provided by § 58.1-3211 as in effect on December 31, 2010.

1992, cc. 197, 458, § 15.1-11.04; 1993, cc. 643, 651; 1997, c. 587; 2011, cc. 438 , 496 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3234 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3234
Inability to agree; petition to Commission on Local Government
Status: in_force

In the event the governing bodies of the town and county cannot reach a voluntary agreement as to future annexation rights, the town may, by ordinance duly adopted by a majority vote of its governing body, petition the Commission on Local Government for an order establishing the rights of the town to annex territory by ordinance under specified agreed terms. A copy of such petition and ordinance shall be served on the attorney for the Commonwealth, or county attorney, if there is one, and on the chairman of the board of supervisors of the county. The county shall file its response to such petition with the Commission within sixty days after receipt of service thereof.

After the time for filing of a response by the county has elapsed, the Commission shall establish a date, time and place for a hearing, to be conducted in the county or the town, at which the parties, and any resident or property owner of either the county or the town may appear and present evidence or comment on the rights petitioned for by the town. After receiving such evidence, and making such further investigation as it deems appropriate, and based upon the criteria set forth in § 15.2-3209 , the Commission shall enter an order which grants such rights to the town, either upon the terms set forth in the petition or upon some modified basis. The order shall in no event grant to the town the right to annex county territory by ordinance more frequently than once every five years.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1058.4; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1120 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1120
Detentive, correctional and penal institutions
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may provide and operate, within or outside the municipal corporation, detentive, correctional and penal institutions; or may contract with others for supplying the services and facilities provided at such institutions.

Code 1950, § 15-77.46; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-882; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1638.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1638.1
Administrative assistants in offices of circuit court judges who are employees of a locality
Status: in_force

An employee, not employed by a constitutional officer, hired and paid by a county or city to assist with the administration of a circuit court judge's office shall serve at the sole direction and under the sole supervision of such judge. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the authority of the circuit court clerk to (i) perform statutory duties with respect to court administration or (ii) assign deputy clerks to provide judicial assistance to the court, at the sole discretion of the clerk.

2020, c. 1061 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2261.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2261.1
Recorded plat or final site plans; conflicting zoning conditions
Status: in_force

If the provisions of a recorded plat or final site plan, which was specifically determined by the governing body and not its designee, to be in accordance with the zoning conditions previously approved pursuant to §§ 15.2-2296 through 15.2-2303 , conflict with any underlying zoning conditions of such previous rezoning approval, the provisions of the recorded plat or final site plan shall control, and the zoning amendment notice requirements of § 15.2-2204 shall be deemed to have been satisfied.

2002, c. 551 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1656 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 9 / Section 15.2-1656
Supplies and equipment to be furnished to clerks of courts of record
Status: in_force

The governing body of each county and city shall, at the expense of the county or city, provide (i) suitable books and stationery, in addition to supplies furnished by the Commonwealth, for the use of clerks of all courts of record, together with appropriate cases and other furniture, for the safe and convenient keeping of all the books, documents and papers, in the custody of such officers; (ii) official seals for such officers; and (iii) such other office equipment, electronic or other systems, and appliances as in their judgment may be reasonably necessary for the proper conduct of such offices.

Code 1950, § 15-10.1; 1954, c. 652; 1956, c. 480; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-19; 1973, c. 544; 1980, c. 549; 1997, c. 587; 2014, cc. 360 , 589 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-937.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-937.1
Localities may require separation of organic waste; civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

"Generator" means a generator of large quantities of organic waste, including public and nonpublic school facilities, supermarkets, convenience stores, or similar establishments; a business, school, or institutional cafeteria; and a cafeteria operated by or on behalf of the Commonwealth or a locality.

"Organic waste" means material derived from the processing or discarding of food, including pre-consumer and post-consumer vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, and meats.

B. Any locality may, by ordinance, require that certain generators separate organic waste from other solid waste and ensure that such organic waste is diverted from final disposal in a refuse disposal system. The ordinance may require that generators divert organic waste from final disposal in a refuse disposal system by (i) reducing the amount of food residuals generated; (ii) donating servable food; (iii) managing the organic waste in an on-site organics recycling system; (iv) providing for the collection and transportation of organic waste for agricultural use, including for use as animal feed or for processing in an organics recycling facility or anaerobic digester; or (v) engaging in some combination of those waste diversion activities. However, a locality that adopts an ordinance pursuant to this section shall require that a business generating at least one ton of organic waste weekly compost such organic waste at a permitted facility if such facility is within 30 miles of the business, unless the business demonstrates in writing that the permitted facility will not accept the organic waste.

C. The ordinance shall only apply to a generator that generates a threshold amount of organic waste, as established in the ordinance. Such generator may apply for a waiver from the above requirements if the generator demonstrates undue hardship in accordance with criteria established by the locality.

D. The ordinance may establish civil penalties for violations of the ordinance. A locality shall first issue a warning to a generator that violates the ordinance. After receiving a warning, a generator that subsequently violates the ordinance is subject to a civil penalty to be collected in a civil action brought by the locality. The civil penalty is $250 for a second violation, $500 for a third violation, and $1,000 for a fourth or subsequent violation. Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation. Penalties collected under the ordinance shall be payable to the treasury of the locality.

2026, cc. 1121 , 1122 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-715 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-715
Abolition of offices and distribution of duties
Status: in_force

The board, by a majority vote of all the members elected, may abolish any board, commission, or office of such county except the school board and school superintendent, and the officers elected by popular vote provided for in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, and may delegate and distribute the duties, authority and powers of the boards, commissions, or offices abolished to the county manager or to any other officer of the county it may think proper. If any such board, commission, or office is abolished, those to whom the duties thereof are delegated or distributed shall discharge the duties and exercise the powers and authorities of the abolished entity. Both they and the county for which they were appointed, or by whom they were employed, shall enjoy the immunities and exemptions from liability or otherwise that were enjoyed by the abolished boards, commissions, or offices, prior to the adoption of the county manager plan of government, except insofar as such duties, powers, authority, immunities and exemptions have been or hereafter may be changed according to law.

Code 1950, § 15-354; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-685; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 839 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2232 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2232
Legal status of plan
Status: in_force

A. Whenever a local planning commission recommends a comprehensive plan or part thereof for the locality and such plan has been approved and adopted by the governing body, it shall control the general or approximate location, character and extent of each feature shown on the plan. Thereafter, unless a feature is already shown on the adopted master plan or part thereof or is deemed so under subsection D, no street or connection to an existing street, park or other public area, public building or public structure, public utility facility or public service corporation facility other than a railroad facility or an underground natural gas or underground electric distribution facility of a public utility as defined in subdivision (b) of § 56-265.1 within its certificated service territory, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or authorized, unless and until the general location or approximate location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and approved by the commission as being substantially in accord with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection with any such determination, the commission may, and at the direction of the governing body shall, hold a public hearing, after notice as required by § 15.2-2204 . Following the adoption of the Statewide Transportation Plan by the Commonwealth Transportation Board pursuant to § 33.2-353 and written notification to the affected local governments, each local government through which one or more of the designated corridors of statewide significance traverses, shall, at a minimum, note such corridor or corridors on the transportation plan map included in its comprehensive plan for information purposes at the next regular update of the transportation plan map. Prior to the next regular update of the transportation plan map, the local government shall acknowledge the existence of corridors of statewide significance within its boundaries.

B. The commission shall communicate its findings to the governing body, indicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons therefor. The governing body may overrule the action of the commission by a vote of a majority of its membership. Failure of the commission to act within 60 days of a submission, unless the time is extended by the governing body, shall be deemed approval. The owner or owners or their agents may appeal the decision of the commission to the governing body within 10 days after the decision of the commission. The appeal shall be by written petition to the governing body setting forth the reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be heard and determined within 60 days from its filing. A majority vote of the governing body shall overrule the commission.

C. Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change of use of streets or public areas shall likewise be submitted for approval, but paving, repair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage or similar work and normal service extensions of public utilities or public service corporations shall not require approval unless such work involves a change in location or extent of a street or public area.

D. Any public area, facility, park or use as set forth in subsection A which is identified within, but not the entire subject of, a submission under either § 15.2-2258 for subdivision or subdivision A 8 of § 15.2-2286 for development or both may be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master plan, and, therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and approval by the commission or the governing body, provided that the governing body has by ordinance or resolution defined standards governing the construction, establishment or authorization of such public area, facility, park or use or has approved it through acceptance of a proffer made pursuant to § 15.2-2303 .

E. Approval and funding of a public telecommunications facility on or before July 1, 2012, by the Virginia Public Broadcasting Board pursuant to Article 12 (§ 2.2-2426 et seq.) of Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 or after July 1, 2012, by the Board of Education pursuant to § 22.1-20.1 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section and local zoning ordinances with respect to such facility with the exception of television and radio towers and structures not necessary to house electronic apparatus. The exemption provided for in this subsection shall not apply to facilities existing or approved by the Virginia Public Telecommunications Board prior to July 1, 1990. The Board of Education shall notify the governing body of the locality in advance of any meeting where approval of any such facility shall be acted upon.

F. On any application for a telecommunications facility, the commission's decision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Failure of the commission to act on any such application for a telecommunications facility under subsection A submitted on or after July 1, 1998, within 90 days of such submission shall be deemed approval of the application by the commission unless the governing body has authorized an extension of time for consideration or the applicant has agreed to an extension of time. The governing body may extend the time required for action by the local commission by no more than 60 additional days. If the commission has not acted on the application by the end of the extension, or by the end of such longer period as may be agreed to by the applicant, the application is deemed approved by the commission.

G. A proposed telecommunications tower or a facility constructed by an entity organized pursuant to Chapter 9.1 (§ 56-231.15 et seq.) of Title 56 shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan and commission approval shall not be required if the proposed telecommunications tower or facility is located in a zoning district that allows such telecommunications towers or facilities by right.

H. A solar facility subject to subsection A shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan if (i) such proposed solar facility is located in a zoning district that allows such solar facilities by right; (ii) such proposed solar facility is designed to serve the electricity or thermal needs of the property upon which such facility is located, or will be owned or operated by an eligible customer-generator or eligible agricultural customer-generator under § 56-594 or 56-594.01 or by a small agricultural generator under § 56-594.2 ; or (iii) the locality waives the requirement that solar facilities be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. All other solar facilities shall be reviewed for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan in accordance with this section. However, a locality may allow for a substantial accord review for such solar facilities to be advertised and approved concurrently in a public hearing process with a rezoning, special exception, or other approval process.

Code 1950, §§ 15-909, 15-923, 15-964.10; 1958, c. 389; 1960, c. 567; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-456; 1964, c. 528; 1966, c. 596; 1968, c. 290; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 291; 1978, c. 584; 1982, c. 39; 1987, c. 312; 1989, c. 532; 1990, c. 633; 1997, cc. 587 , 858 ; 1998, c. 683 ; 2007, c. 801 ; 2009, cc. 670 , 690 ; 2012, cc. 803 , 835 ; 2016, c. 613 ; 2018, cc. 175 , 318 ; 2020, c. 665 ; 2022, c. 181 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5324 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-5324
Preparation and operation of hospital projects; facilities relating to health care; additional powers
Status: in_force

An authority shall have power to prepare, carry out and operate hospital projects and to establish facilities to provide goods and services relating to health care.

The powers granted to an authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be exercised in cities or counties other than the city or county in which the authority has been organized. However, an authority shall not commence the exercise of any of these powers in any city in which another authority already has been organized.

Code 1950, §§ 32-238, 32-238.1; 1977, c. 159, § 15.1-1558; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1557; 1987, c. 432; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2282 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2282
Regulations to be uniform
Status: in_force

All zoning regulations shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings and uses throughout each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.

Code 1950, §§ 15-820, 15-845, 15-968.2; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-488; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4206 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 42 / Section 15.2-4206
Additional powers of planning district commissions
Status: in_force

Planning district commissions may, in addition to and not in limitation of all other powers granted by this chapter:

1. Acquire, lease, sell, exchange, donate and convey its projects, property or facilities in furtherance of the purposes of planning district commissions as set forth in this chapter;

2. Issue its bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, whether payable solely out of the revenues and receipts derived or to be derived from the leasing, sale or other disposition or use of such projects, property or facilities or otherwise, for the purpose of carrying out any of its powers or purposes set forth in this chapter; and

3. As security for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, mortgage and pledge its projects, property or facilities or any part or parts thereof and pledge the revenues therefrom or from any part thereof.

1989, c. 178, § 15.1-1404.1; 1995, cc. 732 , 796 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1217 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1217
Regulation of emission of smoke from fuel-burning equipment
Status: in_force

Any county may regulate the emission of smoke and the methods of firing and stoking furnaces and boilers and may charge such reasonable fees for the issuance of permits and the performing of inspections as the governing body may from time to time fix. However, counties shall not apply or enforce such regulations in incorporated towns which have in force ordinances prescribing equal or greater standards in regulating the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and other structures, the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of plumbing, electrical, heating, elevator, escalator, boiler, unfired pressure vessel and air conditioning installations in or appurtenant to buildings and structures, the emission of smoke, the construction, installation and maintenance of fuel-burning equipment, and the methods of firing and stoking furnaces and boilers, and the light, ventilation, sanitation and use and occupancy of buildings.

1966, c. 290, §§ 15.1-510.1, 15.1-510.4, 15.1-510.6; 1970, cc. 211, 212; 1983, c. 508; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1519 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1519
Liability insurance for employees of local departments and boards of welfare and social services; legal representation
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-1518 , the state Department of Social Services is authorized to obtain liability insurance for officers and employees of local departments and boards of welfare or social services. The attorney for the Commonwealth, city attorney, or county attorney, as appropriate, shall provide whatever legal services are required for any such officers or employees sued as a result of their conduct in the discharge of their official duties.

1974, c. 658, § 15.1-506.2; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2288.01 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2288.01
Localities shall not require a special use permit for certain small-scale conversion of biomass to alternative fuel
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Biomass" means agricultural-related materials including vineyard, grain or crop residues; straws; aquatic plants; and crops and trees planted for energy production.

"Small-scale conversion of biomass" means the conversion of any renewable biomass into heat, power, or biofuels.

B. A zoning ordinance shall not require that a special exception or special use permit be obtained for the small-scale conversion of biomass if: (i) at least 50 percent of the feedstock is produced either on site or by the owner of the conversion equipment; (ii) any structure used for the processing of the feedstock into energy occupies less than 4,000 square feet, not including the space required for storage of feedstock; and (iii) the owner of the farm notifies the administrative head of the locality in which the processing occurs. Localities may adopt reasonable requirements for setback, minimum lot area, and restrictions on the hours of operation and maximum noise levels applicable to the small-scale conversion of biomass. No setback, lot area, hours of operation or noise requirements may be more restrictive than similar provisions for other agricultural structures or activities.

2009, c. 363 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2607 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2607
Provisions which may be embodied in bond ordinances or resolution; adoption; filing copy with court
Status: in_force

The governing body of any locality, subject to the approval of a majority of the qualified voters of the locality voting on the issuance of such bonds if required by the Constitution of Virginia or by this chapter, is authorized to provide by ordinance or resolution for the issuance, at one time or from time to time, of bonds of the locality for the purposes set forth in and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

Any such ordinance or resolution may contain provisions which shall be a part of the contract with the owners of the bonds as to:

1. The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and the interest on bonds from (i) ad valorem taxes to be levied without limitation as to rate or amount on all property subject to taxation or (ii) county food and beverage taxes levied pursuant to Article 7.1 (§ 58.1-3833 et seq.) of Chapter 38 of Title 58.1 and the pledging of the full faith and credit of the locality to secure the payment of bonds;

2. The pledge of specified revenues of the locality, other than taxes, ad valorem or otherwise, including, without limitation, the pledge of the revenues of any revenue-producing undertaking or undertakings, to the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on bonds;

3. The granting of a mortgage or deed of trust lien on any specific revenue-producing undertaking or undertakings to secure the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on bonds issued to finance in whole or in part the costs of the undertaking or undertakings, but only if the full faith and credit of the locality is not pledged to the payment of the bonds;

4. The securing of the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on bonds by an ordinance resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument, which may (i) appoint any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or outside the Commonwealth as corporate trustee, (ii) set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, (iii) restrict the individual right of action by bondholders, and (iv) contain any other provisions as the governing body of the locality deems reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders;

5. The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and the interest on bonds from any one or more of the sources of funds provided for in this section or any combination of them and the pledging of any one or more of the sources of funds or any combination of them to secure the payment of the principal of and premium, if any and interest on bonds;

6. The rates, rents, fees, charges, taxes and other revenues or receipts of any revenue-producing undertaking or undertakings and the amounts to be raised in each year by them, and the use and disposition of such rates, rents, fees, charges, taxes and other revenues and receipts of any undertaking or undertakings;

7. The setting aside of reserves or sinking funds and the regulation and disposition of them;

8. Limitations on the right of the locality to restrict and regulate the use of any project;

9. Limitations on the purpose to which the proceeds of sale of any bonds may be applied;

10. Limitations on issuance of additional revenue bonds;

11. The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any contract with bondholders may be amended or discharged, the amount of bonds the owners of which shall consent to the amendment or abrogation, and the manner in which the consent must be given;

12. Conferring upon the bondholders or the trustee under any ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument remedies for enforcing the rights of the bondholders and requiring the governing body to carry out any agreement with the bondholders;

13. Any other matter required by any state or federal agency as a condition precedent to the obtaining of a direct grant or grants of money for or in aid of any project or to defray or partially to defray the cost of the labor and materials employed upon any project, or to obtain a loan or loans of money for or in aid of any project from any state or federal agency; and

14. Any provisions necessary to qualify the interest on the bonds for exclusion from gross income for federal income tax purposes and to maintain that exclusion.

Any ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds may be finally adopted at the meeting at which it is introduced, which may be a regular or special meeting, by a majority of the members of the governing body. A certified copy of each such ordinance or resolution shall be filed in the circuit court having jurisdiction over the locality. When any town is situated partly in two or more counties, the certified copy of the ordinance or resolution may be presented to the circuit court for any of the counties. Except as expressly required by this article, the ordinance or resolution need not be published, posted or advertised.

Code 1950, § 15-666.40; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-199; 1973, c. 513; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.9; 1994, c. 714 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2018, c. 730 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5305 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-5305
What constitutes need
Status: in_force

The council may adopt a resolution declaring that there is need for a hospital authority in the city if it finds (i) that there are inadequate hospital facilities and medical accommodations from the operations of private enterprises in the city and the surrounding area, or (ii) that the public health and welfare, including the health and welfare of persons of low income in the city and the surrounding area, require the construction, maintenance or operation of public hospital facilities for such inhabitants.

Code 1950, § 32-218; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1538; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2159 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2159
Fee for solid waste disposal by counties
Status: in_force

A. Accomack, Augusta, Buckingham, Floyd, Highland, Pittsylvania, Russell, and Wise Counties may by ordinance, and after a public hearing, levy a fee for the disposal of solid waste not to exceed the actual cost incurred by the county in procuring, developing, maintaining, and improving the landfill and for such reserves as may be necessary for capping and closing such landfill in the future. Bath, Buckingham, Russell, and Southampton Counties may by ordinance, and after a public hearing, levy a fee for the management of solid waste not to exceed the actual cost incurred by the county in removing and disposing of solid waste. Such fee as collected shall be deposited in a special account to be expended only for the purposes for which it was levied. Except in Floyd, Pittsylvania, Russell, Southampton, and Wise Counties, such fee shall not be used to purchase or subsidize the purchase of equipment used for the collection of solid waste. In Augusta, Highland, Pittsylvania, and Southampton Counties, such fee (i) may only be levied upon persons whose residential solid waste is disposed of at a county landfill or county solid waste collection or disposal facility and (ii) shall not be levied upon persons whose residential waste is not disposed of in such landfill or facility if such nondisposal is documented by the collector or generator of such waste as required by ordinance of such county. Documentation provided by a collector of such waste pursuant to clause (ii) shall not be disclosed by the county to any other person.

B. Any fee imposed by subsection A when combined with any other fee or charge for disposal of waste shall not exceed the actual cost incurred by the county in procuring, developing, maintaining, and improving its landfill and for such reserves as may be necessary for capping and closing such landfill in the future or, in the case of Southampton County, such fee shall not exceed the costs and fees expended by the county in removing and disposing of solid waste.

C. Any county which imposes the fee allowed under subsection A may enter into a contractual agreement with any water or heat, light, and power company or other corporation coming within the provisions of Chapter 26 (§ 58.1-2600 et seq.) of Title 58.1 except Appalachian Power Company and any cooperative formed under or subject to Article 1 (§ 56-231.15 et seq.) of Chapter 9.1 of Title 56 for the collection of such fee. The agreement may include a commission for such service in the form of a deduction from the fee remitted. The commission shall be provided for by ordinance, which shall set the rate not to exceed five percent of the amount of fees due and collected.

D. Accomack, Bath, Buckingham, Highland, Pittsylvania, Russell, Southampton, and Wise Counties have the following authority regarding collection of said fee:

1. To prorate said fee depending upon the period a resident or business is located in said county during the year of fee levy;

2. To levy penalty for late payment of fee as set forth in § 58.1-3916 ;

3. To levy interest on unpaid fees as set forth in § 58.1-3916 ;

4. To credit the fee first against the most delinquent use fee account owing;

5. To require payment of the fee prior to approval of an application for rezoning, special exception, variance, or other land use permit; and

6. To provide discounts to the standard fee rates for older persons, as defined in § 51.5-135 , and disabled persons based on ability to pay.

E. Pittsylvania and Southampton Counties may by ordinance provide an exemption from the fee for the disposal of solid waste to any veteran who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability in accordance with the standards set forth in § 58.1-3219.5 .

1991, c. 541, § 15.1-362.1; 1993, cc. 733, 763; 1995, c. 633 ; 1996, cc. 313 , 621 ; 1997, cc. 234 , 587 ; 2001, c. 338 ; 2002, c. 275 ; 2003, cc. 25 , 48 ; 2006, cc. 102 , 743 ; 2012, cc. 765 , 803 , 835 ; 2013, c. 699 ; 2014, c. 727 ; 2020, cc. 1117 , 1118 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 63 ; 2022, cc. 347 , 348 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2101 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2101
Ordinance proposing grant of franchise, etc., to be advertised
Status: in_force

A. Before granting any franchise, privilege, lease or right of any kind to use any public property described in § 15.2-2100 or easement of any description, for a term in excess of five years, except in the case of and for a trunk railway, the city or town proposing to make the grant shall give notice in accordance with § 15.2-1427 . The notice may also be advertised as many times in such other newspaper or newspapers, published outside the city, town or Commonwealth, as the council may determine.

B. The advertisement shall invite bids for the franchise, privilege, lease or right proposed to be granted in the ordinance. The bids shall be in writing and delivered upon the day and hour named in the advertisement and shall be opened in public session and marked for identification by the person designated in the advertisement to receive such bids. The cost of the required advertisement shall be paid by the city or town which shall be reimbursed by the person to whom the grant is made. The city or town shall have the right to reject any and all bids and shall reserve this right in the advertisement.

Code 1950, §§ 15-728, 15-729; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-308, 15.1-309; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 64; 1983, c. 138; 1997, c. 587 ; 2001, c. 498 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5346 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5346
Authority to issue
Status: in_force

The authority shall have power and is hereby authorized from time to time in its discretion to issue bonds for any of its purposes, including the payment of all or any part of the cost of any hospital project and the refunding of any bonds previously issued by it. Bonds may be issued under this chapter notwithstanding any debt or other limitation prescribed in any statute and without obtaining the consent of any locality, government or any commission, board, bureau or agency of any of the foregoing; and without any other proceedings or the happening of other conditions or things than those proceedings, conditions or things which are specifically required by this chapter.

Code 1950, § 32-261; 1973, c. 462, § 15.1-1581; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5711 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 57 / Section 15.2-5711
Conveyance or lease of park to authority; contract for park services; when referendum required before certain contracts made
Status: in_force

Each locality and other public body is hereby authorized and empowered:

1. To convey or lease to any authority created hereunder, with or without consideration, any park upon such terms and conditions as the governing body thereof shall determine to be for the best interests of such locality or other public body; and

2. To contract with any authority created hereunder for park services; provided, that no locality shall enter into any contract with an authority involving payments by such locality to such authority for park services which requires the locality to incur an indebtedness extending beyond one fiscal year, unless the question of entering into such contract shall first be submitted to the voters of the locality for approval or rejection by a majority vote. Nothing herein shall prevent any locality from making a voluntary contribution to any authority.

In the event that a locality shall desire to contract with an authority under this subdivision, such governing body shall adopt a resolution stating in brief and general terms the substance of the proposed contract for park services and requesting the circuit court for the locality to order an election upon the question of entering into such contract. A copy of such resolution, certified by the clerk of the governing body, shall be filed with the judge of the circuit court who shall thereupon enter an order in accordance with § 24.2-681 et seq. Notice of such election entered and paid for by the locality shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality at least seven days before the election.

The question to be submitted to the voters for determination shall include the names of the locality and the authority between whom the contract is proposed and the nature, duration and cost of such contract.

Code 1950, § 15-714.9; 1950, p. 1248; 1956, c. 474; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1236; 1997, c. 587 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5800 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5800
Definitions; professional baseball games; consent for construction
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter the following words have the meanings indicated:

"Authority" means the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority.

"Facility" means (i) major league and minor league baseball stadiums, (ii) practice fields or other areas where major league and minor league professional baseball teams may practice or perform, (iii) offices for major league and minor league professional baseball teams or franchises, (iv) office, restaurant, concessions, retail and lodging facilities which are owned and operated in connection with a major league baseball stadium, and (v) any other directly related properties including, but not limited to, onsite and offsite parking lots, garages, and other properties.

"Major league baseball" means the organization which controls the administrative functions for the ownership and operation of major league baseball operations in the United States and Canada.

"Major league baseball franchise" means the contractual right granted by major league baseball to any person or persons to own or operate a major league baseball team in a specified location.

"Major league baseball stadium" means a sports facility which is designed for use primarily as a baseball stadium and which meets criteria that may be established by major league baseball.

"Minor league baseball stadium" means a sports facility which is designed for use primarily as a stadium for a minor league professional baseball team.

"Sales tax revenues" means taxes collected under the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Act (§ 58.1-600 et seq.), as limited herein. Sales tax revenues shall not include any local general retail sales and use tax levied pursuant to §§ 58.1-605 and 58.1-606 .

1992, c. 823, § 15.1-227.70; 1995, cc. 613 , 629 ; 1996, cc. 950 , 1038 ; 1997, cc. 587 , 884 ; 2005, c. 106 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3506 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3506
Conduct of election
Status: in_force

The election authorized by § 15.2-3505 shall be conducted in accordance with general law. The ballots used shall be printed and shall contain the following:

"Shall ____________________ (here insert names of counties, cities or towns proposing to consolidate) consolidate pursuant to the consolidation agreement?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No."

Code 1950, § 15-167; 1950, p. 395; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1076; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2206 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2206
When locality may require applicant to give notice; how given
Status: in_force

Any locality may by ordinance require that a person applying to the local governing body, local planning commission or board of zoning appeals pursuant to this chapter be responsible for all required notices. The locality shall require that notice be given as provided by § 15.2-2204 .

The locality may provide that, in the case of a condominium or of a cooperative, the written notice may be mailed to the unit owners' association or proprietary lessee's association, respectively, in lieu of each individual unit owner.

The applicant may rely upon records of the local real estate assessor's office to ascertain the names of persons entitled to notice.

A certification of notice and a listing of the persons to whom notice has been sent shall be supplied by the applicant as required by the local governing body at least five days prior to the first hearing.

The governing body shall allow any person entitled to notice to waive such right in writing.

Nothing herein shall be construed so as to affect the validity of any ordinance or amendment adopted prior to July 1, 1992.

1992, c. 517, § 15.1-431.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-625 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-625
Department of public works
Status: in_force

The county engineer, who shall be head of the department of public works, shall be responsible for the construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges, county stormwater systems within public rights-of-way and public easements and all other public works. He shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by general law upon the county engineer and in addition shall perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.

Code 1950, § 15-321; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-641; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2311 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2311
Appeals to board
Status: in_force

A. An appeal to the board may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the locality affected by any decision of the zoning administrator or from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by any other administrative officer in the administration or enforcement of this article, any ordinance adopted pursuant to this article, or any modification of zoning requirements pursuant to § 15.2-2286 . Notwithstanding any charter provision to the contrary, any written notice of a zoning violation or a written order of the zoning administrator dated on or after July 1, 1993, shall include a statement informing the recipient that he may have a right to appeal the notice of a zoning violation or a written order within 30 days in accordance with this section, and that the decision shall be final and unappealable if not appealed within 30 days. The zoning violation or written order shall include the applicable appeal fee and a reference to where additional information may be obtained regarding the filing of an appeal. The appeal period shall not commence until the statement is given and the zoning administrator's written order is sent by registered or certified mail with proof of delivery to, or posted at, the last known address or usual place of abode of the property owner or its registered agent, if any. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the property owner's last known address is that shown on the current real estate tax assessment records, or the address of a registered agent that is shown in the records of the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. The appeal shall be taken within 30 days after the decision appealed from by filing with the zoning administrator, and with the board, a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The zoning administrator shall forthwith transmit to the board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. The fee for filing an appeal shall not exceed the costs of advertising the appeal for public hearing and reasonable costs. A decision by the board on an appeal taken pursuant to this section shall be binding upon the owner of the property that is the subject of such appeal only if the owner of such property has been provided notice of the zoning violation or written order of the zoning administrator in accordance with this section. The owner's actual notice of such notice of zoning violation or written order or active participation in the appeal hearing shall waive the owner's right to challenge the validity of the board's decision due to failure of the owner to receive the notice of zoning violation or written order. For jurisdictions that impose civil penalties for violations of the zoning ordinance, any such civil penalty shall not be assessed by a court having jurisdiction during the pendency of the 30-day appeal period.

B. An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the zoning administrator certifies to the board that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would in his opinion cause imminent peril to life or property, in which case proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order granted by the board or by a court of record, on application and on notice to the zoning administrator and for good cause shown.

C. In no event shall a written order, requirement, decision or determination made by the zoning administrator or other administrative officer be subject to change, modification or reversal by any zoning administrator or other administrative officer after 60 days have elapsed from the date of the written order, requirement, decision or determination where the person aggrieved has materially changed his position in good faith reliance on the action of the zoning administrator or other administrative officer unless it is proven that such written order, requirement, decision or determination was obtained through malfeasance of the zoning administrator or other administrative officer or through fraud. The 60-day limitation period shall not apply in any case where, with the concurrence of the attorney for the governing body, modification is required to correct clerical errors.

D. In any appeal taken pursuant to this section, if the board's attempt to reach a decision results in a tie vote, the matter may be carried over until the next scheduled meeting at the request of the person filing the appeal.

1975, c. 521, § 15.1-496.1; 1983, c. 12; 1993, c. 780; 1995, c. 424 ; 1997, c.; 2005, cc. 625 , 677 ; 2008, c. 378 ; 2010, c. 241 ; 2011, c. 457 ; 2012, cc. 400 , 550 , 606 ; 2017, c. 665 ; 2019, c. 387 ; 2025, c. 512 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7214 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7214
Authority to issue bonds
Status: in_force

The Authority shall have the power to issue bonds from time to time in its discretion, for any of its purposes, including the payment of all or any part of the cost of Authority infrastructure and facilities; including the payment or retirement of bonds previously issued by it and including the costs of the issuance of such bonds. The Authority may issue such types of bonds as it may determine, including, without limitation, bonds payable, both as to principal and interest: (i) from its revenues and receipts generally and (ii) exclusively from the revenues and receipts of certain designated operations or facilities whether or not they are financed in whole or in part from the proceeds of such bonds. Any such bonds may be additionally secured (a) by a pledge of any grant or contribution from the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, any federal agency or any unit, private corporation, co-partnership, association, or individual, or other entity, or (b) by mortgage or encumbrance of any property or facilities of the Authority. Unless otherwise provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds, or in the trust indenture securing the same, all bonds shall be payable solely and exclusively from the revenues and receipts of the Authority. Bonds may be executed and delivered by the Authority at any time and from time to time, may be in such form and denominations and of such terms and maturities, may be in registered, book entry, or bearer form either as to principal or interest or both, may be payable in such installments and at such time or times, may be payable at such place or places whether within or without the Commonwealth, may bear interest at such rate or rates, may be payable at such time or times, and at such place or places, may be evidenced in such manner, and may contain such provisions not inconsistent herewith, all as shall be provided and specified by the Board of Directors in authorizing each particular bond issue including any designation of an agent or officer of the Authority to establish such provisions under guidelines established by the Authority.

If deemed advisable by the Board of Directors, there may be retained in the proceedings under which any bonds of the Authority are authorized to be issued an option to redeem all or any part thereof as may be specified in such proceedings, at such price or prices and after such notice or notices and on such terms and conditions as may be set forth in such proceedings and as may be briefly recited on the face of the bonds, but nothing herein contained shall be construed to confer on the Authority any right or option to redeem any bonds except as may be provided in the proceedings under which they shall be issued. Any bonds of the Authority may be sold at public or private sale in such manner and from time to time as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Authority to be most advantageous, and the Authority may pay all costs, premiums, and commissions that its Board of Directors may deem necessary or advantageous in connection with the issuance thereof. Issuance by the Authority of one or more series of bonds for one or more purposes shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds in connection with the same facility or any other facility, but the proceedings whereunder any subsequent bonds may be issued shall recognize and protect any prior pledge or mortgage made for any prior issue of bonds. Any bonds of the Authority at any time outstanding may from time to time be refunded by the Authority by the issuance of its refunding bonds in such amount as the Board of Directors may deem necessary, but not exceeding an amount sufficient to refund the principal of the bonds so to be refunded, together with any unpaid interest thereon and any costs, including insurance costs, premiums, or commissions necessary to be paid in connection therewith. Any such refunding may be effected whether the bonds to be refunded shall have then matured or shall thereafter mature, either by sale of the refunding bonds and the application of the proceeds thereof to the payment of the bonds to be refunded thereby, or by the exchange of the refunding bonds for the bonds to be refunded thereby.

All bonds shall be signed on behalf of the Authority by the chairman or vice-chairman of the Authority, or shall bear the facsimile signature of such officer, and shall bear the official seal of the Authority, or a facsimile thereof shall be impressed or imprinted thereon and shall be attested to by the manual or facsimile signature of the secretary (or the secretary-treasurer) or assistant secretary (or assistant secretary-treasurer) of the Authority. Any coupons attached thereto shall bear the signature or facsimile signature of such chairman. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature or facsimile signature nevertheless shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if such officer had remained in office until such delivery. When the signatures of both the chairman or the vice-chairman and the secretary (or the secretary-treasurer) or the assistant secretary (or the assistant secretary-treasurer) are facsimiles, the bonds must be authenticated by a corporate trustee or other authenticating agent approved by the Authority.

If the proceeds derived from a particular bond issue, due to error of estimates or otherwise, shall be less than the cost of the Authority facilities or infrastructure for which such bonds were issued, additional bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit, and, unless otherwise provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds of such issue or in the trust indenture securing the same, shall be deemed to be of the same issue and shall be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the bonds of the first issue. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue shall exceed such cost, the surplus may be deposited to the credit of the sinking fund for such bonds or may be applied to the payment of the cost of any additions, improvements, or enlargements of the Authority facilities or infrastructure for which such bonds shall have been issued.

Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the Authority may, under like restrictions, issue interim receipts or temporary bonds with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds shall have been executed and are available for delivery. The Authority may also provide for the replacement of any bonds that shall become mutilated or shall be destroyed or lost. Bonds may be issued under the provisions of this chapter without obtaining the consent of any department, division, commission, board, bureau, or agency of the Commonwealth, and without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things other than those proceedings, conditions, or things that are specifically required by this chapter.

All bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall have and are hereby declared to have all the qualities and incidents of and shall be and are hereby made negotiable instruments under the Uniform Commercial Code of Virginia (§ 8.1A-101 et seq.), subject only to provisions respecting registration of the bonds.

The interest income from and any profit made on the sale of the obligations issued under the provisions of this Act shall at all times be free and exempt from taxation by the Commonwealth and by any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof.

2010, cc. 117 , 210 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-304 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 3 / Section 15.2-304
Effect of change on other county officers
Status: in_force

All other officers of such county shall continue to hold office until their successors are appointed and have qualified. The term of office of any person who holds an office abolished by the form of government adopted shall terminate as soon as his powers and duties have been transferred to some other officer or employee, or are abolished.

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-510 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-510
Tenure of office; removal
Status: in_force

The county executive shall not be appointed for a definite tenure, but may be removed at the pleasure of the board. If the board determines to remove the county executive, he shall be given, if he so demands, a written statement of the reasons alleged for the proposed removal and the right to a hearing thereon at a public meeting of the board prior to the date on which his final removal takes effect. Pending and during such hearing, the board may suspend him from office, provided that the period of suspension be limited to thirty days. The action of the board in suspending or removing the county executive is not subject to review.

Code 1950, § 15-279; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-596; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-611 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-611
Disability of county manager
Status: in_force

In case of the absence or disability of the manager, the board may designate some responsible person to perform the duties of the office.

Code 1950, § 15-313; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-633; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2512 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 25 / Section 15.2-2512
Audit of accounts of certain county officers, boards and commissions
Status: in_force

Whenever, upon a petition filed in the circuit court for any county by at least fifty residents of the county, it is believed by the judge of the court that the public interests will be promoted by an audit or examination of the whole or any part of the financial transactions of any county officer, board or commission of the county, the judge may appoint one or more certified public accountants to make and report to the court the result of such audit or examination. The court shall fix the compensation to be paid by the board of supervisors to the accountants.

Code 1950, § 15-264; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-557; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3532 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3532
Required provisions of consolidation agreement
Status: in_force

In addition to the provisions required by § 15.2-3529 , any consolidation agreement adopted pursuant to this article shall contain the following provisions:

1. The disposition of all property, real or personal, of any locality affected by the proposed consolidation, including any and all debts due to any such locality;

2. Reimbursement for, or assumption of, a just proportion of any existing debt of any locality proposed to be consolidated by the consolidated county or city;

3. Towns located within any county which proposes to consolidate with another county or city, or combination thereof, into a consolidated city, and not a party to the consolidation agreement, shall continue as townships within the proposed consolidated city;

4. Towns located within any county which proposes to consolidate with another county or city, or combination thereof, into a consolidated county, and not a party to the consolidation agreement, shall continue as towns within the proposed consolidated county.

Code 1950, § 15-222.1; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1133; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4913 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4913
Authority to be nonprofit; excess earnings
Status: in_force

The authority shall be nonprofit and no part of its net earnings remaining after payment of its expenses shall enure to the benefit of any individual, firm or corporation, except that if the board of directors of the authority determines that sufficient provision has been made for the full payment of the expenses, bonds and other obligations of the authority then any net earnings of the authority thereafter accruing shall be paid to the locality with respect to which the authority was created. However, nothing herein contained shall prevent the board of directors from transferring all or any part of its facilities or properties in accordance with the terms of any contract entered into by the authority.

1966, c. 651, § 15.1-1384; 1973, c. 528; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4118 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 41 / Section 15.2-4118
Effect on pending suits
Status: in_force

If at the time a city becomes a town under the provisions of this chapter there are any pending actions or proceedings by or against the city, or if after a city becomes a town under the provisions of this chapter an action or proceeding out of a cause of action which arose prior to the time the city became a town, which but for said transition would have been by or against the city, is instituted, the resulting town shall be substituted in place of the city and the action or proceeding may be perfected to judgment.

1988, c. 881, § 15.1-965.25; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1909 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 19.1 / Section 15.2-1909
Such resolution to contain statement as to issuance of bonds
Status: in_force

If in order to pay the amount fixed by the body determining just compensation it will be necessary for the city or county to issue and sell its bonds, such resolution filed shall so state, and shall further state that the council or other governing body proposes promptly to take the necessary and appropriate action required by law to issue and sell such bonds whenever authorized by § 15.2-1910 .

1938, p. 48; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-48; 2003, c. 940 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.12 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.12
Increase in salaries in certain cases
Status: in_force

Any officer whose salary in the year ending June 30, 1980, included an increase under deleted provisions of former § 14.1-62 shall receive the same amount of such increase for the terms in which he continues in office.

Code 1950, § 14-75; 1956, c. 455; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-62; 1980, c. 588; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1654 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1654
Contest of election
Status: in_force

Returns in such election shall be subject to the inquiry, determination and judgment of the circuit court for the county in which the election is held, upon complaint of fifteen or more voters of the county of an undue election or false return. The complaint shall fully set out the grounds of contest and, if any votes were improperly received or rejected, shall give a list of such votes, with objections to the action of the election officials in receiving or rejecting the same. Two of the persons making the complaint shall take and subscribe an oath that the facts therein stated are true to the best of their knowledge and belief. The complaint shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which such election is held. Notice of contest, stating that the complaint has been filed in the clerk's office, shall be given by posting the same at the courthouse door and at two or more public places in the county, and by publishing it once a week for two successive weeks in some newspaper published in the county or, if there is none so published, then in some newspaper having general circulation in the county. The time and place of taking depositions, if any, shall be stated in the notice, which shall entitle the parties giving the notice to take the depositions to be read as evidence in the contest. The complaint shall be filed and notice given within ten days after the election, otherwise the complaint shall not be valid. Any one or more persons who voted at such removal election may, within thirty days from the election, file in the circuit court clerk's office an answer to the complaint, in which any of the allegations of the complaint may be denied, and any statement made going to show the regularity of the old election, and the propriety of the action of the election officials in receiving or rejecting the votes set out in the complaint, and a list of the votes he or they will dispute. If the respondents desire to take depositions, notice thereof shall be given to any one or more of the persons signing the complaint. If no answer is filed to the complaint within thirty days from the election, no one shall be heard to deny the allegations of the complaint, but the persons making the same shall prove the allegations thereof to the satisfaction of the court. The circuit court for the county in which the election is held, after the expiration of thirty days from the election, shall proceed to pass upon the complaint without a jury, on such depositions as may have been taken under the notices aforesaid, and upon such other legal testimony as may be adduced by either party at the hearing of the case. In judging such election and return, the court shall proceed on the merits thereof and decide the same on the Constitution and laws and according to the right of the case and shall enter such order as will carry its decision into full and complete effect. The judgment of the court shall be final.

Code 1950, § 15-53; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-569; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-958.6 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958.6
Financing the repair of failed septic systems
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may, by ordinance, authorize contracts with property owners to provide loans for the repair of septic systems. Such an ordinance shall state:

1. The kinds of septic system repairs for which loans may be offered;

2. The proposed arrangement for such loan program, including (i) the interest rate and time period during which contracting property owners shall repay the loan; (ii) the method of apportioning all or any portion of the costs incidental to financing, administration, and collection of the arrangement among the consenting property owners and the locality; and (iii) the possibility that the locality may partner with a planning district commission (PDC) to coordinate and provide financing for the repairs, including the locality's obligation to reimburse the PDC as the loan is repaid;

3. A minimum and maximum aggregate dollar amount that may be financed;

4. A method for setting requests from property owners for financing in priority order in the event that requests appear likely to exceed the authorization amount of the loan program. Priority shall be given to those requests from property owners who meet established income or assessed property value eligibility requirements;

5. Identification of a local official authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the locality; and

6. A draft contract specifying the terms and conditions proposed by the locality or by a PDC acting on behalf of the locality.

B. The locality may combine the loan payments required by the contracts with billings for water or sewer charges, real property tax assessments, or other billings; in such cases, the locality may establish the order in which loan payments will be applied to the different charges. The locality may not combine its billings for loan payments required by a contract authorized pursuant to this section with billings of another locality or political subdivision, including an authority operating pursuant to Chapter 51 (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.), unless such locality or political subdivision has given its consent by duly adopted resolution or ordinance.

C. In cases in which local property records fail to identify all of the individuals having an ownership interest in a property containing a failing septic system, the locality may set a minimum total ownership interest that it will require a property owner or owners to prove before it will allow the owner or owners to participate in the program.

D. The locality or PDC acting on behalf of the locality shall offer private lending institutions the opportunity to participate in local loan programs established pursuant to this section.

E. In order to secure the loan authorized pursuant to this section, the locality is authorized to place a lien equal in value to the loan against any property where such septic system repair is being undertaken. Such liens shall be subordinate to all liens on the property as of the date loans authorized pursuant to this section are made, except that with the prior written consent of the holders of all liens on the property as of the date loans authorized pursuant to this section are made, the liens securing loans authorized pursuant to this section shall be liens on the property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local taxes. The locality may bundle or package such loans for transfer to private lenders in such a manner that would allow the liens to remain in full force to secure the loans.

F. Prior to the enactment of an ordinance pursuant to this section, a public hearing shall be held at which interested persons may object to or inquire about the proposed loan program or any of its particulars. The public hearing shall be published twice, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality.

2013, c. 185 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2640 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2640
Resolution for bond issue; contents; request for bonds for school purposes
Status: in_force

Whenever the governing body of any county determines that it is advisable to contract a debt and issue general obligation bonds of the county, it shall adopt an ordinance or resolution setting forth in brief and general terms the purpose or purposes for which the bonds are to be issued and the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued.

Where voter approval is required or permitted by the Constitution of Virginia or this chapter, the ordinance or resolution shall request the circuit court to order an election to be held pursuant to §§ 15.2-2610 and 15.2-2611 on the question of contracting the debt and issuing the proposed bonds.

Before the adoption of an ordinance or resolution by the governing body of any county requesting the ordering of an election on the question of contracting a debt and issuing bonds for school purposes, or, if no referendum is required, adopting an ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds for school purposes, the school board of the county must first request, by resolution, the governing body of the county to take such action.

If voter approval is not required by the Constitution of Virginia or the provisions of this chapter, the governing body of the county has all the powers granted by this chapter to the governing bodies of municipalities with respect to incurring debt and issuing bonds.

Code 1950, § 15-666.29; 1958, c. 640; 1960, c. 563; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-186; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1980, c. 559; 1989, c. 177; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.41; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-534 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-534
Department of health
Status: in_force

The department of health shall consist of the health director, who shall be appointed as provided in the applicable provisions of Article 5 (§ 32.1-30 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 32.1 and who shall be head thereof, and the other officers and employees of such department. The head of the department shall exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed upon the local health director by general law, not inconsistent herewith. He shall also perform such other duties as may be imposed upon him by the board or, if the health department is operated under contract with the State Board of Health, as specified in such contract.

If the board of county supervisors appoints a local board of health as provided in § 32.1-32 , it shall consist of two qualified citizens of the county, who shall serve without pay, and the county health director. Such board may adopt necessary rules and regulations, not in conflict with law, concerning the department. The board of health may at any time be abolished by the board of county supervisors.

Code 1950, § 15-294; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-611; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-708 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-708
Term of office of county manager; salary and performance of duties; acting manager in case of temporary absence or disability; removal or suspension
Status: in_force

The term of office of the county manager shall expire on June 30 of each year. Except as hereinafter provided, he shall be notified at least sixty days before the expiration of his term if his services are not desired for the ensuing twelve-month period. He shall receive such annual salary as the board may prescribe payable from county funds. He shall devote his full time to the performance of the duties imposed on him by law, and the performance of such other duties as the board directs.

To perform his duties during his temporary absence or disability the manager may designate by letter filed with the clerk of the board a qualified administrative officer of the county to be acting manager. If the manager fails to make such designation, the board may, by resolution, appoint an officer of the county to perform the duties of the manager until he returns or his disability ceases.

The board may at any time remove the county manager for neglect of duty, malfeasance or misfeasance in office, or incompetency. If a majority of the qualified voters voting in the election required by § 15.2-301 vote in favor thereof, the county manager shall be appointed for an indefinite period and be subject to removal by the county board at any time, any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding. If the board determines to remove the county manager, he shall be given, if he so requests, a written statement of the reasons alleged for the proposed removal and the right of a hearing thereon at a public meeting of the board prior to the date on which his final removal takes effect. Pending and during such hearing the board may suspend him from office, provided that the period of suspension be limited to thirty days. The action of the board in suspending or removing the county manager shall not be subject to review.

Code 1950, § 15-352.2; 1952, c. 198; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-679; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 136 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1400.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1400.1
Appointment of youth representative to governing body
Status: in_force

A governing body may by ordinance adopt procedures for the appointment of a youth representative to serve as a nonvoting member of the governing body. The youth representative shall be 15 to 17 years old at the time of the appointment and a resident of the locality, and shall serve for such term as the locality prescribes.

2026, c. 313 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-958.2:01 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958.2:01
Grants for certain corporations and pass-through entities
Status: in_force

A. The counties and cities listed in subsection B may give grants or loans to any eligible company, as defined in § 58.1-405.1 .

B. The counties and cities that may give grants pursuant to subsection A are:

1. The Counties of Alleghany, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Page, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe and the Cities of Bristol, Galax, and Norton;

2. The Counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward and the Cities of Danville and Martinsville;

3. The Counties of Accomack, Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland; and

4. The Counties of Brunswick and Dinwiddie and the City of Petersburg.

2018, cc. 801 , 802 ; 2019, cc. 262 , 263 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5710 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 57 / Section 15.2-5710
Funds
Status: in_force

All moneys received pursuant to the powers granted in this chapter shall be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter. The authority shall provide that any officer or other fiscal agent to which such moneys shall be paid shall hold and apply the same for the purposes hereof, subject to such regulations as the authority may provide.

Code 1950, § 15-714.8; 1950, p. 1248; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1235; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6706 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 67.1 / Section 15.2-6706
Board of the Authority; qualifications; terms; quorum; records
Status: in_force

A. 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 Coal Train Heritage Authority ("the board").

B. The board shall consist of 25 members as follows: three members of the governing body of each of the Counties of Dickenson, Russell, and Wise, each appointed by the respective governing body; two citizen members appointed by the governing body of each of the Counties of Dickenson, Russell, and Wise, each of whom shall be a resident of the appointing county and not a member of the county governing body; one citizen member appointed by the governing body of each of the Towns of Clinchco, Haysi, and St. Paul, each of whom shall be a resident of the appointing town; three commissioners of the Breaks Interstate Park Commission, appointed by that Commission; two at-large members who shall be Virginia residents and have experience in any aspect of the excursion train business, appointed by a majority vote of the board; and two members of the General Assembly representing any part of the County of Dickenson, Russell, or Wise, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges.

C. Initial appointments to the board shall begin July 1, 2017. Each board member shall serve for a term of four years and may be reappointed for additional terms. The term of any member of the board shall immediately terminate if the member no longer meets the eligibility criteria of the initial appointment. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. The members of the board shall receive no salary, unless specifically authorized by the governing bodies of Dickenson, Russell, and Wise Counties.

D. Seven members of the board shall constitute a quorum of the board for the purposes of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the board.

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

F. The board shall keep detailed minutes of its proceedings, which shall be open to public inspection at all times. It shall keep suitable records of its financial transactions and, unless exempted by § 30-140 , it shall arrange to have the records audited annually. Copies of each such audit shall be furnished to the governing bodies of Dickenson, Russell, and Wise Counties and the Auditor of Public Accounts and shall be open to public inspection.

G. A local governing body may remove from the board any member it has appointed in the event that the board member is absent from any three consecutive board meetings or is absent from any four board meetings within any 12-month period. In either such event, the local governing body shall appoint a successor for the unexpired portion of the term of the member who has been removed.

H. The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by the Auditor of Public Accounts, or an independent certified public accountant, and the cost of such audit shall be borne by the Authority.

2017, c. 834 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5134 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-5134
Disposition of unclaimed funds due on matured bonds or coupons
Status: in_force

Any authority having bonds outstanding on which principal, premium or interest has matured for a period of more than five years may pay any money being held to pay the matured principal, premium or interest into the general fund of the authority. Thereafter, the owners of the matured bonds may look only to the authority for payment. The authority shall maintain a record of the bonds for which the funds were held.

1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4307 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 43 / Section 15.2-4307
Review of application; notice; hearing
Status: in_force

Upon the receipt of an application for a district or for an addition to an existing district, the program administrator shall refer such application to the advisory committee.

The advisory committee shall review and make recommendations concerning the application or modification thereof to the local planning commission, which shall:

1. Notify, by first-class mail, adjacent property owners, as shown on the maps of the locality used for tax assessment purposes, and where applicable, any political subdivision whose territory encompasses or is part of the district, of the application. The notice shall contain (i) a statement that an application for a district has been filed with the program administrator pursuant to this chapter; (ii) a statement that the application will be on file open to public inspection in the office of the clerk of the local governing body; (iii) where applicable a statement that any political subdivision whose territory encompasses or is part of the district may propose a modification which must be filed with the local planning commission within thirty days of the date of the notice; (iv) a statement that any owner of additional qualifying land may join the application within thirty days from the date of the notice or, with the consent of the local governing body, at any time before the public hearing the local governing body must hold on the application; (v) a statement that any owner who joined in the application may withdraw his land, in whole or in part, by written notice filed with the local governing body, at any time before the local governing body acts pursuant to § 15.2-4309 ; and (vi) a statement that additional qualifying lands may be added to an already created district at any time upon separate application pursuant to this chapter;

2. Hold a public hearing as prescribed by law; and

3. Report its recommendations to the local governing body including but not limited to the potential effect of the district and proposed modifications upon the locality's planning policies and objectives.

1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 833 ; 2011, cc. 344 , 355 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1629 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1629
Part-time attorneys for the Commonwealth in certain counties may seek full-time status
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding §§ 15.2-1627.1 and 15.2-1628 , any attorney for the Commonwealth for a county may, with the consent of the Compensation Board, elect to devote full time to the duties of attorney for the Commonwealth at a salary equal to that for an attorney for the Commonwealth in a county with a population of more than 35,000. Such an election and consent by the Compensation Board shall be binding on the attorney for the Commonwealth and on successors in the office.

B. The Compensation Board shall prepare a list of localities eligible to have a full-time attorney for the Commonwealth and shall prioritize the list according to the same workload measures used by the Compensation Board in staffing standards established for assistant attorney for the Commonwealth positions in Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices statewide.

C. Upon electing to become a full-time attorney for the Commonwealth and upon receiving additional funding of such office by the Compensation Board, the attorney for the Commonwealth shall not thereafter engage in the private practice of law. No such election shall become effective until the July 1 immediately following the date of election, or until another date as agreed upon by the attorney for the Commonwealth and the Compensation Board.

D. The Compensation Board shall fund such additional full-time offices of the attorney for the Commonwealth according to the priority list established in subsection B of this section, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly.

1993, c. 826, § 15.1-50.3; 1996, c. 561 ; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 417 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2316.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7.1 / Section 15.2-2316.1
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this article, the term:

"Development rights" means the permitted uses and density of development that are allowed on the sending property under any zoning ordinance of a locality on a date prescribed by the ordinance. "Development rights" includes "transferable development rights."

"Receiving area" means one or more areas identified by an ordinance and designated by the comprehensive plan as an area authorized to receive development rights transferred from a sending area.

"Receiving property" means a lot or parcel within a receiving area and within which development rights are increased pursuant to a transfer of development rights affixed to the property. Receiving property shall be appropriate and suitable for development and shall be sufficient to accommodate the transferable development rights of the sending property. Development rights may be transferred between receiving properties, as otherwise permitted in the ordinance.

"Sending area" means one or more areas identified by an ordinance and designated by the comprehensive plan as an area from which development rights are authorized to be severed and transferred to a receiving area.

"Sending property" means a lot or parcel within a sending area from which development rights are authorized to be severed.

"Severance of development rights" means the process by which development rights from a sending property are severed pursuant to this act.

"Transfer of development rights" means the process by which development rights from a sending property are affixed to one or more receiving properties.

"Transferable development rights" means all or that portion of development rights that are transferred or are transferable.

2006, c. 573 ; 2007, cc. 363 , 410 ; 2009, cc. 413 , 731 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2121.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 2.1 / Section 15.2-2121.3
Notice procedures for nonpayment; disconnecting utility service
Status: in_force

A. Each utility subject to the provisions of this article shall provide to each of its residential customers a copy of its disconnection for nonpayment policy (i) at any time a new residential account is established, (ii) when any disconnection for nonpayment of bills or fees is scheduled by including a copy of the policy with such notice, or (iii) by publishing the disconnection policy on the utility's website. Each such utility shall provide all required notices in English and Spanish. Such required notices shall include information regarding payment plans and state, federal, or utility energy assistance programs.

B. Each utility subject to the provisions of this article shall deliver notice of nonpayment of bills or fees to its residential customers prior to disconnection by using at least one of the following methods: (i) mail, (ii) email, (iii) text message, (iv) phone call, or (v) door hanger.

C. Utility disconnections due to the nonpayment of bills or fees are prohibited for residential customers until the customer's account is 45 days in arrears. After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to subsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment assistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for other bill payment assistance or energy savings programs.

D. No electric or gas utility shall require a deposit of more than 25 percent of the arrearage amount for service, exclusive of nonpayment fees, penalties, or interest, in order to restore service to any residential customer where such utility received funding from the Department of Social Services for such customer through the Home Energy Assistance Program pursuant to § 63.2-805 within the last 12 months. A customer is eligible for this provision once every three years.

2024, cc. 790 , 824 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1549 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1549
Investment of assets of trusts or equivalent arrangement for postemployment benefits other than pensions
Status: in_force

All funds appropriated to a trust or equivalent arrangement for postemployment benefits other than pensions, as defined in § 15.2-1545 , and all funds accrued from the investment of any such funds that are on hand at any time and are not necessary for immediate payment of benefits shall be invested by the finance board, by any person or entity serving as an alternative thereto pursuant to § 15.2-1547 , or by an investment manager who is serving as a trustee of the funds. All such funds shall be invested in accordance with the prudent person standard established by § 51.1-803 and such investments shall not be limited by Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

2007, c. 710 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2256 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2256
Procedure to account for fees for common improvements
Status: in_force

Upon a verified petition signed by the owners, other than the original subdivider, of ten percent of the lots in any subdivision, the board of directors or other governing body of the subdivision charged with collection of fees and the maintenance of common improvements shall render an annual report with a statement of account of all fees collected and the disposition of all funds derived from any fees assessed for the maintenance of common improvements to the lot owners. The board of directors or other governing body of the subdivision may charge the lot owners for the actual cost of copying the annual report.

1987, c. 501, § 15.1-474.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1510 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1510
Retirement systems
Status: in_force

Any locality may establish a system for the retirement of injured or superannuated officers and employees; the members of the local police and fire departments; the public school teachers and other employees of the local school board; and the judges, clerks, deputy clerks and other employees of the judicial system; or any of them; and may establish a fund or funds for the payment of retirement allowances by making appropriations out of the local treasury, by levying a special tax for the benefit of such fund or funds, by requiring contributions payable from time to time from such officers, employees, members of police and fire departments, teachers, judges, clerks, deputy clerks and other employees of the judicial system, or by any combination of such methods, or by any other method not prohibited by law; provided that the total annual payments into such fund or funds shall be sufficient on sound actuarial principles for the payment of such retirement allowances therefrom. The benefits accrued or accruing to any person under such system shall not be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other process whatsoever nor shall any assignment of such benefits be enforceable in any court.

Code 1950, § 15-77.13; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-849; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5810 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 58 / Section 15.2-5810
Bonds are tax exempt
Status: in_force

The 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.

1992, c. 823, § 15.1-227.80; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2413.9 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2413.9
Expenses of the tourism improvement district
Status: in_force

A. A locality may appropriate funds to pay expenses associated with the tourism improvement district. A locality may appropriate funds to the administering nonprofit.

B. A locality may issue bonds and other obligations subject to the provisions of the Public Finance Act of 1991 (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.) for the purpose of funding the costs of the tourism improvement district plan. Principal and interest payments on such bonds may be paid from the proceeds of any fees imposed under this article.

C. No funds raised pursuant to this article shall be used by the locality for any purposes other than funding the expenses of the tourism improvement district.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 500 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5151 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-5151
Water utilities may act as billing agents
Status: in_force

Any public utility supplying water to the owners, lessees or tenants of real estate which is or will be served by any sewer or sewage disposal system of an authority may act as the billing and collecting agent of the authority for any rates, fees, rents or charges imposed by the authority for the service rendered by such sewer or sewage disposal system. Such water utility shall furnish to the authority copies of its regular periodic meter reading and water consumption records and other pertinent data as may be required for the authority to act as its own billing and collecting agent. The authority shall pay to the water utility the reasonable additional cost of clerical services and other expenses incurred by the water utility in rendering such services to the authority. Upon the inability of the authority and the water utility to agree upon the terms and conditions under which the water utility will act as the billing and collecting agent of the authority, either or both may petition the State Corporation Commission for a determination of the terms and conditions under which the water company shall act as the billing and collecting agent of the authority. If the water utility acts as the billing and collecting agent of an authority it shall set forth separately on its bills the rates, fees or charges imposed by the authority. However, both the water and sewage disposal charges shall be payable to and collected by the water utility, and payment of either shall be refused unless both are paid. The authority shall pay to the water utility the cost of shutting off any water service on account of nonpayment of the sewage disposal charge. In the event of such discontinuance of water service the water service shall not be reestablished until the sewage disposal charge has been paid.

Code 1950, § 15-764.12; 1950, p. 1318; 1954, c. 554; 1958, cc. 400, 402; 1960, c. 430; 1962, cc. 130, 623, § 15.1-1250; 1968, cc. 355, 556; 1970, cc. 444, 617; 1972, c. 161; 1979, c. 280; 1980, c. 159; 1981, c. 610; 1983, c. 422; 1984, c. 554; 1994, c. 477 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2153 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2153
Extensions to systems
Status: in_force

No person that has constructed or installed a water system after having complied with the provisions of this article shall extend the service in excess of the number of connections for which approval was originally given. In case any such extension is desired, the person shall proceed in the same manner as in the case of an original application under this article.

Code 1950, § 15-754.5; 1954, c. 455; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-345; 1974, c. 246; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1718.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1718.1
Receipt of missing senior adult reports
Status: in_force

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

B. For purposes of this section:

"Missing senior adult report" means a report prepared in a format prescribed by the Superintendent of State Police for use by law-enforcement agencies to report missing senior adult information and photograph to the Department of State Police.

2007, cc. 486 , 723 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2403.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2403.2
Virginia Wallops Research Park Leadership Council established
Status: in_force

A. The Virginia Wallops Research Park Leadership Council (the Council) is established as a cooperative management and oversight body to superintend the development and operation of the Wallops Research Park, a service district created pursuant to § 15.2-2400 , consisting uniquely and exclusively of adjacent lands being a portion of NASA/Wallops Flight Facility, the Marine Science Consortium, and lands of Accomack County, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor, state economic development officials, state workforce development officials, and the Wallops Research Park landowners on appropriate development and operations strategies for the Park with emphasis on policy recommendations that will enhance the Park's global competitive advantage in both research and technology-based commercial endeavors.

B. Persons appointed to the Council shall be selected for their knowledge of, background in, or experience with basic and applied research, emerging technologies, workforce development needs of industries, commercialization of the results and outputs of research activities, and the development and financing of technology intensive enterprises.

C. The Council shall consist of six members, all of whom shall serve as ex officio members with voting privileges: the Director of the NASA/Wallops Flight Facility or his designee, who shall retain his absolute duty of loyalty to the federal government; the Director of the U.S. Navy Surface Combat Systems Center or his designee, who shall retain his absolute duty of loyalty to the federal government; the Director of the Marine Science Consortium or his designee, who shall retain his absolute duty of loyalty to the Consortium; the Accomack County Administrator or his designee, who shall retain his absolute duty of loyalty to Accomack County; the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System or his designee; and the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee. All members shall be appointed to serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

D. The Council shall designate one member as its chair, and is authorized to adopt bylaws.

E. A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. Council meetings shall be as specified in its bylaws or upon the call of the chair.

F. Members of the Council shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

G. The Council shall:

1. Undertake studies, gather and analyze information, and make recommendations in order to accomplish its purposes as set forth in subsection A;

2. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public, quasi-public or private sources, and state funds that may be appropriated by the federal government, the General Assembly, or any state government to carry out its purpose;

3. Report annually its findings and recommendations regarding the development and operation of the Wallops Research Park. The Council may make interim reports as it deems advisable; and

4. Assist the Virginia Community College System and Eastern Shore Community College, the lead education and training entities for the Park, in developing the necessary infrastructure to meet the workforce and education needs of the Park to include the development of an Education and Training Center.

H. Funding necessary to support the Council's work, including but not limited to the reimbursement pursuant to subsection F, shall be provided by Accomack County from the rent revenues generated by the Wallops Research Park.

I. Accomack County shall provide staff support to the Council. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall assist the Council upon request.

2009, cc. 302 , 408 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-716.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-716.1
Board of Equalization
Status: in_force

A. The membership of the board of equalization of real estate assessments shall be composed of an odd number of not less than three nor more than 11 members, as determined by the governing body of the county. The circuit court of the county shall appoint a number of members equal to the lowest number that constitutes a majority of members, and the governing body shall appoint the remainder. In making appointments, the circuit court shall consider recommendations from interested entities, including but not limited to the chamber of commerce for the county, and from other representatives of the business community. After the initial appointments, vacancies on the board shall be filled by the appointing authority that appointed the person vacating the position.

The governing body may provide for terms varying in duration not to exceed four years. Such equalization board shall have the powers and duties provided by, and be subject to, the provisions of Article 14 (§ 58.1-3370 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1. Any person aggrieved by any assessment made under the provisions of this section may apply for relief to such board as therein provided. The provisions of this section shall not, however, apply to any real estate assessable under the law by the State Corporation Commission.

B. The board of equalization may sit in panels of at least three members each under the following terms and conditions:

1. The presence of all members of the panel shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

2. The chairman of the board of equalization shall assign the members to panels and, insofar as practicable, rotate the membership of the panels.

3. The chairman of the board of equalization shall preside over any panel of which he is a member and shall designate the presiding member of the other panels.

4. Each panel shall perform its duties independently of the others.

5. The board of equalization shall sit en banc (i) when there is a dissent in the panel to which the matter was originally assigned and an aggrieved party requests an en banc hearing or (ii) upon its own motion at any time, in any matter in which a majority of the board of equalization determines it is appropriate to do so. The board of equalization sitting en banc shall consider and decide the matter and may affirm, reverse, overrule or modify any previous decision by any panel.

2010, cc. 154 , 199 ; 2017, c. 435 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1749 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1749
Revenue bonds
Status: in_force

A. Each academy is hereby authorized, after a resolution adopted by a majority of its board of directors, to issue, at one time or from time to time, revenue bonds of the academy on a taxable or tax-exempt basis for the purpose of acquiring, purchasing, constructing, reconstructing, or improving training facilities and acquiring necessary land or equipment therefor, and to refund any bonds issued for such purposes. The bonds of each issue shall be dated, shall mature at such time or times not exceeding forty years from their issue date or dates and shall bear interest at such fixed or variable rate or rates as may be determined by the board of directors, and may be made redeemable before maturity at the option of the board of directors at such price or prices and under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the authority prior to the issuance of the bonds. The board of directors shall determine the form of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached thereto, and the manner of execution of the bonds, and shall affix the denomination or denominations of the bonds and the place or places of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or outside the Commonwealth. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature or facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he had remained in office until such delivery. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this article or any recitals in any bonds issued under the provisions of this article, all such bonds shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of this Commonwealth. The bonds may be issued in coupon or registered form or both, as the board of directors may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bonds as to principal alone and also as to both principal and interest, and for the reconversion into coupon bonds of any bonds registered as to both principal and interest. The board of directors may sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as it may determine to be for the best interests of the academy.

B. The resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds, and any trust agreement securing such bonds, may also contain such limitations upon the issuance of additional revenue bonds as the board of directors may deem proper and such additional bonds as shall be issued under such restriction and limitations as may be prescribed by such resolution or trust agreement.

C. Bonds may be issued under the provisions of this article without obtaining the consent of any commission, board, bureau, or agency of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision and without any other proceedings or conditions as are specifically required by this article.

D. Bonds issued under the provisions of this article shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof or a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof. The bonds shall be payable solely from revenues or other property of the academy specifically pledged for such purpose.

E. "Bonds" or "revenue bonds" as used in this article shall embrace notes, bonds and other obligations authorized to be issued pursuant to this article.

1993, c. 935, § 15.1-159.7:3; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-958.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-958.3
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing programs
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible improvements" means any of the following improvements made to eligible properties:

1. Energy efficiency improvements;

2. Water efficiency and safe drinking water improvements;

3. Renewable energy improvements;

4. Resiliency improvements;

5. Stormwater management improvements;

6. Environmental remediation improvements; and

7. Electric vehicle infrastructure improvements.

A program administrator may include in its C-PACE loan program guide or other administrative documentation definitions, interpretations, and examples of these categories of eligible improvements.

"Eligible properties" means all assessable commercial real estate located within the Commonwealth, with all buildings located or to be located thereon, whether vacant or occupied, whether improved or unimproved, and regardless of whether such real estate is currently subject to taxation by the locality. "Eligible properties" are eligible for the C-PACE loan program and may include multifamily properties with no fewer than five units, common areas of real estate owned by a cooperative or a property owners' association as defined in § 55.1-1800 that have a separate real property tax identification number, and commercial condominiums as defined in § 55.1-1900 . Residential real estate with fewer than five units is not eligible for the C-PACE loan program.

"Program administrator" means a third party that is contracted for professional services to administer a C-PACE loan program.

"Property owner" means the fee simple owner of eligible property or the lessee under a long-term ground lease of eligible property, including a property that is owned by a public or private entity. To be eligible for a C-PACE loan (i) the term of the C-PACE loan shall not exceed the remaining term of the ground lease, (ii) there shall be no ground lease provisions or other circumstances that would prevent the property owner from participating in the C-PACE loan program, (iii) the fee simple owner shall consent to the C-PACE loan, and (iv) the fee simple owner and the lessee under a long-term ground lease shall comply with the requirements of the C-PACE loan program, including the program guide.

"Resiliency improvement" means an improvement that increases the capacity of a structure or infrastructure to withstand or recover from natural disasters, the effects of climate change, and attacks and accidents, including, but not limited to:

1. Flood mitigation or the mitigation of the impacts of flooding;

2. Inundation adaptation;

3. Natural or nature-based features and living shorelines, as defined in § 28.2-104.1 ;

4. Enhancement of fire or wind resistance;

5. Microgrids;

6. Energy storage; and

7. Enhancement of the resilience capacity of a natural system, structure, or infrastructure.

B. Any locality may, by ordinance, authorize contracts to provide C-PACE loans (loans) for the initial acquisition, installation, and refinancing of eligible improvements located on eligible properties by free and willing property owners of such eligible properties. The ordinance may refer to the mode of financing as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing and shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. The kinds of eligible improvements that qualify for loans;

2. The proposed arrangement for such C-PACE loan program (loan program), including (i) a statement concerning the source of funding for the C-PACE loan; (ii) the time period during which contracting property owners would repay the C-PACE loan; and (iii) the method of apportioning all or any portion of the costs incidental to financing, administration, and collection of the C-PACE loan among the parties to the C-PACE transaction;

3. (i) A minimum dollar amount that may be financed with respect to an eligible property; (ii) if a locality or other public body is originating the loans, a maximum aggregate dollar amount that may be financed with respect to loans originated by the locality or other public body, and (iii) provisions that the loan program may approve a loan application submitted within three years of the locality's issuance of a certificate of occupancy or other evidence that eligible improvements comply substantially with the plans and specifications previously approved by the locality and that such loan may refinance or reimburse the property owner for the total costs of such eligible improvements;

4. In the case of a loan program described in clause (ii) of subdivision 3, a method for setting requests from owners of eligible properties for financing in priority order in the event that requests appear likely to exceed the authorization amount of the loan program. Priority shall be given to those requests from owners of eligible properties who meet established income or assessed property value eligibility requirements;

5. Identification of a local official authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the locality. A locality may contract with a program administrator to administer such loan program;

6. Identification of any fee that the locality intends to impose on the property owner requesting to participate in the loan program to offset the cost of administering the loan program. The fee may be assessed as a program fee paid by the property owner requesting to participate in the program; and

7. A draft contract specifying the terms and conditions proposed by the locality.

C. The locality may combine the loan payments required by the contracts with billings for water or sewer charges, real property tax assessments, or other billings; in such cases, the locality may establish the order in which loan payments will be applied to the different charges. The locality may not combine its billings for loan payments required by a contract authorized pursuant to this section with billings of another locality or political subdivision, including an authority operating pursuant to Chapter 51 (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.), unless such locality or political subdivision has given its consent by duly adopted resolution or ordinance. The locality may, either by ordinance or its program guide, delegate the billing; collection, including enforcement; and remittance of C-PACE loan payments to a third party.

D. The locality shall offer private lending institutions the opportunity to participate in local C-PACE loan programs established pursuant to this section.

E. In order to secure the loan authorized pursuant to this section, the locality shall place a voluntary special assessment lien equal in value to the loan against any property where such eligible improvements are being installed. The locality may bundle or package said loans for transfer to private lenders in such a manner that would allow the voluntary special assessment liens to remain in full force to secure the loans. The placement of a voluntary special assessment lien shall not require a new assessment on the value of the real property that is being improved under the loan program.

F. A voluntary special assessment lien imposed on real property under this section:

1. Shall have the same priority status as a property tax lien against real property, except that such voluntary special assessment lien shall have priority over any previously recorded mortgage or deed of trust lien only if (i) a written subordination agreement, in a form and substance acceptable to each prior lienholder in its sole and exclusive discretion, is executed by the holder of each mortgage or deed of trust lien on the property and recorded with the special assessment lien in the land records where the property is located, and (ii) evidence that the property owner is current on payments on loans secured by a mortgage or deed of trust lien on the property and on property tax payments, that the property owner is not insolvent or in bankruptcy proceedings, and that the title of the benefited property is not in dispute is submitted to the locality prior to recording of the special assessment lien;

2. Shall run with the land, and that portion of the assessment under the assessment contract that has not yet become due is not eliminated by foreclosure of a property tax lien;

3. May be enforced by the local government in the same manner that a property tax lien against real property is enforced by the local government. A local government shall be entitled to recover costs and expenses, including attorney fees, in a suit to collect a delinquent installment of an assessment in the same manner as in a suit to collect a delinquent property tax; and

4. May incur interest and penalties for delinquent installments of the assessment in the same manner as delinquent property taxes.

G. Prior to the enactment of an ordinance pursuant to this section, a public hearing shall be held at which interested persons may object to or inquire about the proposed loan program or any of its particulars. The public hearing shall be published twice, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality.

H. The Department of Energy shall serve as a statewide sponsor for a loan program that meets the requirements of this section. The Department of Energy shall engage a private program administrator through a competitive selection process to develop the statewide loan program. A locality, by its adoption or amendment of its C-PACE ordinance described in subsection B, may opt into the statewide C-PACE loan program sponsored by the Department of Energy without undertaking any competitive procurement process, provided that the locality agrees to execute a locality agreement within 30 days after the adoption or amendment of its C-PACE ordinance.

2009, c. 773 ; 2010, c. 141 ; 2015, cc. 389 , 427 ; 2019, cc. 564 , 753 ; 2020, c. 664 ; 2021, c. 6 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 532 ; 2022, c. 402 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 ; 2025, c. 205 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4905 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4905
Powers of authority
Status: in_force

The authority shall have the following powers together with all powers incidental thereto or necessary for the performance of those hereinafter stated:

1. To sue and be sued and to prosecute and defend, at law or in equity, in any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter and of the parties;

2. To adopt and use a corporate seal and to alter the same at pleasure;

3. To enter into contracts; however, any written contract of the authority shall contain provisions addressing the issue of whether attorney's fees shall be recoverable by the prevailing party in the event the contract is subject to litigation;

4. To acquire, whether by purchase, exchange, gift, lease or otherwise, and to improve, maintain, equip and furnish one or more authority facilities including all real and personal properties which the board of directors of the authority may deem necessary in connection therewith and regardless of whether any such facilities shall then be in existence;

5. To lease to others any or all of its facilities and to charge and collect rent therefor and to terminate any such lease upon the failure of the lessee to comply with any of the obligations thereof; and to include in any such lease, if desired, a provision that the lessee thereof shall have options to renew such lease or to purchase any or all of the leased facilities, or that upon payment of all of the indebtedness of the authority it may lease or convey any or all of its facilities to the lessee thereof with or without consideration;

6. To sell, exchange, donate, and convey any or all of its facilities or properties whenever its board of directors shall find any such action to be in furtherance of the purposes for which the authority was organized;

7. To issue its bonds for the purpose of carrying out any of its powers including specifically, but without intending to limit any power conferred by this section or this chapter, the issuance of bonds to provide long-term financing of any pollution control facility, whether any such facility was constructed prior to or after the enactment hereof or the receipt of a commitment from an authority to undertake financing pursuant hereto, unless the major part of the proceeds of such bonds will be used to redeem any prior long-term financing of such facility other than financings pursuant to this chapter or any similar law;

8. As security for the payment of the principal of and interest on any bonds so issued and any agreements made in connection therewith, to mortgage and pledge any or all of its facilities or any part or parts thereof, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, and to pledge the revenues therefrom or from any part thereof or from any loans made by the authority;

9. To employ and pay compensation to such employees and agents, including attorneys, and real estate brokers whether engaged by the authority or otherwise, as the board of directors shall deem necessary in carrying on the business of the authority;

10. To exercise all powers expressly given the authority by the governing body of the locality which established the authority and to establish bylaws and make all rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, deemed expedient for the management of the authority's affairs;

11. To appoint an industrial advisory committee or similar committee or committees to advise the authority, consisting of such number of persons as it may deem advisable. Such persons may be compensated such amount per regular, special, or committee meeting as may be approved by the appointing authority, not to exceed $50 per meeting day, and may be reimbursed for necessary traveling and other expenses incurred while on the business of the authority;

12. To borrow money and to accept contributions, grants and other financial assistance from the United States of America and agencies or instrumentalities thereof, the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, agency, or public instrumentality of the Commonwealth, for or in aid of the construction, acquisition, ownership, maintenance or repair of the authority facilities, for the payment of principal of any bond of the authority, interest thereon, or other cost incident thereto, or in order to make loans in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter of such money, contributions, grants, and other financial assistance, and to this end the authority shall have the power to comply with such conditions and to execute such agreements, trust indentures, and other legal instruments as may be necessary, convenient or desirable and to agree to such terms and conditions as may be imposed; and

13. To make loans or grants to any person, partnership, association, corporation, business, or governmental entity in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter including for the purposes of promoting economic development and the development of affordable housing, provided that such loans or grants shall be made only from revenues of the authority which have not been pledged or assigned for the payment of any of the authority's bonds, and to enter into such contracts, instruments, and agreements as may be expedient to provide for such loans and any security therefor. An authority may also be permitted to forgive loans or other obligations if it is deemed to further economic development or the development of affordable housing. The word "revenues" as used in this subdivision includes contributions, grants and other financial assistance, as set out in subdivision 12.

The authority shall not have power to operate any facility as a business other than as lessor and shall not have the power to operate any single or multi-family housing facilities. However, the authority shall have the power to apply for, establish, operate and maintain a foreign-trade zone in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 (§ 62.1-159 et seq.) of Title 62.1. Any meeting held by the board of directors at which formal action is taken shall be open to the public.

If a locality has created an industrial development authority pursuant to this chapter or any other provision of law, no other such authority, not created by such locality, shall finance facilities, except pollution control facilities, within the boundaries of such locality, unless the governing body of such locality in which the facilities are located or are proposed to be located, concurs with the inducement resolution adopted by the authority, and shows such concurrence in a duly adopted resolution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to invalidate or otherwise impair any existing financing by an authority or the financing of any facilities for which application has been made to an authority prior to July 1, 1981.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, and notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, general or special, nothing herein shall be deemed to impair the authority of the town council of the Town of Front Royal from creating its own independent industrial development authority, separate and apart for all purposes from any currently existing or future industrial development authority. A Town of Front Royal independent industrial development authority, created solely by the town, shall have all powers granted industrial development authorities generally as set forth in this chapter. Such industrial development authority may also include Warren County in any of its economic development projects for a period of five years ending July 1, 2025.

1966, c. 651, § 15.1-1378; 1970, c. 598; 1972, c. 783; 1973, c. 528; 1981, c. 3; 1991, c. 6; 1993, c. 896; 1994, c. 317 ; 1997, cc. 587 , 758 , 763 ; 1998, c. 728 ; 2005, c. 575 ; 2020, c. 1001 ; 2026, c. 386 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1212 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1212
Frederick County; resolution of board of supervisors; referendum; election
Status: in_force

A. Upon resolution passed by the board of supervisors of Frederick County and filed with the circuit court asking for a referendum on the question of Frederick County being governed by a board of supervisors, one or more elected from each magisterial district and a chairman elected from the county at large, the court shall by order entered of record, require the regular election officials at the November 1974 regular election to open a poll and take the sense of the qualified voters of the county on the question submitted as herein provided. The clerk of the county shall cause a notice of such election to be published in a newspaper published in or having a general circulation in the county, once a week for three consecutive weeks, and shall post a copy of such notice at the door of the courthouse of the county.

B. The regular election officers of the county at the time designated in the order authorizing the vote shall open the polls at the various voting places in the county and conduct the election in such manner as is provided by law for other elections, insofar as the same is applicable. The election shall be by ballot, and the ballots shall be prepared by the electoral board and distributed to the various election precincts as in other elections. The ballots used shall be printed to read as follows:

"Do you approve the adoption of the county's board of supervisors being elected by magisterial districts and the chairman elected from the county at large?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No"

The squares to be printed in such ballots shall not be less than one-quarter nor more than one-half inch in size.

Any person voting at such election shall place a () or a cross (X) or (+) mark or a line (-) in the square before the appropriate word indicating how he desires to vote on the question submitted.

The ballots shall be counted, returns made and canvassed as in other elections, and the results certified by the commissioners of election to the circuit court, and the circuit court, or the judge thereof in vacation, shall enter of record the results of the election. If it appears by the report of the commissioners of election that a majority of the qualified voters of the county voting approve the adoption of the county's board of supervisors being elected from magisterial districts and the chairman being elected from the county at large, the circuit court of the county, or the judge thereof in vacation, shall enter of record such fact.

C. At the next succeeding election, following approval of the plan provided for herein, at which the county's board of supervisors are to be elected, the form of organization of such county's board of supervisors shall be in accordance with the form provided for herein.

D. All county and district officers of such county, unless otherwise sooner removed, shall continue to hold office until their successors are elected and have qualified.

E. A referendum as described in this section to revert to the former method of electing the chairman and supervisors may be conducted upon a resolution of the board of supervisors as provided in this section. In lieu of such resolution by the board of supervisors, a referendum as described in this section may be conducted upon a petition filed with the circuit court of the county, or the judge thereof in vacation, and signed by 10 percent of the qualified voters of such county requesting such referendum, and the court or the judge shall proceed as in the case of a resolution by the board of supervisors.

1974, c. 398, § 15.1-527.1; 1979, c. 333; 1980, c. 393; 1997, c. 587 ; 2019, c. 632 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5110 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5110
Amendment of articles of incorporation
Status: in_force

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

Code 1950, § 15-764.12; 1950, p. 1318; 1954, c. 554; 1958, cc. 400, 402; 1960, c. 430; 1962, cc. 130, 623, § 15.1-1250; 1968, cc. 355, 556; 1970, cc. 444, 617; 1972, c. 161; 1979, c. 280; 1980, c. 159; 1981, c. 610; 1983, c. 422; 1984, c. 554; 1994, c. 477 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1902 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 19 / Section 15.2-1902
Condemnation proceedings generally
Status: in_force

Except where otherwise authorized by any applicable charter provision, a locality shall exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner, and in accordance with the procedures, set out in Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) or Chapter 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1, except that:

1. Only lands or easements for (i) streets and roads, (ii) drainage facilities, (iii) water supply and sewage disposal systems, including pipes and lines, and (iv) water, sewer and governmentally owned gas, electricity, telephone, telegraph and other utility lines and pipes and related facilities, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by law, may be condemned using the procedures in Chapter 3 of Title 25.1, as provided by the applicable provisions of §§ 15.2-1904 and 15.2-1905 , because the foregoing enumerated uses are inherently public uses when undertaken by a locality;

2. Existing water and sewage disposal systems in their entirety shall be condemned in accordance with the procedures in § 15.2-1906 ;

3. Oyster bottoms and grounds may be condemned utilizing the procedures in Chapter 3 of Title 25.1, as required by § 28.2-628 ; and

4. The provisions of §§ 33.2-1007 through 33.2-1011 , 33.2-1014 , and 33.2-1017 shall be applicable, mutatis mutandis, with respect to any condemnation by a locality of property for highway purposes.

1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 940 ; 2012, c. 832 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1216 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1216
Provision of information to prospective buyers in planned development units
Status: in_force

Any county having an urban county executive or county executive form of government, or any county adjacent to any two or more such counties, may by ordinance require that the sellers of new homes provide to home buyers access to copies of the approved subdivision plat, all development plans approved as part of the zoning for the planned unit development, proffered conditions accepted pursuant to subsection A of § 15.2-2286 as part of the zoning approval for the development, and the comprehensive plan for the area of the county, all of which documents shall include the property for sale and shall be current as of the date access to such documents is provided. The ordinance may require that, prior to execution of an offer to buy:

1. Such documents be located on the site of the property encompassed by the subdivision, plat, or planned unit development in which the property for sale is located, or at an office in its immediate vicinity; and

2. The seller of the new home notify the prospective home buyers of the location of these documents and provide a reasonable opportunity for such prospective buyers to inspect these documents.

Any violation of such an ordinance shall be punishable by a civil fine of not more than $100.

1983, c. 409, § 15.1-29.10; 1997, cc. 547 , 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-912 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-912
Regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons; definitions; exception
Status: in_force

A. Any locality may by ordinance regulate the sanitary condition of the personnel, equipment, and premises of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons and specify procedures for enforcement of compliance with the disease control and disclosure requirements of § 18.2-371.3 .

B. For the purposes of this section:

"Body-piercing salon" means any place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature.

"Ear-piercing salon" means any place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the ear by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin. "Ear-piercing salon" does not include any place in which a fee is charged for the use of a mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing system.

"Tattoo parlor" means any place in which is offered or practiced the placing of designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols or any other marks upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance, resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

C. This section shall not apply to medical doctors, veterinarians, registered nurses, or any other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their professional duties.

D. Localities requiring regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, or ear-piercing salons by ordinance shall include in such ordinance authorization for unannounced inspections by appropriate personnel of the locality.

1983, c. 429, § 15.1-28.3; 1997, c.; 2000, c. 842 ; 2001, c. 270 ; 2025, cc. 308 , 322 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1226 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1226
Authority of certain counties over Smith Mountain Lake
Status: in_force

A. The governing bodies of Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties may by ordinance regulate the land of their respective counties in and around Smith Mountain Lake below the 800-foot contour concerning the location, size, and length of wharves, piers, boathouses, docks, bulkheads, and similar structures to provide for safe navigation of the lake. Such ordinance shall not conflict with the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code or with the rights and responsibilities accorded Appalachian Power Company under its federal license to operate the Smith Mountain Project. The ordinance may include:

1. Procedures for approval of construction of such by the governing body or its designated agent; and

2. Penalties for violation of the ordinance.

B. Such governing bodies may act jointly in the enactment, administration, and enforcement of such an ordinance pursuant to § 15.2-1300 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2223.5 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2223.5
Comprehensive plan shall address manufactured housing
Status: in_force

During an amendment of a locality's comprehensive plan after July 1, 2021, the locality shall incorporate into its comprehensive plan strategies to promote manufactured housing as a source of affordable housing. Such strategies may include (i) the preservation of existing manufactured housing communities, (ii) the creation of new manufactured home communities, and (iii) the creation of new manufactured home subdivisions.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 91 , 92 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5111 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5111
Specification of projects
Status: in_force

If they have specified the initial purpose or purposes of the authority and insofar as practicable, any project or projects to be undertaken by the authority, the governing bodies of any of the localities organizing an authority may, at any time by ordinance or resolution, after a public hearing, and with or without a referendum, specify further projects to be undertaken by the authority. No other projects shall be undertaken by the authority than those so specified. If the governing bodies of the localities organizing the authority fail to specify any project or projects to be undertaken, then the authority shall be deemed to have all the powers granted by this chapter.

Code 1950, § 15-764.9; 1950, p. 1316; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1247; 1984, c. 239; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2244.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2244.2
Subdivision of a lot of property held in trust for a family member
Status: in_force

In addition to §§ 15.2-2244 and 15.2-2244.1 , a locality may include in its subdivision ordinance provisions permitting a single division of a lot or parcel for the purpose of sale or gift to a member of the immediate family, as defined in § 15.2-2244 , of beneficiaries of a trust, of land held in trust. All trust beneficiaries must (i) be immediate family members as defined in § 15.2-2244 , (ii) agree that the property should be subdivided, and (iii) agree to place a restrictive covenant on the subdivided property that would prohibit the transfer of the property to a nonmember of the immediate family for a period of 15 years. Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iii), a locality may reduce or provide exceptions to the period of years prescribed in such clause when changed circumstances so require. Upon such modification of a restrictive covenant, a locality shall execute a writing reflecting such modification, which writing shall be recorded in accordance with § 17.1-227 . The locality may require that the subdivided lot is no more than one acre and otherwise meets any other express requirement contained in the Code of Virginia or imposed by the local governing body.

2011, c. 141 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2148 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2148
Contracts for water supply
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent a locality from contracting with another locality for the acquisition of a water supply or for the use and management of the water supply of either of them in any manner and upon any terms that they may see fit.

Code 1950, § 15-752; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-338; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1545 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 8 / Section 15.2-1545
Postemployment benefits other than pensions defined
Status: in_force

Postemployment benefits other than pensions covered by the trust, trusts, or equivalent arrangement shall be defined by the governing body of the county, city, or town, by the appointed or elected school board, or by the governing body of any other political subdivision that creates any such program or trust. Such benefits may include but are not limited to medical, dental, and life insurance provided to individuals who have terminated their service and to the dependents of such individuals and may be provided by purchasing insurance, by a program of self-insurance, or by a combination of both. Such postemployment benefits other than pensions may be provided to the officers and employees or to their dependents, estates, or designated beneficiaries. Any benefits arising from any postemployment benefits other than pension plans shall be clearly defined and strictly construed.

2007, c. 710 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.11 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.11
Powers of authority
Status: in_force

Each authority is an instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to provide for the public health and welfare, and each authority may:

1. Exist for a term of 50 years as a corporation, and for such further period or periods as may from time to time be provided by appropriate resolutions of the political subdivision creating the authority; however, the term of an authority shall not be extended beyond a date 50 years from the date of the adoption of such resolutions;

2. Adopt, amend or repeal bylaws, rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this chapter or the general laws of the Commonwealth, for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business and to carry into effect its powers and purposes;

3. Adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure;

4. Maintain an office at such place or places as it may designate;

5. Sue and be sued;

6. Acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, enlarge, operate or extend any project;

7. Issue revenue bonds of the authority, such bonds to be payable solely from revenues to pay all or a part of the cost of a project;

8. Borrow at such rates of interest as authorized by the general law for authorities and as the authority may determine and issue its notes, bonds or other obligations therefor. The political subdivision creating the authority may lend, advance or give money to such authority;

9. Fix, charge and collect rates, fees and charges for the use of or for the services furnished by or for the benefit from any project operated by the authority. Such rates, fees, rents and charges shall be charged to and collected from any person contracting for the services or the lessee or tenant who uses or occupies any real estate that is served by or benefits from any such project. Connection and service fees established by an authority shall be fair and reasonable. Such fees shall be reviewed by the authority periodically and shall be adjusted, if necessary, to assure that they continue to be fair and reasonable; and

10. Contract with any person, political subdivision, federal agency, or any public authority or unit, on such terms as the authority deems proper, for the purpose of acting as a billing and collecting agent for service fees, rents or charges imposed by an authority.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5406.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5406.1
Retail distribution of electric energy limited to certain authorities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, an authority is not authorized to distribute electric energy for retail sale unless the authority is an authority created by a governmental unit exempt from the referendum requirement of § 15.2-5403 . Such distribution shall be limited to retail sales within the geographic area that was, as of January 1, 2006, by the governmental unit of such authority. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair or abridge the exclusive territorial electric distribution rights or property rights of any certificated incumbent public service company operating in the Commonwealth. No such authority is authorized or empowered to take by condemnation, eminent domain, or otherwise, the electric distribution system, utility facilities, or other utility property of any public service company without the consent of such public service company.

2006, cc. 929 , 941 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4602 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 46 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4602
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates another meaning or intent:

"Commission" means the governing body of the local district.

"Cost" means all or any part of the cost of acquisition, construction, reconstruction, alteration, landscaping, or enlargement of a public mass transit system or highway that is located in counties that are authorized by this chapter to create a transportation improvement district, including the cost of the acquisition of land, rights-of-way, property rights, easements and interests acquired for such construction, alteration or expansion, the cost of demolishing or removing any structure on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which such structures may be removed, the cost of all labor, materials, machinery and equipment, financing charges, insurance, interest on all bonds prior to and during construction and, if deemed advisable by the commission, for a reasonable period after completion of such construction, reserves for principal and interest and for extensions, enlargements, additions, replacements, renovations, and improvements, provisions for working capital, the cost of surveys, engineering and architectural expenses, borings, plans and specifications and other engineering and architectural services, legal expenses, studies, estimates of costs and revenues, administrative expenses, and such other expenses as may be necessary, or incident to, the construction of the project or, solely as to districts created pursuant to this chapter after July 1, 1990, the creation of the district (the costs of which creation shall not exceed $150,000), and of such subsequent additions thereto or expansion thereof, and to determining the feasibility or practicability of such construction, the cost of financing such construction, additions, or expansion and placing the project and such additions or expansion in operation.

"County" means Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.

"District" or "local district" means any transportation improvement district created under the provisions of § 15.2-4603 .

"District advisory board" or "advisory board" means the board appointed by the commission in accordance with § 15.2-4605 .

"Federal agency" means and includes the United States of America or any department, bureau, agency, or instrumentality thereof.

"Owner" or "landowner" means the person or entity that has the usufruct, control, or occupation of the taxable real property as determined by the commissioner of the revenue of the jurisdiction in which the subject real property is located pursuant to § 58.1-3281 .

"Revenues" means any or all fees, tolls, taxes, rents, notes, receipts, assessments, moneys, and income derived by the local district and includes any cash contributions or payments made to the local district by the Commonwealth or any agency, department, or political subdivision thereof or by any other source.

"Town" means any town having a population of more than 1,000.

"Transportation improvements" means any and all real or personal property utilized in constructing and improving (i) any mass transportation project and (ii) any primary highway or portion thereof, located within any district created pursuant to § 15.2-4603 . Such improvements include, without limitation, public mass transit systems, public highways, all buildings, structures, approaches, and other facilities and appurtenances thereto, rights-of-way, bridges, tunnels, transportation stations, terminals, areas for parking, and all related equipment and fixtures.

1997, c. 587 ; 2019, c. 632 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3528 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3528
Appeals
Status: in_force

Appeals may be made to the Court of Appeals as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222 , which shall apply mutatis mutandis. Any judgment of the Court of Appeals rendered pursuant to this section may be appealed to the Supreme Court, which, if it grants the petition for appeal, shall hear the appeal as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222 , which shall apply mutatis mutandis.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.10; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 .