Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2413.11 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2413.11
Dissolution
Status: in_force

A. Any tourism improvement district established or extended pursuant to the provisions of this article, where there is no indebtedness, outstanding and unpaid, incurred to accomplish any of the purposes of the tourism improvement district, may be dissolved by majority vote of the local governing body. The tourism improvement district may be dissolved if the locality determines there has been misappropriation of funds, malfeasance, or a violation of law in connection with the management of the tourism improvement district. In the event of dissolution of a tourism improvement district, any remaining revenues, after all outstanding debts are paid, derived from the charge of fees, or derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, or from bond reserve or construction funds, shall be appropriated for the purposes of the tourism improvement district plan or shall be refunded to the businesses that are charged a fee by applying the same method and basis that was used to determine the tourism improvement district fees that were charged.

B. During the operation of the tourism improvement district, there shall be a 30-day period each year in which owners of benefited businesses may request dissolution of the tourism improvement district. The first such period shall begin one year after the date of establishment of the tourism improvement district and shall continue for 30 days. The next such 30-day period shall begin two years after the date of the establishment of the tourism improvement district. Each successive year of operation of the tourism improvement district shall have such a 30-day period. Upon the written petition of the owners or authorized representatives of businesses in the tourism improvement district who pay 50 percent or more of the fees charged, the locality may by majority vote of the local governing body dissolve the tourism improvement district.

C. The locality shall hold a hearing on any proposed dissolution.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 500 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2628 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2628
Notes in anticipation of bond issue
Status: in_force

In anticipation of the issuance of bonds under the provisions of this chapter and of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of bonds, any locality may borrow money and issue its notes for any purpose for which bonds of the locality have been authorized in a principal amount not to exceed the principal amount of the authorized bonds. The notes shall mature and be paid within five years of the date of their original issuance. Any notes may be extended or refinanced from time to time, provided that no extension or refinancing matures later than five years from the date of the original issuance of the notes.

The locality may, in its discretion, retire any notes by means of current revenues, special assessments, or other funds, in lieu of retiring them by the issuance of bonds, provided that the maximum amount of bonds that has been authorized must be reduced by the amount of the notes retired in such manner.

Code 1950, § 15-666.64; 1958, c. 640; 1962, cc. 220, 623, § 15.1-223; 1966, c. 161; 1970, c. 144; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.29; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5113 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5113
Members of authority board; chief administrative or executive officer
Status: in_force

A. 1. The powers of each authority created by the governing body of a single locality shall be exercised by an authority board of five members, or at the option of the board of supervisors of a county, a number of board members equal to the number of members of the board of supervisors. The powers of each authority created by the governing bodies of two or more localities shall be exercised by the number of authority board members specified in its articles of incorporation, which shall be not less than one member from each participating locality and not less than a total of five members. The board members of an authority shall be selected in the manner and for the terms provided by the agreement or ordinance or resolution or concurrent ordinances or resolutions creating the authority. One or more members of the governing body or one or more directors of an industrial or economic development authority of a locality may be appointed board members of the authority, the provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding. No board member shall be appointed for a term of more than four years. When one or more additional political subdivisions join an existing authority, each of such joining political subdivisions shall have at least one member on the board. Board members shall hold office until their successors have been appointed and may succeed themselves. The board members of the authority shall elect one of their number chairman, and shall elect a secretary and treasurer who need not be members. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision A 1, if the City of Virginia Beach forms a community development authority pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 (§ 15.2-5152 et seq.) for the purpose of developing the sports and entertainment district, as defined in § 15.2-5928 , the board of such authority may consist of a number of members equal to the number of members of the governing body of the City of Virginia Beach.

B. A majority of board members shall constitute a quorum and the vote of a majority of board members shall be necessary for any action taken by the authority. An authority may, by bylaw, provide a method to resolve tie votes or deadlocked issues.

C. No vacancy in the board membership of the authority shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority. If a vacancy occurs by reason of the death, disqualification or resignation of a board member, the governing body of the political subdivision which appointed the authority board member shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term. Whenever a political subdivision withdraws its membership from an authority, the term of any board member appointed to the board of the authority from such political subdivision shall immediately terminate. Board members shall receive such compensation as fixed by resolution of the governing body or bodies which are members of the authority, and shall be reimbursed for any actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

D. Alternate board members may also be selected. Such alternates shall be selected in the same manner and shall have the same qualifications as the board members except that an alternate for an elected board member need not be an elected official. The term of each alternate shall be the same as the term of the board member for whom each serves as an alternate; however, the alternate's term shall not expire because of the board member's death, disqualification, resignation, or termination of employment with the member's political subdivision. If a board member is not present at a meeting of the authority, the alternate for that board member shall have all the voting and other rights of a board member and shall be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.

E. The board members may appoint a chief administrative or executive officer who shall serve at the pleasure of the board members. He shall execute and enforce the orders and resolutions adopted by the board members and perform such duties as may be delegated to him by the board members.

Code 1950, § 15-764.11; 1950, p. 1317; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1249; 1968, c. 355; 1972, c. 544; 1973, cc. 135, 521; 1974, c. 276; 1979, cc. 273, 280; 1980, c. 67; 1995, c. 285 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2009, c. 655 ; 2020, c. 467 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-845 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-845
Schedule of compensation
Status: in_force

The board shall establish a schedule of compensation for officers and employees which shall provide equitable compensation for officers and employees and which shall provide for recognition of length of service and of merit. The compensation prescribed shall be subject to such limitations made by general law.

Code 1950, § 15-384.65; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-778; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2255 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2255
Administration and enforcement of regulations
Status: in_force

The administration and enforcement of subdivision regulations insofar as they pertain to public improvements as authorized in §§ 15.2-2241 through 15.2-2245 shall be vested in the governing body of the locality in which the improvements are or will be located.

Except as provided above, the governing body shall be responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of the subdivision regulations through its local planning commission or otherwise.

Code 1950, §§ 15-788.1, 15-967.9; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-474; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2135 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2135
Disputes between jurisdictions involving dams or water impoundment; constitution of special court; vacancies occurring during trial
Status: in_force

A. The special court to hear a case between jurisdictions involving a dam or water impoundment shall be composed of three judges of circuit courts remote from the jurisdictions of the parties involved. The judges shall be designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The special court shall sit without a jury.

B. If a vacancy occurs on the special court at any time prior to the final disposition of the case, the vacancy shall be filled by designation of another judge and the proceeding shall continue.

1976, c. 69, § 15.1-37.1:1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2109.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2109.3
Provision of natural gas distribution service within counties
Status: in_force

Any municipal corporation or public service authority created under the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.) shall have the authority:

1. To purchase natural gas for resale within an area as described in subdivision 2 from any public utility that is certificated to provide natural gas distribution service within the Commonwealth, on such terms and conditions as the parties to such sale may agree;

2. To provide natural gas distribution service within any underserved area or county that is adjacent to the boundaries of the municipal corporation or any political subdivision that is a member of the public service authority, as applicable, provided that the area is not within the certificated territory assigned to a public utility for the provision of natural gas service, upon notifying the State Corporation Commission of its commitment to provide such service in such areas. The municipality or public service authority shall not be required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the State Corporation Commission as a condition to providing natural gas distribution service within any such area; and

3. Upon notifying the State Corporation Commission of its commitment to provide natural gas distribution service in such areas as described in subdivision 2, to exercise the same rights that a public service authority established pursuant to the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.) has to acquire, purchase, lease as lessee, construct, reconstruct, improve, extend, operate, and maintain any lines, pipelines, or other improvements necessary or appropriate for the provision of any stormwater control system or water or waste system or any combination of such systems under § 15.2-5114 , except that such powers, including the powers 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, except that such powers shall apply to the provision of natural gas distribution service, mutatis mutandis.

2009, c. 749 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1202 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1202
Appropriation of money to incorporated towns
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county may appropriate such sums as it desires to any incorporated town or towns within the boundaries of the county.

Code 1950, § 15-249; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-544; 1966, c. 495; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-737 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-737
Tenant relocation payments
Status: in_force

The board may require by ordinance that the county and the owner divide equally the reimbursement of any tenant of a building containing at least four residential units for amounts actually expended to relocate when the tenant has been terminated by 120 days' notice given under § 55.1-1410 in order to carry out the rehabilitation of the building. The reimbursement shall not exceed the amount to which the tenant would have been entitled to receive under §§ 25.1-407 and 25.1-415 if the real estate comprising the units had been condemned by the Department of Transportation.

1989, c. 354, § 15.1-687.15; 1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2293.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2293.2
Regulation of helicopter use
Status: in_force

No local zoning ordinance shall impose a total ban on departures and landings within the locality by non-commercial helicopters for personal use, but local zoning ordinances may require a special exception, special use permit, or conditional use permit for repetitive helicopter landings and departures on the same parcel of land in some or all zoning districts. Special exceptions or special use permits may be made subject to reasonable conditions for the protection or benefit of owners and occupants of neighboring parcels, including but not limited to conditions related to compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.

2012, c. 506 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1115 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1115
Abatement or removal of nuisances
Status: in_force

A. A municipal corporation may compel the abatement or removal of all nuisances, including but not limited to the removal of weeds from private and public property and snow from sidewalks; the covering or removal of offensive, unwholesome, unsanitary or unhealthy substances allowed to accumulate in or on any place or premises; the filling in to the street level, fencing or protection by other means, of the portion of any lot adjacent to a street where the difference in level between the lot and the street constitutes a danger to life and limb; the raising or draining of grounds subject to be covered by stagnant water; and the razing or repair of all unsafe, dangerous or unsanitary public or private buildings, walls or structures which constitute a menace to the health and safety of the occupants thereof or the public. If after such reasonable notice as the municipal corporation may prescribe the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property or premises affected by the provisions of this section shall fail to abate or obviate the condition or nuisance, the municipal corporation may do so and charge and collect the cost thereof from the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property affected in any manner provided by law for the collection of state or local taxes.

B. Every charge authorized by this section in excess of $200 which has been assessed against the owner of any such property and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property. Such liens shall have the same priority as liens for other unpaid local real estate taxes and shall be enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens were imposed.

Code 1950, § 15-77.31; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-867; 1997, c. 587 ; 2004, cc. 533 , 968 ; 2017, cc. 118 , 610 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5941 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 59.3 / Section 15.2-5941
Powers
Status: in_force

In addition to all other powers it possesses, the Authority may:

1. Determine the location of, develop, establish, construct, erect, acquire, own, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain a Facility and Facility Site to the extent necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, including contracting for materials, products, and services related to such Facility or Facility Site;

2. Enter into development agreements related to the Facility or Facility Site, including leases, subleases, and any other forms of private financing;

3. Develop a model for participating localities to share costs and revenues of a Facility and Facility Site;

4. Operate, enter into contracts for the operation of, and regulate the use and operation of a Facility and Facility Site developed under the provisions of this chapter;

5. Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, ticket surcharges, or other charges for the use of a Facility or Facility Site or for services rendered in connection with a Facility or Facility Site;

6. Dedicate any funds that accrue to the Authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter for the construction, development, financing, operation, or maintenance of the Facility and Facility Site;

7. Issue bonds and similar financial instruments under this chapter;

8. Finance the construction of a Facility using loans, notes, private equity financing, or any other method of financing the Authority deems appropriate; and

9. Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this chapter.

2020, cc. 538 , 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1528 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1528
Penalties of bonds of sheriffs, clerks of the circuit court and commissioners of the revenue
Status: in_force

The penalty of the bond of a sheriff shall be $30,000. The bond of the clerk of a circuit court shall not be less than $3,000 and the bond of such clerk shall bind him and his sureties, not only for the faithful discharge of his duties as clerk of the court, but also for the faithful discharge of such other duties as may be imposed upon him by law in like manner or by order of the court and with the same effect as if it were so expressed in the conditions of his bond. The bond of the commissioner of the revenue shall not be less than $1,000 nor more than $3,000.

Code 1950, § 15-479; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-42; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1981, c. 120; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2308 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2308
Boards of zoning appeals to be created; membership, organization, etc
Status: in_force

A. Every locality that has enacted or enacts a zoning ordinance pursuant to this chapter or prior enabling laws shall establish a board of zoning appeals that shall consist of either five or seven residents of the locality, or in a town with a population of 3,500 or less, either three, five, or seven residents of the locality, appointed by the circuit court for the locality. Boards of zoning appeals for a locality within the fifteenth or nineteenth judicial circuit may be appointed by the chief judge or his designated judge or judges in their respective circuit, upon concurrence of such locality. Their terms of office shall be for five years each, except that original appointments shall be made for such terms that the term of one member shall expire each year. The secretary of the board shall notify the court at least 30 days in advance of the expiration of any term of office and shall also notify the court promptly if any vacancy occurs. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. Members may be reappointed to succeed themselves. Members of the board shall hold no other public office in the locality, except that one may be a member of the local planning commission, any member may be appointed to serve as an officer of election as defined in § 24.2-101 , and any elected official of an incorporated town may serve on the board of the county in which the member also resides. A member whose term expires shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and qualifies. The circuit court for the City of Chesapeake and the Circuit Court for the City of Hampton shall appoint at least one but not more than three alternates to the board of zoning appeals. At the request of the local governing body, the circuit court for any other locality may appoint not more than three alternates to the board of zoning appeals. The qualifications, terms and compensation of alternate members shall be the same as those of regular members. A regular member when he knows he will be absent from or will have to abstain from any application at a meeting shall notify the chairman 24 hours prior to the meeting of such fact. The chairman shall select an alternate to serve in the absent or abstaining member's place and the records of the board shall so note. Such alternate member may vote on any application in which a regular member abstains.

B. Localities may, by ordinances enacted in each jurisdiction, create a joint board of zoning appeals that shall consist of two members appointed from among the residents of each participating jurisdiction by the circuit court for each county or city, plus one member from the area at large to be appointed by the circuit court or jointly by such courts if more than one, having jurisdiction in the area. The term of office of each member shall be five years, except that of the two members first appointed from each jurisdiction, the term of one shall be for two years and of the other, four years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms. In other respects, joint boards of zoning appeals shall be governed by all other provisions of this article.

C. With the exception of its secretary and the alternates, the board shall elect from its own membership its officers who shall serve annual terms as such and may succeed themselves. The board may elect as its secretary either one of its members or a qualified individual who is not a member of the board, excluding the alternate members. A secretary who is not a member of the board shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the board. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, for the conduct of any hearing, a quorum shall be not less than a majority of all the members of the board and the board shall offer an equal amount of time in a hearing on the case to the applicant, appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314 , and the staff of the local governing body. Except for matters governed by § 15.2-2312 , no action of the board shall be valid unless authorized by a majority vote of those present and voting. The board may make, alter and rescind rules and forms for its procedures, consistent with ordinances of the locality and general laws of the Commonwealth. The board shall keep a full public record of its proceedings and shall submit a report of its activities to the governing body or bodies at least once each year.

D. Upon request of the board of zoning appeals, the governing body shall consider appropriation of funds so that the board may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel, consultants, and other technical and clerical services. If a board has needs that surpass the budgeted amount, the governing body shall review the board's request. Members of the board may receive such compensation as may be authorized by the respective governing bodies. Any board member or alternate may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office, or for other just cause, by the court that appointed him, after a hearing held after at least 15 days' notice.

E. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this section, in the Cities of Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, members of the board shall be appointed by the governing body. The governing body shall also appoint at least one but not more than three alternates to the board.

Code 1950, §§ 15-825, 15-850, 15-968.8; 1950, pp. 176, 489; 1952, c. 688; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-494; 1975, c. 641; 1976, c. 642; 1977, c. 172; 1982, c. 3; 1989, c. 27; 1992, c. 47; 1997, cc. 570 , 587 ; 1998, cc. 346 , 520 , 528 ; 1999, c. 838 ; 2002, cc. 205 , 545 ; 2007, c. 813 ; 2009, c. 734 ; 2010, c. 705 ; 2015, cc. 406 , 407 , 597 ; 2019, c. 703 ; 2020, cc. 11 , 1006 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 355 ; 2022, c. 249 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2276 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2276
Duty of clerk when plat vacated
Status: in_force

The clerk in whose office any plat so vacated has been recorded shall write in plain legible letters across such plat, or the part thereof so vacated, the word "vacated," and also make a reference on the plat to the volume and page in which the instrument of vacation is recorded.

Code 1950, §§ 15-794, 15-967.20; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-485; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6604 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6604
Appointment of a board of directors
Status: in_force

The powers of the Authority shall be vested in the directors of the Authority. The governing body of each participating political subdivision shall appoint either one or two directors, one of whom shall be a member of the appointing governing body or its chief operating officer. In the event there are two or fewer participating jurisdictions in the Authority, each participating jurisdiction shall appoint two directors.

The governing body of each political subdivision shall be empowered to remove at any time, without cause, any director appointed by it and appoint a successor director to fill the unexpired portion of the removed director's term.

If financial funds are available, each director may be reimbursed by the Authority for the amount of actual expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6214 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 62 / Section 15.2-6214
Revenue sharing agreements
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the requirements of Chapter 34 (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.) of Title 15.2, the County of Alleghany and the Town of Clifton Forge may agree to a revenue and economic growth sharing arrangement with respect to tax revenues generated by any industry, business or other for-profit employment generating enterprise locating in any of the localities. The obligations of the parties to any such agreement shall not be construed to be debt within the meaning of Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia. Any such agreement shall be approved by a majority vote of the governing bodies of the localities reaching agreement but shall not require any other approval.

1993, c. 982, § 15.1-1675; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 861 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.26 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.26
Enforcement of charges
Status: in_force

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

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

2. If any rates, fees or charges for the use of and for the services furnished by any system acquired or constructed by the authority under the provisions of this chapter are not paid within 30 days after due, the authority may at the expiration of such period disconnect the premises from the system, or otherwise suspend services and proceed to recover the amount of any such delinquent rates, fees or charges, with interest, in a civil action.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.4 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.4
Real estate transfer and license fees in cities
Status: in_force

Such officers as may be authorized by law to collect city licenses shall collect all such license fees and apply them to the credit of their respective city treasuries. The treasurers of the several cities shall hereafter collect all state license fees and apply them to the credit of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 14-73; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-60; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-850 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-850
Bonds of officers
Status: in_force

The urban county executive shall give bond payable to the county in the amount of not less than $5,000. The director of finance shall give bond in the amount of not less than fifteen percent of the amount of money to be received by him annually, but he shall not be required to give a bond in excess of five million dollars except as hereinafter provided. If the urban county executive serves also as director of finance, he shall give bond to the full amount indicated above for the director of finance. The board may fix bonds in excess of these amounts and require bonds of other county officers in the board's discretion, conditioned on the faithful discharge of their duties and the proper accounting for all funds coming into their possession.

Code 1950, § 15-384.70; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-783; 1968, cc. 375, 797; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6015.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60.01 / Section 15.2-6015.3
Compensation; expenses
Status: in_force

Members shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813 . All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825 . Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Virginia Coalfields Economic Development Authority.

2017, c. 543 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6704 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 67 / Section 15.2-6704
Authority of localities
Status: in_force

Localities are hereby authorized to lend or donate money or other property or services to the Authority for any of its purposes. The locality making the grant or loan may restrict the use of such grants or loans to a specific project, within or outside that locality.

2003, c. 577 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4310 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 43 / Section 15.2-4310
Additions to a district
Status: in_force

Additional parcels of land may be added to an existing district at any time by following the process and application deadlines prescribed for the creation of a new district.

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; 2011, cc. 344 , 355 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5413 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5413
Interim receipts and temporary bonds; lost, stolen and destroyed bonds
Status: in_force

Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the authority may issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds have been executed and are available for delivery.

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

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1616; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4707 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 47 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4707
Jurisdiction of localities and officers, etc., not affected
Status: in_force

Neither the creation of a district nor any other provision in this chapter shall affect the power, jurisdiction, or duties of the local governing body, sheriff, treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, circuit, district, or other courts, clerks of any court, magistrates, or any other local or state officer in regard to the area embraced in any district or restrict or prevent the locality or town, or the governing body of the locality or town, from imposing and collecting taxes or assessments for public improvements as permitted by law. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of law, any locality that creates a district pursuant to this section may obligate itself with respect to the zoning ordinances, zoning ordinance text, and regulations relating thereto for all commercial and industrial classifications within the district as provided in subsection C of § 15.2-4702 for a term not to exceed 20 years from the date on which such a district is created.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5351 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-5351
Sale
Status: in_force

The bonds may be sold at public or private sale at such price or prices as the authority determines.

Code 1950, § 32-266; 1973, c. 462, § 15.1-1586; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1722 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1722
Certain records to be kept by sheriffs and chiefs of police
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the duty of the sheriff or chief of police of every locality to insure, in addition to other records required by law, the maintenance of adequate personnel, arrest, investigative, reportable incidents, and noncriminal incidents records necessary for the efficient operation of a law-enforcement agency. Failure of a sheriff or a chief of police to maintain such records or failure to relinquish such records to his successor in office shall constitute a misdemeanor. Former sheriffs or chiefs of police shall be allowed access to such files for preparation of a defense in any suit or action arising from the performance of their official duties as sheriff or chief of police. The enforcement of this section shall be the duty of the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city wherein the violation occurs.

B. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

"Arrest records" means a compilation of information, centrally maintained in law-enforcement custody, of any arrest or temporary detention of an individual, including the identity of the person arrested or detained, the nature of the arrest or detention, and the charge, if any.

"Investigative records" means the reports of any systematic inquiries or examinations into criminal or suspected criminal acts which have been committed, are being committed, or are about to be committed.

"Noncriminal incidents records" means compilations of noncriminal occurrences of general interest to law-enforcement agencies, such as missing persons, lost and found property, suicides and accidental deaths.

"Personnel records" means those records maintained on each and every individual employed by a law-enforcement agency which reflect personal data concerning the employee's age, length of service, amount of training, education, compensation level, and other pertinent personal information.

"Reportable incidents records" means a compilation of complaints received by a law-enforcement agency and action taken by the agency in response thereto.

1975, c. 290, § 15.1-135.1; 1979, c. 686; 1981, c. 284; 1997, c. 587; 1999, cc. 703 , 726 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.2
Salaries of county commissioners of the revenue
Status: in_force

The annual salaries of county commissioners of the revenue under this article shall be as prescribed in the general appropriation act, except as otherwise provided in § 15.2-1636.12 .

Notwithstanding the repeal of §§ 14-8.1, 14-71, 14-71.1, 14-71.2, 14-71.3 and 14-75, effective July 1, 1964, the prior authority of such sections is continued in effect as to any person holding office on such date.

Code 1950, §§ 14-71 through 14-71.3; 1952, c. 479; 1954, c. 629; 1956, c. 603; 1960, c. 416; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-58; 1966, cc. 501, 565, 637; 1970, c. 679; 1972, c. 617; 1974, c. 271; 1976, c. 400; 1977, c. 565; 1980, c. 588; 1981, c. 415; 1983, c. 600; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.31 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.31
Purchase in open market or otherwise
Status: in_force

Provision may be made in the proceedings authorizing refunding revenue bonds for the purchase of the refunded revenue bonds in the open market or pursuant to tenders made from time to time when there is available in the escrow or sinking fund for the payment of the refunded revenue bonds a surplus in an amount or amounts to be fixed in such proceedings.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6611 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6611
Deposit and investment of funds
Status: in_force

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

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

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-977.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-977.1
Local incentives for urban green space
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section, "urban green space" means urban land, partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, that is located in a densely populated area that has a high concentration of residential or commercial structures. "Urban green space" includes street trees, city parks, sports fields, gardens, and greenways. To qualify as urban green space, the use of such land must make a substantive impact on the reduction of the urban heat effect, the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions, or the mitigation of stormwater. Rural areas and areas of low population density or development shall not be considered urban green space.

B. Any county, city, or town may, by ordinance, establish a program to provide regulatory flexibility to encourage the preservation, restoration, or development of urban green space in the locality. Any such regulatory flexibility provided shall be proportionate to the amount of urban green space that a business or development contains.

C. The regulatory flexibility may include (i) a reduction in permit fees or (ii) a streamlined process for the approval of permits.

2023, c. 427 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5708 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 57 / Section 15.2-5708
Exemption from taxation
Status: in_force

No authority shall be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any park acquired and constructed by it under the provisions of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 15-714.6; 1950, p. 1248; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1233; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2403.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2403.1
Creation of urban transportation service districts
Status: in_force

A. The boundaries of any urban transportation service district created pursuant to this article shall be agreed upon by both the local governing body of an urban county and by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The overall density of an urban transportation service district shall be one residential unit per gross acre or greater. In the event of a disagreement between the Board and the governing body of an urban county in regard to the boundaries of an urban transportation service district, the parties may request that the Commission on Local Government serve as a mediator. For purposes of this section, an "urban county" means any county with a population of greater than 90,000, according to the United States Census of 2000, that did not maintain its roads as of January 1, 2007.

B. Any urban county that has established an urban transportation service district in accordance with this section shall maintain the roads within such district. Any such county shall receive an amount equal to the per lane mile maintenance payments made to cities and certain towns pursuant to § 33.2-319 for the area within the district for purposes of road maintenance.

2007, c. 896 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1414.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-1414.2
Salaries to be fixed by board; limits; reimbursement in addition to salary
Status: in_force

The annual compensation to be allowed each member of the board of supervisors of a county shall be determined by the board of supervisors of such county but such compensation shall not be more than a maximum determined in the following manner. Prior to July 1 of each year, the current board, by a recorded vote of a majority present, shall set a maximum annual compensation, which will become effective as of January 1 of the year following the next regularly scheduled elections.

Until the board is able to set a maximum compensation as provided above, the maximum compensations for the several counties shall be as authorized on July 1, 1981.

Any board of supervisors may fix a higher salary for the chairman, or the vice-chairman, or both, than for the other members of the board without respect to the limits herein set forth.

A member of the board of supervisors of any county may accept in lieu of salary, reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in maintaining an office and secretarial assistance necessary for the proper performance of his duties. Such reimbursement shall be subtracted from the amount of the salary due such official and the remaining sum shall be paid to him at his option; however, such expense shall not exceed the salary. In addition to the salary, members of each governing body may receive the same fringe benefits which are given to county employees generally, and all prior grants of such benefits are validated.

A county may provide a member of its board of supervisors in addition to salary, reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in purchasing, operating, maintaining and using a telephone, including a car telephone or other portable telephone, provided the expenses are attributable directly to the proper performance of the member's official duties.

No increase in the salary of a member of the board of supervisors shall take effect during the incumbent supervisor's term in office; however, this restriction shall not apply to boards of supervisors when the supervisors are elected for staggered terms nor to corrections to the above listed compensation.

1976, c. 590, § 14.1-46.01; 1977, cc. 391, 416; 1978, cc. 319, 435, 572; 1979, c. 256; 1980, cc. 3, 450; 1981, cc. 13, 623; 1982, c. 376; 1990, c. 518; 1996, c. 371 ; 1998, c. 872 ; 2000, c. 299 ; 2022, c. 616 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1508 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1508
Bonuses for employees of local governments
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, the governing body of any locality may provide for payment of monetary bonuses to its officers and employees. The payment of a bonus shall be authorized by ordinance.

1985, c. 142, § 15.1-7.4; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 204 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2108.20 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1.2 / Section 15.2-2108.20
Authority to grant negotiated cable franchises and regulate cable systems
Status: in_force

A. A locality may grant a negotiated cable franchise in accordance with Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 521 et seq., and this chapter.

B. A locality may, by ordinance, exercise all regulatory powers over cable systems granted by the Communications Act of 1934, except as limited by this article. These regulatory powers shall include the authority: (i) to enforce customer service standards in accordance with the Act; (ii) to enforce more stringent standards as agreed upon by the cable operator through the terms of a negotiated cable franchise; and (iii) to regulate the rates for basic cable service in accordance with the Act. A locality, however, shall not regulate cable operators, cable systems, or other facilities used to provide video programming through the adoption of ordinances or regulations (a) that are more onerous than ordinances or regulations adopted for existing cable operators; (b) that unreasonably prejudice or disadvantage any cable operator, whether existing or new; or (c) that are inconsistent with any provision of federal law or this article.

2006, cc. 73 , 76 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6610 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6610
Procurement
Status: in_force

All contracts that the Authority may let for professional services, nonprofessional services, or materials shall be subject to the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.).

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1248 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-1248
No action against county until claim presented to governing body
Status: in_force

No action shall be maintained by any person against a county upon any claim or demand until such person has presented his claim to the governing body of the county, unless the governing body has entered into a binding arbitration agreement or there is a provision in a written contract with the county to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising. When there exists such a provision in a contract or there is a written agreement to arbitrate, the provisions of the Uniform Arbitration Act, Article 2 (§ 8.01-581.01 et seq.) of Chapter 21 of Title 8.01, shall apply.

Code 1950, § 15-261; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-554; 1987, c. 483; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4706 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 47 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4706
Annual special improvement tax; use of revenues
Status: in_force

Upon the written request of the district commission made to the local governing body pursuant to subdivision 8 of § 15.2-4705 , the local governing body may levy and collect an annual special improvements tax on taxable real property zoned for commercial or industrial use or used for such purposes and leasehold interests in that portion of the improvement district within its jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 (§ 58.1-3229 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1, the tax shall be levied upon the assessed fair market value of the taxable real property. The rate of the special improvements tax shall not be more than $0.20 per $100 of the assessed fair market value of any taxable real estate or the assessable value of taxable leasehold property as specified by § 58.1-3203 ; however, if all the owners in any district so request, this limitation on rate shall not apply. Such special improvements taxes shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the locality's taxes are collected, and the proceeds shall be kept in a separate account. All revenues received by the locality pursuant to such taxes shall be paid over to the district commission for its use pursuant to § 15.2-4705 .

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2620 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2620
Bonds made legal investments
Status: in_force

Bonds issued under this chapter are made securities in which public officers and bodies of the Commonwealth, counties, cities and towns and municipal subdivisions of the Commonwealth, insurance companies and associations, savings banks, savings institutions, savings and loan associations, trust companies, beneficial and benevolent associations, administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries in the Commonwealth may properly and legally invest funds under their control.

Code 1950, § 15-666.49; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-208; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.22; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5210 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 52 / Section 15.2-5210
Bonds made legal investments
Status: in_force

Any bonds issued pursuant to the authority of this chapter are hereby made securities in which all public officers and bodies of this Commonwealth and all political subdivisions thereof, all insurance companies and associations, and all savings banks and savings institutions, including savings and loan associations, in the Commonwealth may properly and legally invest funds in their control.

Code 1950, § 32-284; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1524; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2110 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2110
Mandatory connection to water and sewage systems in certain counties
Status: in_force

A. Amelia, Botetourt, Campbell, Cumberland, Franklin, Halifax, and Nelson Counties may require connection to their water and sewage systems by owners of property that may be served by such systems; however, those persons having a domestic supply or source of potable water and a system for the disposal of sewage adequate to prevent the contraction or spread of infectious, contagious, and dangerous diseases shall not be required to discontinue use of the same, but may be required to pay a connection fee, a front footage fee, and a monthly nonuser service charge that shall not be more than that proportion of a minimum monthly user charge as debt service compares to the total operating and debt service costs.

B. Bland County, Goochland County, Powhatan County, Rockingham County, Smyth County, and Wythe County may require connection to their water and sewer systems by owners of property that can be served by the systems if the property, at the time of installation of such public system, or at a future time, does not have a then-existing, correctable, or replaceable domestic supply or source of potable water and a then-existing, correctable, or replaceable system for the disposal of sewage adequate to prevent the contraction or spread of infectious, contagious, and dangerous diseases. Such county may not charge a fee for connection to its water and sewer systems until such time as connection is required. However, Bland County, Smyth County, and Wythe County, in assuming the obligations of a public service authority, may assume such obligations under the same terms and conditions as applicable to the public service authority.

The provisions of this subsection as they apply to Goochland County shall become effective on July 1, 2002.

C. Buckingham County may require connection to its water and sewer systems by owners of property that can be served by the systems if the property, at the time of installation of such public system, or at a future time, does not have a then-existing or correctable domestic supply or source of potable water and a then-existing or correctable system for the disposal of sewage adequate to prevent the contraction or spread of infectious, contagious, and dangerous diseases. Such county may not charge a fee for connection to its water and sewer systems until such time as connection is required.

1981, c. 44, § 15.1-292.1; 1990, c. 382; 1995, c. 282 , § 15.1-292.1:1; 1996, c. 955 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2000, cc. 777 , 799 ; 2001, cc. 306 , 326 ; 2002, c. 295 ; 2003, cc. 167 , 215 ; 2004, cc. 24 , 712 , 816 ; 2005, c. 701 ; 2018, c. 309 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-750 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-750
Board may accept dedication of rights to develop real property
Status: in_force

The board, in addition to any other zoning powers granted by general or special law, may include a provision for the dedication of density or other rights to develop real property, as defined by the locality, from one or more parcels of property that are not the subject of a development application and are located in the locality to one or more parcels of property that are the subject of a development application and are located elsewhere in the locality. Such dedication shall be subject to such terms as may be provided by zoning regulations, the conditions of a special use permit or special exception, or the proffered conditions of a rezoning application, including that the terms are binding on the owners of such property and on their successors and assigns.

2005, c. 755 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4215 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 42 / Section 15.2-4215
Annual report required
Status: in_force

Each planning district commission shall submit an annual report by September 1 to its member local governments and the Department of Housing and Community Development in accordance with a format prescribed by the Department. The annual report shall contain at a minimum a description of the activities conducted by the planning district commission during the preceding fiscal year, including how the commission met the provisions of this chapter, and information showing the sources and amounts of funding provided to the commission. The Department of Housing and Community Development shall summarize the annual reports in a report to be distributed in accordance with § 36-139.6 .

1995, cc. 732 , 796 , § 15.1-1411.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3825 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3825
Courts
Status: in_force

When a town is declared to be a city, such city shall at once be, become and continue unless and until changed by general law in every respect within the jurisdiction of the circuit court for the county wherein it is situated.

Code 1950, § 15-96; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-997; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2108.11 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-2108.11
General operating limitations
Status: in_force

A. A municipality that provides a cable television service shall comply with all terms and provisions of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (47 U.S.C. § 521 et seq.) and the regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission under such Act that would be applicable to a similarly situated private provider of cable television services.

B. A municipality may not cross subsidize its cable television services with:

1. Tax dollars;

2. Income from other municipal or utility services;

3. Below-market rate loans from the municipality; or

4. Any other means.

C. A municipality shall not make or grant any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to itself or to any private provider of cable television services.

D. A municipality shall apply, without discrimination as to itself and to any private provider, the municipality's ordinances, rules, and policies, including those relating to (i) obligation to serve; (ii) access to public rights of way and municipal utility poles and conduits; (iii) permitting; (iv) performance bonding; (v) reporting; and (vi) quality of service.

E. In calculating the rates charged by a municipality for a cable television service:

1. The municipality shall include within its rates an amount equal to all taxes, fees, and other assessments that would be applicable to a similarly situated private provider of the same services, including federal, state, and local taxes; franchise fees; permit fees; pole attachment fees; and any similar fees; and

2. The municipality shall not price any cable television service at a level that is less than the sum of: (i) the actual direct costs of providing the service; (ii) the actual indirect costs of providing the service; and (iii) the amount determined under subdivision E 1.

F. A municipality that provides cable television services shall comply with the provisions of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding rate and service changes.

G. A municipality shall offer to provide or provide cable television services to only those subscriber locations within either (i) the municipality's electric utility service area as it existed on January 1, 2003, or (ii) the area, as of January 1, 2003, in which the municipality was providing local exchange service or Internet service over telecommunications facilities owned by the municipality, provided that a cable television franchise from any jurisdiction other than the municipality authorized herein shall be required for any service outside the municipality's boundaries.

H. A municipality shall keep accurate books and records of the municipality's cable television services. A municipality shall conduct an annual audit of its books and records associated with the municipality's cable television services, such audit to be performed by an independent auditor approved by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Such audit shall include such criteria as the Auditor of Public Accounts deems appropriate and be filed with him, with copies to be submitted to each private provider that holds a franchise to offer service within the municipality. If, after review of such audit, the Commonwealth's Auditor of Public Accounts determines that there are violations of this article, he shall provide public notice of same.

I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall not disclose those portions of any comprehensive business plan that reveal marketing strategies of a municipal cable television service except as necessary to perform his duties and such information shall be otherwise exempt from public disclosure and not subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

2003, c. 677 ; 2004, c. 586 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1305 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1305
Review of appropriations to certain agencies; providing goods and services to such agencies in lieu of funds
Status: in_force

The governing body of any locality may from time to time require of any board, commission or authority, hereinafter referred to as recipient agency, to which it has power to appropriate public funds and has appropriated such funds in the past or has received a request for appropriations, such information books and records of the recipient agency as the governing body deems necessary in order that it may be assured that an appropriation or proposed appropriation will not result in the dissipation of public funds and in order that it may determine the use of past and the proposed use of future appropriations, the method of management, control and organization of the recipient agency and its present and proposed programs. If the governing body determines that a particular administrative function or activity of the recipient organization duplicates the services provided by the governing body and that public funds may be conserved by combining, consolidating or coordinating the activities of the recipient agency with those of the locality, it may, in lieu of an appropriation of funds for that function or activity, provide the recipient agency with the necessary goods and services. The governing body may assign officers and employees to coordinate the functions and activities of the governing body and those of the various recipient agencies.

1968, c. 554, § 15.1-20.2; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5414 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5414
Bonds not debts of Commonwealth or member governmental unit
Status: in_force

Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or of any governmental unit thereof. All such bonds shall contain a statement on their face substantially to the effect that neither the faith and credit of the Commonwealth nor the faith and credit of any governmental unit of the Commonwealth is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such bonds. The issuance of bonds under the provisions of this chapter shall not directly, indirectly or contingently obligate the Commonwealth or any governmental unit of the Commonwealth to levy any taxes whatever therefor or to make any appropriation for their payment.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1617; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-940 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-940
Expenditures for promoting resources and advantages of locality
Status: in_force

Any locality may, in its discretion, expend funds from the locally derived revenues of the locality for the purpose of promoting the resources and advantages of the locality. Such purpose shall include, without limiting the generality thereof, watershed projects and expenditures in connection therewith.

Code 1950, §§ 15-11 through 15-13; 1952, c. 117; 1956, c. 25; 1960, cc. 168, 176; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-10; 1994, c. 593 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3913 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 39 / Section 15.2-3913
Public hearing on charter; notice and publication; adoption of charter by governing body
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of the proposed charter the governing body shall hold a public hearing at which the citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard with respect thereto. Notice of the time and place of such hearing and the text of the charter, or an informative summary thereof, shall be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing. Such hearing may be adjourned from time to time, but shall be completed not less than thirty days before the election. Upon completion of the hearing the governing body shall adopt the charter with such revisions as it may accept.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.14; 1997, c. 587 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-838 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-838
Department of records
Status: in_force

The department of records shall be under the supervision and control of the county clerk. He shall be clerk of the circuit court of the county and, if designated by the board, clerk for the county court. The county clerk shall also be clerk of the board unless the board designates some other person for this purpose. He shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed upon such officers by general law and shall be subject to the obligations and penalties imposed by general law. He shall also perform such other duties the board imposes upon him.

Code 1950, § 15-384.58; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-771; 1966, c. 464; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4812 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 48 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-4812
Enlargement of districts
Status: in_force

A. The district may be enlarged by resolution of the board of supervisors upon the petition of (i) the owners of at least 51 percent of either the assessed value of land or land area, as the case may be, of real property in the district that (a) is unimproved, regardless of zoning, or (b) has been zoned for commercial or industrial use or is used for such purposes in the district and (ii) the owners of at least 51 percent of either the assessed value of land or land area, as the case may be, of real property that is located within the territory sought to be added to the district and that (a) is unimproved, regardless of zoning, or (b) has been zoned for commercial or industrial use or is used for such purposes, provided that any such territory shall be contiguous to the existing district. The petitioners shall present the information required by § 15.2-4802 . Upon receipt of such petitions, the county shall use the standards and procedures described in § 15.2-4802 , except that residents and owners of both the existing district and the area proposed for the enlargement shall have the right to appear and show cause why any property or properties should not be included in the proposed enlargement of the district.

B. If the board of supervisors finds the enlargement of a district (i) would be in accordance with the applicable county comprehensive plan for the development of the area, (ii) would be in the best interests of the residents and owners of the real property within the proposed district, (iii) would be in furtherance of the public health, safety, and general welfare, and (iv) would not limit or adversely affect the rights and interests of any party that has contracted with the district, the board of supervisors shall pass a resolution providing for the enlargement of the district.

C. Where unimproved property, regardless of zoning, is included in the resolution enlarging the district, the board of supervisors, upon approving the resolution, shall direct that a copy of the resolution be recorded in the land records of the circuit court for the judicial circuit in which that county is located for each parcel of unimproved real property included in the district. For purposes of this section, "parcel" means tax map parcel.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7503 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 75 / Section 15.2-7503
Board of directors; qualifications; terms; vacancies; compensation and expenses
Status: in_force

A. Each land bank entity created pursuant to the Act shall be governed by a board of not less than five members appointed by the governing body of the participating locality. When a land bank entity is created by two or more localities, the governing body of each locality shall appoint at least two members, one of whom may be a member of the governing body. After initial staggered terms, the term of all board members shall be four years. When one or more additional localities join an existing land bank entity, each of such participating localities shall be represented by not less than two members on the board. The first members shall be appointed immediately upon the admission of the locality into the land bank entity in the same manner as were the initial members of the land bank entity.

B. The board shall elect one of its members to serve as chairman and one of its members to serve as vice-chairman and shall elect a secretary and a treasurer who need not be members of the board. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum, and the vote of a majority of such quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by the land bank entity. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the land bank entity.

C. The localities that created or thereafter join the land bank entity, by ordinance or concurrent ordinances, may provide for the payment of compensation to the members of the board and for the reimbursement to each member of the land bank entity the amount of his actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of that member's duties.

2016, cc. 159 , 383 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7401 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 74 / Section 15.2-7401
Creation; public purpose
Status: in_force

If any of the governing bodies of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton by resolution declare that there is a need for a public access authority to be created and an operating agreement is developed for the purpose of establishing or operating a public access authority for any such participating political subdivisions and that they should unite in the formation of an authority to be known as the Eastern Shore Water Access Authority (the Authority), which shall thereupon exist for such participating counties and shall exercise its powers and functions as prescribed herein. The region for which such Authority shall exist shall be coterminous with the boundaries of the participating political subdivisions. The Authority shall be charged with the following duties:

1. Identify land, either owned by the Commonwealth or private holdings, that can be secured for use by the general public as a public access site;

2. Research and determine ownership of all identified sites;

3. Determine appropriate public use levels of identified access sites;

4. Develop appropriate mechanisms for transferring title of Commonwealth or private holdings to the Authority;

5. Develop appropriate acquisition and site management plans for public access usage;

6. Determine which holdings should be sold to advance the mission of the Authority;

7. Receive and expend public funds and private donations in order to restore or create tidal wetlands within the region for which the Authority exists, provided that any tidal mitigation credits resulting from such restoration or creation projects shall be held by the Authority for the benefit and use of participating political subdivisions and shall not be sold or conveyed to any private party by the Authority or any participating political subdivision;

8. Receive and expend public funds and private donations for dredging or construction; apply for permits in order to perform dredging projects on waterways or to construct facilities and infrastructure within the region for which the Authority exists, provided that such projects enhance recreational and commercial public access; and perform such dredging projects or construct such facilities and infrastructure;

9. In conjunction with one or both of the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (the MPCBPAA), created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 66 (§ 15.2-6600 et seq.), and the Northern Neck Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (the NNCBPAA), created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 66.1 (§ 15.2-6626 et seq.), receive and expend public funds and private donations for dredging, apply for permits in order to perform dredging projects, and perform such dredging projects on waterways within the region for which any or all of the Authority, the MPCBPAA, or the NNCBPAA exists; and

10. Perform other duties required to fulfill the mission of the Authority.

In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the Authority, the Authority shall be deemed to have been created as a body corporate and to have been established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof of the adoption of a resolution as aforesaid by the participating political subdivisions declaring that there is a need for such Authority. A copy of such resolution duly certified by the clerks of the counties by which it is adopted shall be admissible as evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding. Any political subdivision of the Commonwealth is authorized to join such Authority pursuant to the terms and conditions of this act.

The ownership and operation by the Authority of any public access sites and related facilities and the exercise of powers conferred by this act are proper and essential governmental functions and public purposes and matters of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired. The Authority is a regional entity of government by or on behalf of which debt may be contracted by or on behalf of any county pursuant to Article VII, Section 10 (a) of the Constitution of Virginia.

2014, c. 471 ; 2018, c. 327 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1505.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1505.1
Applicant preemployment information
Status: in_force

A locality may by ordinance, and in accordance with § 19.2-389 , require applicants upon offer of employment with the locality to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant. Such applicants shall, if required by ordinance, pay the cost of the fingerprinting or criminal records check or both.

The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the chief administrative officer of the locality or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to a position, the locality shall consider the following criteria: (i) the nature and seriousness of the crime; (ii) the relationship of the crime to the work to be performed in the position applied for; (iii) the extent to which the position applied for might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person had been involved; (iv) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the position being sought; (v) the extent and nature of the person's past criminal activity; (vi) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime; (vii) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last involvement in the commission of a crime; (viii) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal activity; and (ix) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release.

If an applicant is denied employment because of information appearing in his criminal history record, the locality shall notify the applicant that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.

2003, c. 739 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5146 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 51 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-5146
Use of state land
Status: in_force

A. The Commonwealth hereby consents to the use of all lands above or under water and owned or controlled by it which are necessary for the construction, improvement, operation or maintenance of any stormwater control system or water or waste system; except that the use of any portion between the right-of-way limits of any primary or secondary highway in this Commonwealth shall be subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Highways.

B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A, the Governor is authorized, at the request of an authority created pursuant to § 15.2-5102 and in a form approved by the Attorney General, to disclaim any and all rights, title, and interest of the Commonwealth in and to lands used pursuant to subsection A if he finds (i) there is no greater public need or purpose than such use or (ii) that public use and necessity have been established pursuant to subsection B of § 15.2-1903 . Such disclaimer shall be filed with the appropriate court and shall have the legal force and effect of disclaiming, releasing, and renouncing all of the right, title, and interest of the Commonwealth in and to such lands.

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; 2009, c. 861 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6406 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 64 / Section 15.2-6406
Donations to authority; remittance of tax revenue
Status: in_force

A. Member localities are hereby authorized to lend or donate money or other property to an authority for any of its purposes. The member locality making the grant or loan may restrict the use of such grants or loans to a specific facility owned by the authority, within or without that member locality.

B. The governing body of the member locality in which a facility owned by an authority is located may direct, by resolution or ordinance, that all tax revenue collected with respect to the facility shall be remitted to the authority. Such revenues may be used for the payment of debt service on bonds of the authority and other obligations of the authority incurred with respect to such facility. The action of such governing body shall not constitute a pledge of the credit or taxing power of such locality.

1997, cc. 276 , 587, § 15.1-1716; 2004, cc. 42 , 603 , 640 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-808 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-808
Tenure of county officers and employees; suspension or removal
Status: in_force

All such appointments shall be without definite term, unless for limited term appointments for temporary services not to exceed one year in duration, except as otherwise specifically provided for herein.

Any county officer or employee appointed pursuant to § 15.2-807 may be suspended or removed from office or employment either by the board or the officer who appointed or employed him. In case of the absence or disability of any such officer, the board or other appointing power may designate some responsible person to perform the duties of the office.

Code 1950, § 15-384.23; 1960, c. 382; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-735; 1968, c. 797; 1987, c. 419; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7502 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 75 / Section 15.2-7502
Public hearing required prior to creation or designation of a land bank entity
Status: in_force

The governing body of a locality shall not adopt an ordinance creating a land bank entity pursuant to § 15.2-7501 or designating a planning district commission or an existing nonprofit entity pursuant to § 15.2-7512 until notice of intention to do so has been published twice in some newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality, with the first publication appearing no more than 28 days before and the second publication appearing no less than seven days before the hearing. The notice shall specify the time and place of a hearing at which affected or interested persons may appear and present their views. After the public hearing has been conducted pursuant to this section, the governing body shall be empowered to create a land bank entity or designate a planning district commission or an existing nonprofit entity.

2016, cc. 159 , 383 ; 2020, c. 147 ; 2023, cc. 506 , 507 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3002 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 30 / Section 15.2-3002
Designation of judges for panel
Status: in_force

The Supreme Court of Virginia shall designate fifteen circuit court judges to compose the panel of judges provided for in this chapter. All special courts appointed pursuant to § 15.2-3000 shall be composed of three judges appointed from this panel. The chief justice shall designate one of the judges as chief judge.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1169; 1993, c. 398; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5429 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54 / Section 15.2-5429
Legislative consent to application of laws of other states
Status: in_force

Legislative consent is hereby given (i) to the application of the laws of other states with respect to taxation, payments in lieu of taxes, and the assessment thereof, to any authority created pursuant to this chapter, which has acquired or has an interest in a project, real or personal, situated outside the Commonwealth or which owns or operates a project outside the Commonwealth pursuant to this chapter and (ii) to the application of regulatory and other laws of other states and of the United States to any authority which owns or operates a project outside the Commonwealth.

1979, c. 416, § 15.1-1632; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6701 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 67 / Section 15.2-6701
Board of the Authority; qualifications; terms; quorum; records
Status: in_force

All powers, rights, and duties conferred by this chapter, or other provisions of law, upon the Authority shall be exercised by the Board of the Buchanan County Tourist Train Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as "the board." Initial appointments to the board shall begin July 1, 2003. The board shall consist of 22 members appointed by the governing body of Buchanan County as follows: two representatives from the governing body of Buchanan County, 19 citizen members, at least three of whom shall be residents of Buchanan County, and one member of the General Assembly representing Buchanan County, who shall serve as an ex officio, voting member. All board members 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 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. The members of the board shall receive no salary, unless specifically authorized by the governing body of Buchanan County. Four 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. 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 Buchanan County and all adjacent counties and the Auditor of Public Accounts and shall be open to public inspection.

2003, c. 577 ; 2004, cc. 35 , 158 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1712 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1712
Employment of off-duty officers
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-3100 through 2.2-3127 , any locality may adopt an ordinance which permits law-enforcement officers and deputy sheriffs in such locality to engage in off-duty employment which may occasionally require the use of their police powers in the performance of such employment. Such ordinance may include reasonable rules to apply to such off-duty employment, or it may delegate the promulgation of such reasonable rules to the chief of the respective police departments or the sheriff of the county or city.

1978, c. 537, § 15.1-133.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2007.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-2007.1
Appointment of viewers in certain cities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-2006 , the City of Virginia Beach may by ordinance appoint three to five viewers for terms of one year to view each and every street or alley proposed to be altered or vacated during the term. The notice requirements of § 15.2-2204 shall be complied with for each hearing regarding discontinuance of the street or alley proposed to be altered or vacated. The applicant for closure of streets or alleys in such cities that have appointed viewers pursuant to this section shall not be required to advertise, and the governing body shall not be required to hold a separate hearing, for appointment of viewers for each specific street or alley proposed to be altered or vacated. The applicant and the governing body of such city shall comply with all other provisions of § 15.2-2006 .

1997, c. 742 , § 15.1-364.2; 2007, c. 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1511 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1511
Allowances to injured officials and employees and their dependents
Status: in_force

The governing body of any locality is authorized in its discretion to make allowances by appropriation of funds, payable in monthly or semimonthly installments, for the relief of any of its officials, employees, police officers, firefighters, sheriffs or deputy sheriffs, town sergeants and town deputy sergeants, or their dependents, who suffer injury or death as defined in Title 65.2, whether such injury was suffered or death occurs before or after June 29, 1948 (which date is the effective date of the section). The allowance shall not exceed the salary or wage being paid such official, employee, police officer, firefighter, sheriff or deputy sheriff, town sergeants and town deputy sergeants, at the time of such injury or death, and the payment of the allowance shall not extend beyond the period of disability resulting from such injury. In case death results from the injury, the allowance may be made for the dependents as defined in Title 65.2. In localities which have established retirement or pension systems for injured, retired or superannuated officials, employees, members of police or fire departments, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, town sergeants and deputy sergeants, or for the dependents of those killed in line of duty, the agencies provided for the administration of such systems shall determine the existence of such injury or cause of death before any appropriation to pay such allowance is made and shall determine the extent of and period of disability resulting from such injury and the cause in case of death. All sums paid to any such official, employee, police officer, firefighter, sheriff or deputy sheriff, town sergeants and deputy sergeants, as compensation under Title 65.2 and all sums paid to the dependents of such official, employee, police officer, firefighter, sheriff or deputy sheriff, town sergeant and deputy sergeant, if he is killed, and all sums paid under any retirement or pension system shall be deducted from the allowance made under this section in such installments as the agency determines. If the agency determines that any official, employee, police officer, firefighter, sheriff or deputy sheriff, town sergeant and deputy sergeant, who suffered injury in the line of duty is engaged or is able to engage in a gainful occupation, then the allowance shall be reduced by the agency to an amount which, together with the amount earnable by him, equals the allowance. Should the earning capacity of the official, employee, police officer, firefighter, sheriff or deputy sheriff, town sergeant and deputy sergeant, be later changed, such allowance may be further modified, up or down, provided the new allowance shall not exceed the amount of the allowance originally made nor an amount which, when added to the amount earnable by him, exceeds such allowance.

The death of, or any condition or impairment of health of, any member of a local police department, or of a sheriff or deputy sheriff, caused by hypertension or heart disease resulting in total or partial disability shall be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty unless the contrary be shown by competent evidence; provided that prior to making any claim based upon such presumption for retirement, sickness or other benefits on account of such death or total or partial disability, such member, sheriff, or deputy sheriff, shall have been found free from hypertension or heart disease, as the case may be, by a physical examination which shall include such appropriate laboratory and other diagnostic studies as such governing body shall prescribe and which shall have been conducted by physicians whose qualifications shall have been prescribed by such governing body. In the case of a claim for disability, that any such member, sheriff, or deputy sheriff, shall, if requested by such governing body or its authorized representative, submit himself to physical examination by any physician designated by such governing body, such examination to include such tests or studies as may reasonably be prescribed by the physician so designated. Such member, sheriff or deputy sheriff, or claimant shall have the right to have present at such examination, at his own expense, any qualified physician he may designate. In the case of a claim for death benefits, any person entitled to make a claim for such benefits, claiming that such person's death was suffered in the line of duty, shall submit the body of the deceased to a postmortem examination to be performed by the medical examiner for the county, city or town appointed under § 32.1-282 .

Code 1950, § 15-555; 1950, p. 315; 1954, c. 246; 1960, c. 487; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-134; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1973, c. 499; 1976, c. 769; 1977, c. 326; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-630 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-630
Department of assessments
Status: in_force

The department of assessments, if and when established, shall be headed by a commissioner of the revenue or supervisor of assessments, who shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by § 15.2-619 upon the director of finance.

Code 1950, § 15-327; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-647; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-738 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-738
Modification of grievance procedure
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1202.1 , 15.2-1506 , and 15.2-1507 to the contrary, in any county which has the county manager plan of government provided for in this chapter, a grievance procedure may be established which permits an Equal Employment Opportunity officer, except the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management appointed pursuant to § 2.2-1200 and any employees thereof, to be present at any step of a grievance procedure established under § 15.2-1506 . Such officer shall not be an advocate or representative on behalf of either the grievant or management.

1989, c. 622, § 15.1-687.16; 1991, c. 143; 1995, cc. 770 , 818 ; 1996, cc. 164 , 869 ; 1997, c. 587; 2000, cc. 947 , 1006 ; 2012, cc. 803 , 835 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5502 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 55 / Section 15.2-5502
Directors; qualifications; terms; vacancies; compensation and expenses; quorum; records; certification and distribution of report concerning bond issuance
Status: in_force

The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors of 18 representatives in which all powers of the Authority shall be vested and which board shall include eight Tourism Directors representing each county and the City of Norton, which will hold permanent seats on the board. If a Tourism Director position does not exist in a locality, the governing body shall appoint a representative, preferably from the government staff, chamber of commerce, or travel industry to represent the locality on the board of directors. The remaining seats shall be filled preferably by representatives from the travel industry from each of the eight governing localities. Each Tourism Director, working with the tourism committee from the localities, shall provide a slate of nominations to the governing body for selection of one representative, preferably from the tourism industry segment, which may include the chairman of the local tourism committee; a representative from lodging, restaurants, attractions, parks, or outdoor recreation; or a community leader. The board of directors shall create two board positions for representatives from the Jefferson National Forest Clinch Ranger District Office and Virginia State Parks, and such representatives shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Appointed representatives shall serve a two-year term that begins on January 1 and may be reappointed for additional terms with appointments made at the year-end board meeting. The board of directors shall have the authority to appoint nonvoting tourism representatives and to determine additional seats as they deem necessary.

The directors shall elect from their membership a chair, a vice-chair, and from their membership or not, as they desire, a secretary and a treasurer, or a secretary-treasurer, who shall continue to hold such office until their respective successors are elected. The directors shall receive no salary, but the directors may be reimbursed for necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

The board of directors may remove from the board any appointed member 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.

Eight members of the board of directors 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. 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 the participating localities and shall be open to public inspection.

1993, c. 663, § 15.1-1399.20; 1994, c. 160 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2018, cc. 176 , 321 ; 2026, c. 104 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1609.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-1609.3
Fees and mileage allowances
Status: in_force

A. Every sheriff, and every sheriff's deputy, shall collect all fees and mileage allowances provided by law for the services of such officer, other than those he is entitled to receive from the Commonwealth or from the county or city for which he is elected or appointed and fees and mileage allowances provided for services in connection with the prosecution of any criminal matter in the circuit courts. However, no fee shall be charged for serving any public orders, for summoning or impaneling grand juries, or for services in elections except as provided under Title 24.2.

B. All fees and mileage allowances accruing in connection with any civil or criminal matter shall be collected by the clerk of the court in which the case is heard and paid by him into the treasury of the county or city in which the case is heard. All fees collected by or for every sheriff and deputy shall be paid into the treasury of the county or city for which he is elected or appointed, on or before the tenth day of the month next succeeding that in which the fees are collected. The treasurer of each county and city shall credit such amounts in excess of such fees received in fiscal year 1994 to the account of the Commonwealth to be remitted to the State Treasurer along with other funds due to the Commonwealth.

C. In any case in which a sheriff makes a levy and advertises property for sale and by reason of a settlement between the parties to the claim or suit he is not permitted to sell under the levy, the sheriff is not entitled to any commissions, but in addition to his fees for making the levy and return, he shall be entitled to recover from the party for whom the services were performed the expenses incurred for advertisement of the proposed sale of the property.

D. When, after distraining or levying on tangible property the officer neither sells nor receives payment and either takes no forthcoming bond or takes one which is not forfeited, he shall, if not in default, have in addition to the $1 for a bond, if one was taken, a fee of $12. If the fee is more than one-half of what his commission would have amounted to if he had received payment, he shall, whether a bond was taken or not, receive a fee of at least $1 and so much more as is necessary to equal the one-half.

Code 1950, §§ 14-82, 14-100, 14-105, 14-106; 1964, c. 386, §§ 14.1-69, 14.1-89, 14.1-94, 14.1-95; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1975, c. 591; 1995, c. 51 ; 1997, c. 208 ; 1998, c. 872 ; 2004, c. 210 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-734 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-734
Purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property
Status: in_force

The board may (i) sell, at public or private sale, or exchange, lease (as lessor or lessee), mortgage, pledge, subordinate its interest in, or otherwise dispose of the real property, which includes the superjacent airspace, except airspace provided for in § 15.2-2030 , which may be subdivided and conveyed separate from the subjacent land surface, of the county; and (ii) purchase any real estate as may be necessary for the erection of all necessary county buildings. However, no such land shall be disposed of unless and until the governing body has held a public hearing concerning such disposal.

The board may acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest, grant, lease, or otherwise title to, or any interests or rights of less than fee-simple title in, any real property within its jurisdiction, for any public purposes.

The initial term of any lease shall not exceed seventy-five years, provided such lease term is not prohibited by the Constitution of Virginia. The terms and provisions of any lease shall be prescribed by the county board, provided that any lease shall have a clause to the effect that at the termination of such lease it shall not be renewed if required for any of the purposes mentioned in § 15.2-1639 , and that upon termination, all improvements thereon shall revert to the county and the real property including all improvements erected thereon shall revert to the county and shall be free from any encumbrance at the time of such reversion. Such real property including all improvements situated thereon may be mortgaged or pledged by the lessee for the term of its lease. If a lease allows a lessee to mortgage or pledge the property, it may also provide that the board has the right to take all action necessary to cure the default if the lessee defaults.

The board may lease real property to private entities under terms which allow the private entities to build office and commercial buildings on the property and to use the office and commercial space itself or lease it to others. The leases by the board to private entities may provide that the rent to be paid the board is to be based in total or in part on a percentage of the profit the private entity gains from the operation of the development on the leased real property; however, the board may not participate in the management or operation of the private commercial activity on the site except during such reasonable period as it is necessary for the board to operate the property in order to protect its interest in the property if the developer defaults on the lease or on a mortgage or pledge of the property. As soon as reasonably possible the county shall provide for management and operation of the property by a private developer.

The board may lease space in the improvements constructed on the land which it leases to the private entities for use by the county government and county constitutional officers, if it pays fair market rent for the use of the space and if the lease of its land is not conditioned on the lease of such space. The lease of such space by the board may be for any terms of years not prohibited by the Virginia Constitution.

This section shall not be construed to in any way affect the requirements of §§ 15.2-1638 , 15.2-1643 or § 16.1-69.50 .

1986, c. 595, § 15.1-687.12; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6301 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6301
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter requires otherwise:

"Adjacent to such authority" includes real or personal property which is contiguous, neighboring, or within reasonable proximity of an authority.

"Area of operation" means an area coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the land acquired from the federal government by the authority.

"Authority" means any political subdivision created by this chapter. The terms "an authority" or "the authority" refer to each such authority.

"Bonds" means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures, or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter.

"Commissioners" means the members of the board of commissioners of an authority.

"Facility" means a particular building or structure or particular buildings or structures, including all equipment, appurtenances and accessories necessary or appropriate for the operation of such facility.

"Federal area" means an area coextensive with the territorial boundaries that is, or has been, occupied by a United States governmental activity or operation.

"Federal government" includes the United States of America, or any department, agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

"Former federal area" means an area coextensive with the territorial boundaries that is, or has been, occupied by a United States governmental military installation and which is, or appears likely to be, subject to disposal by the United States government to public bodies, or otherwise.

"Obligee of the authority" or "obligee" includes any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, and the federal government when it is a party to any contract with the authority.

"Project" means any specific enterprise undertaken by an authority, including the facilities as hereinafter defined, and all other property, real or personal or any interest therein, necessary or appropriate for the operation of such property.

"Public body of the Commonwealth" means any city, town, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, other political subdivision or public body of the Commonwealth.

"Real property" means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens.

Code 1950, § 15-938; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1321; 1997, c. 587; 2005, cc. 839 , 869 , 887 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5005 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 50 / Section 15.2-5005
Changes by the federal government
Status: in_force

If federal laws or regulations controlling private activity bonds are revised so that the provisions of this chapter are affected or the tax exempt status of certain private activity bonds expires or is extended, the Governor may establish measures through executive order to allocate Virginia's total bond issuing authority in accordance with the limitations and restrictions contained in the revised federal law.

1987, c. 306, § 15.1-1399.17; 1990, c. 299; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2413.16 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2413.16
Establishment or extension of the business improvement and recruitment district
Status: in_force

A. Not earlier than 30 days after the conclusion of the last day of the public hearing held pursuant to § 15.2-2413.15 , the governing body of the locality that conducted the hearing process shall determine:

1. Whether the notice of hearing for all hearings required to be held was published and mailed as required by law and is otherwise sufficient;

2. Whether all the businesses charged a fee within the boundaries of the proposed business improvement and recruitment district or extension will benefit from the establishment or extension of the business improvement and recruitment district; and

3. Whether the establishment or extension of the business improvement and recruitment district is in the public interest.

B. If the locality determines the question of subdivision A 3 in the negative, or if the requisite number of owners file objections as provided in subsection B of § 15.2-2413.15 , the locality shall not establish or extend the business improvement and recruitment district, as applicable. Thereafter, no plan for the establishment or extension of a business improvement and recruitment district to include any business proposed to be included in the disapproved business improvement and recruitment district may be submitted until the expiration of at least one year from the date of disapproval.

C. If the locality shall find that notice was incorrectly or insufficiently given or that any business charged a fee within the boundaries of the proposed business improvement and recruitment district or extension is not benefited thereby or that certain businesses benefited thereby had not been included therein, it shall call a further hearing at a definite place and time not less than 10 days and not more than 30 days after this determination. In the resolution calling such hearing, it shall specify the necessary changes, if any, to the boundaries of the proposed business improvement and recruitment district or extension to be made in order that all of the benefited businesses are included in the general business improvement and recruitment district, and only those businesses deemed benefited shall be subject to fees within such business improvement and recruitment district. Notice of the further hearing shall be published and mailed in the manner provided in § 15.2-2413.15 , except that, where boundaries are to be altered, this notice shall also specify the manner in which it is proposed to alter the boundaries of the proposed business improvement and recruitment district or extension. The further hearing shall be conducted in the same manner as the original hearing.

D. If a locality determines in the affirmative all questions in subsection A, it may by ordinance establish a business improvement and recruitment district and any ordinances provided for in § 15.2-2413.17 .

2023, c. 745 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.15 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.15
Time for contesting validity of proposed bond issue; when bonds presumed valid
Status: in_force

A. For a period of 30 days after the date of the filing with the circuit court having jurisdiction over the locality creating the authority, any person in interest may contest the validity of the bonds, the rates, fees and other charges for the services and facilities furnished by, for the use of, or in connection with, any such project, the pledge of the revenues of therefrom, or any combination of any thereof. If such contest is not given within the 30-day period, the authority to issue the bonds, the validity of the pledge of revenues necessary to pay the bonds, the validity of any other provision contained in the resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument, and all proceedings in connection with the authorization and the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to have been legally taken and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters and no such contest shall thereafter be instituted.

B. Upon the delivery of any bonds reciting that they are issued pursuant to this chapter and a resolution or resolutions adopted under this chapter, the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to be fully authorized by all the laws of the Commonwealth and to have been sold, executed and delivered by the authority in conformity with such laws, and the validity of the bonds shall not be questioned by a party plaintiff, a party defendant, the authority, or any other interested party in any court, anything in this chapter or in any other statutes to the contrary notwithstanding.

2003, c. 643 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-504.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-504.1
Lighting level regulation
Status: in_force

The board of any county with a population of less than 100,000 operating under a county executive form of government may provide by ordinance for the regulation of exterior illumination levels of buildings and property.

1996, c. 567 , § 15.1-687.23; 1997, cc. 194 , 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2200 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2200
Declaration of legislative intent
Status: in_force

This chapter is intended to encourage localities to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development of communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully planned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral resources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that the concerns of military installations be recognized and taken into account in consideration of future development of areas immediately surrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders shall be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be provided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and forestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds.

Code 1950, §§ 15-891.1, 15-900, 15-916, 15-961; 1950, pp. 487, 889; 1956, c. 497; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-427; 1975, c. 641; 1981, c. 418; 1996, cc. 585 , 600 ; 1997, c. 587; 2013, cc. 149 , 213 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1539 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-1539
General duties of clerk
Status: in_force

It shall be the clerk's general duty to:

1. Record in a book the proceedings of the governing body;

2. Make regular entries of all its ordinances, resolutions and decisions on all questions concerning the raising of money, and within five days after any order for a levy is made, to deliver a copy thereof to the commissioner of revenue of his locality or the person performing such commissioner's duties, as the case may be;

3. Record the vote of each supervisor or council member on any question submitted to the board or council, as required by law or his governing body; and

4. Preserve and file all accounts acted upon by the governing body, with its actions thereon, for a period of five years after audit and thereafter until the governing body shall authorize their destruction in accordance with retention regulations for records established pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act.

Code 1950, § 15-237; 1956, c. 710; 1960, c. 34; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-532; 1982, c. 493; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6405 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 64 / Section 15.2-6405
Powers of the authority
Status: in_force

Each authority is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the power to sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded, and adopt and use a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient. In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this chapter, an authority may:

1. Adopt bylaws, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter;

2. Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, consultants, engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, financial experts, construction experts and personnel, superintendents, managers and other professional personnel, personnel, and agents as may be necessary in the judgment of the authority, and fix their compensation;

3. Determine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain facilities to the extent necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the authority;

4. Acquire, own, hold, lease, use, sell, encumber, transfer, or dispose of, in its own name, any real or personal property or interests therein;

5. Invest and reinvest funds of the authority;

6. Enter into contracts of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or convenient with respect to its carrying out the powers in this chapter to accomplish the purposes of the authority;

7. Expend such funds as may be available to it for the purpose of developing facilities, including but not limited to (i) purchasing real estate; (ii) grading sites; (iii) improving, replacing, and extending water, sewer, natural gas, electrical, and other utility lines; (iv) constructing, rehabilitating, and expanding buildings; (v) constructing parking facilities; (vi) constructing access roads, streets, and rail lines; (vii) purchasing or leasing machinery and tools; and (viii) making any other improvements deemed necessary by the authority to meet its objectives;

8. Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, or other charges for the use of facilities or for services rendered in connection with the facilities;

9. Borrow money from any source for any valid purpose, including working capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest; mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property or funds of the authority; and contract with or engage the services of any person in connection with any financing, including financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;

10. Issue bonds under this chapter;

11. Accept funds and property from the Commonwealth, persons, counties, cities, and towns and use the same for any of the purposes for which the authority is created;

12. Apply for and accept grants or loans of money or other property from any federal agency for any of the purposes authorized in this chapter and expend or use the same in accordance with the directions and requirements attached thereto or imposed thereon by any such federal agency;

13. Make loans or grants to, and enter into cooperative arrangements with, any person, partnership, association, corporation, business or governmental entity in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, for the purposes of promoting economic and workforce development, provided that such loans or grants shall be made only from revenues of the authority that 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. The word "revenues" as used in this subdivision includes grants, loans, funds and property, as set out in subdivisions 11 and 12;

14. Enter into agreements with any other political subdivision of the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with § 15.2-1300 ; and

15. Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

1997, cc. 276 , 587, § 15.1-1715; 2002, c. 691 ; 2003, c. 874 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3810 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3810
Declining of grant of city status
Status: in_force

In any proceeding brought under this chapter, the town council may, by ordinance or resolution, decline to accept city status on the terms and conditions imposed by the court at any time prior to twenty-one days after final adjudication establishing city status. In such case the court shall apportion the total costs, taking into consideration the extent to which county revenues are derived from within the town, the relative financial abilities of the parties, and the relative merits of the case.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-982.11; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2022 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2022
Certain counties may adopt ordinance regulating tracking of mud and debris upon highways
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of § 15.2-2000 , any county (i) whose roads are not a part of the state secondary highway system, (ii) which has the urban county executive form of government, or (iii) is adjacent to a county which has the urban county executive form of government may, by ordinance, regulate the tracking of mud and debris upon the highways and secondary highways within the county boundaries.

1966, c. 429, § 15.1-16.1; 1987, c. 635; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3544 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-3544
Effect on pending suits
Status: in_force

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

Code 1950, § 15-228; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1142; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6024 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60.1 / Section 15.2-6024
Limiting liability
Status: in_force

A. An owner of land used by or for the stated purposes of the Authority, whether with or without charge, owes no duty of care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for recreational purposes or to give any warning of a dangerous or hazardous condition, use, structure, or activity on the premises to persons entering for those purposes.

B. The landowner or lessor of the property used for recreational purposes does not: (i) extend any assurance that the premises are safe for any purpose; (ii) confer upon users the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or (iii) assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by an act or omission of these persons.

C. Nothing herein limits in any way any liability which otherwise exists for deliberate, willful, or malicious infliction of injury to persons or property. Nothing herein limits in any way the obligation of a person entering upon or using the land of another for recreational purposes to exercise due care in his or her use of the land and in his or her activities thereon, so as to prevent the creation of hazards or waste.

2008, cc. 645 , 648 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3800 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3800
Ordinance petitioning court for city status; appointment of special court
Status: in_force

Any town, except a town located within a county or any portion of a county granted immunity as provided by Chapter 33 (§ 15.2-3300 et seq.) from the incorporation of new cities within its boundaries, may, by ordinance passed by a recorded majority vote of all the members thereof, petition the circuit court for the county within which the town lies, alleging that the town meets the criteria set out in subsection A of § 15.2-3807 , for an order granting city status to the town. 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.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-982.1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-976 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-976
Notification of changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Special Flood Hazard Area map
Status: in_force

Any locality receiving notification from the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that a change in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area map concerns or relates to real property within such locality shall provide to each owner of any such property (i) written notification that such change has occurred within that locality and (ii) written notification of the website, address, and telephone number for the National Flood Insurance Program to aid the property owner in determining if there has been a change to the flood risk of the property. Notice sent by bulk or first class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the current real estate tax assessment books or current real estate tax assessment records shall be deemed adequate compliance with this requirement.

2007, c. 211 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1414.5 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-1414.5
Each councilman to be paid annual salary; effect of charter
Status: in_force

Each member of the council of each city shall be allowed and paid out of the city levy an annual salary in equal monthly installments, or in accordance with the payroll cycle of city employees, to be fixed as herein provided, for his services in attending the meetings of the council and in discharging the duties imposed by law upon him. Any city, however, whose charter imposes no limitation on salaries, may continue to pay its councilmen and mayor pursuant to such charter.

1981, c. 358, § 14.1-47.1; 1998, c. 872 ; 2004, c. 570 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1705 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1705
Minimum qualifications; waiver
Status: in_force

A. The chief of police and all police officers of any locality, all deputy sheriffs and jail officers in the Commonwealth, and all law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 who enter upon the duties of such office after July 1, 1994, are required to meet the following minimum qualifications for office. Such person shall (i) be a citizen of the United States; (ii) be required to undergo a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records inquiries to both the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (iii) have a high school education or have passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education; (iv) possess a valid driver's license if required by the duties of office to operate a motor vehicle; (v) undergo a physical examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment, conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician; (vi) be at least 18 years of age; (vii) not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth; and (viii) not have produced a positive result on a pre-employment drug screening, if such screening is required by the hiring law-enforcement agency or jail, where the positive result cannot be explained to the law-enforcement agency or jail administrator's satisfaction. In addition, all such officers who enter upon the duties of such office on or after July 1, 2013, shall not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to (a) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under § 18.2-96 , or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor if committed in the Commonwealth; (b) any misdemeanor sex offense in the Commonwealth, another state, or the United States, including but not limited to sexual battery under § 18.2-67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 years of age or older under clause (ii) of § 18.2-371 ; or (c) domestic assault under § 18.2-57.2 or any offense that would be domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States.

B. In addition, if the police officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer had been employed at any time by another law-enforcement agency or jail, the hiring law-enforcement agency or jail shall request from all prior employing law-enforcement agencies or jails any information (i) related to an arrest or prosecution of a former police officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer, including any expunged arrest or criminal charge known to the agency or disclosed during the hiring process that would otherwise be prohibited from disclosure in accordance with § 19.2-392.4 ; (ii) related to a civil suit regarding a former police officer's, deputy sheriff's, or jail officer's employment or performance of his duties; (iii) obtained during the course of any internal investigation related to a former police officer's, deputy sheriff's, or jail officer's alleged criminal conduct, use of excessive force, or other official misconduct in violation of the state professional standards of conduct adopted by the Criminal Justice Services Board; and (iv) related to a former police officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer's job performance that led to such officer's or deputy sheriff's resignation, dismissal, demotion, suspension, or transfer. The hiring agency or jail may request this information subsequent to a conditional offer of employment; however, no police officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer may be employed in such position until the requested information is received from all prior employing law-enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth. The hiring agency or jail shall request that the police officer, deputy sheriff, or jail officer complete a waiver or release liability authorizing the hiring agency or jail to request such information as listed in this subsection from all prior employing law-enforcement agencies or jails, including law-enforcement agencies or jails located outside the Commonwealth. Any sheriff or chief of police in the Commonwealth, any director or chief executive of any law-enforcement agency or jail in the Commonwealth, and the Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services or his designee who receives such request for information shall disclose such requested information within 14 days of receiving such request to the requesting hiring law-enforcement agency or jail.

C. In addition, the hiring law-enforcement agency or jail may require a candidate for employment to undergo a psychological examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment, conducted under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist or a licensed clinical psychologist.

D. Upon request of a sheriff or chief of police, or the director or chief executive of any agency or department employing law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 , or jail officers as defined in § 53.1-1 , the Department of Criminal Justice Services is hereby authorized to waive the requirements for qualification as set out in subsection A for good cause shown.

1982, c. 442, § 15.1-131.8; 1988, c. 396; 1994, cc. 850 , 905 ; 1995, c. 112 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2013, cc. 307 , 468 ; 2014, c. 84 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 32 , 37 , 48 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4402 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 44 / Section 15.2-4402
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Advisory committee" means the agricultural and forestal advisory committee.

"Agricultural products" means crops, livestock and livestock products, including but not limited to field crops, fruits, vegetables, horticultural specialties, cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, horses, poultry, furbearing animals, milk, eggs and furs.

"Agricultural production" means the production for commercial purposes of crops, livestock and livestock products, but not processing or retail merchandising of crops, livestock or livestock products.

"Agriculturally and forestally significant land" means land that has historically produced agricultural and forestal products, or land that an advisory committee considers good agricultural and forestal land based upon such factors as soil quality, topography, climate, markets, farm improvements, agricultural and forestry economics and technology, and other relevant factors.

"Clerk" means the clerk of the local circuit court or the clerk of the local governing body.

"Forestal products" includes, but is not limited to, lumber, pulpwood, posts, firewood, Christmas trees and other wood products for sale or for farm use.

"Landowner" or "owner of land" means any person holding a fee simple interest in property but does not mean the holder of an easement.

"Participating locality" means the Counties of Albemarle, Augusta, Fairfax, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Roanoke, and Rockingham.

1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.3; 1991, c. 67; 1992, c. 344; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 813 ; 2012, c. 419 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-514 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-514
Compensation of officers and employees
Status: in_force

The board shall, subject to the limitations of general law, establish a schedule of compensation for officers and employees which provides uniform compensation for like service and shall fix the compensation of all officers and employees of the county, except as it may authorize the head of a department or office to fix the compensation of subordinates and employees in such department or office. The board may authorize the county executive to establish terms and conditions of employment for department heads and other specified employees who report directly to the county executive.

Code 1950, §§ 15-283, 15-299; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-600, 15.1-616; 1995, c. 174 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-974 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-974
Permits for display of fireworks; use and exhibitions
Status: in_force

The governing bodies of the several counties, cities and towns shall have the power to provide for the issuance of permits for the display of fireworks by fair associations, amusement parks, or by any organization or group of individuals, under the minimum terms and conditions set forth in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§ 27-94 et seq.) and any additional terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the locality. Any association, organization, or group that has been issued a permit may purchase and make use of fireworks under the terms and conditions of such permit.

2002, c. 856 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3244 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-3244
Appeal from such order
Status: in_force

Any one or more of the petitioners, or the defendants, or any inhabitants of the town, who may feel themselves aggrieved by an order declaring territory to be abandoned as provided by this article, or by the refusal to enter such order, may, at any time within 60 days from the date of the order, upon giving bond for costs, the amount thereof to be fixed by the court, appeal to the Court of Appeals according to the general law. Any one or more of the petitioners, or the defendants, or any inhabitants of the town, who may feel themselves aggrieved by any decision of the Court of Appeals rendered pursuant to this section, may, at any time within 30 days from the date of the order, upon giving bond for costs, the amount thereof to be fixed by the court, apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of error and supersedeas according to the general law.

Code 1950, § 15-161; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1067; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-705.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-705.1
Instant runoff voting
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

"Instant runoff voting" means a method of casting and tabulating votes in which (i) voters rank candidates in order of preference, (ii) tabulation proceeds in rounds such that in each round either a candidate or candidates are elected or the last-place candidate is defeated, (iii) votes for voters' next-ranked candidates are transferred from elected or defeated candidates, and (iv) tabulation ends when the number of candidates elected equals the number of offices to be filled. "Instant runoff voting" is also known as "ranked choice voting."

"Ranking" means the ordinal number assigned on a ballot by a voter to a candidate to express the voter's preference for that candidate. Ranking number one is the highest ranking, ranking number two is the next-highest ranking, and so on, consecutively, up to the number of candidates indicated on the ballot.

B. Elections to nominate candidates for and to elect members to the board of supervisors in a county operating under the county manager plan may be conducted by instant runoff voting pursuant to this section.

C. The State Board may promulgate regulations for the proper and efficient administration of elections determined by instant runoff voting, including (i) procedures for tabulating votes in rounds, (ii) procedures for determining winners in elections for offices to which only one candidate is being elected and for offices to which more than one candidate is being elected, and (iii) standards for ballots pursuant to § 24.2-613 , notwithstanding the provisions of subsection E of that section.

D. The State Board may administer or prescribe standards for a voter outreach and public information program for use by any locality conducting instant runoff voting pursuant to this section.

2020, c. 713 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2416 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 24.1 / Section 15.2-2416
Audit
Status: in_force

The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall audit the accounts of the Fund as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and the cost of such audit services shall be borne by the Fund.

2000, c. 757 ; 2018, cc. 57 , 307 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1914 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 19.1 / Section 15.2-1914
Proceedings dismissed if issuance defeated or bonds cannot be sold; resolution of approval of report not deemed contract to purchase
Status: in_force

In the event that such an election is held and the proposed bond issue is not approved therein, or if approved and for any reason the bonds proposed to be issued by any such city or county cannot be sold upon terms which, in the opinion of the city council or other governing body, are reasonably advantageous to such city or county, then, upon motion of such city or county, the proceedings shall be dismissed and there shall be no obligation upon such city or county to take the property or pay the amount fixed by the report of the body determining just compensation, notwithstanding the fact that the council or other governing body may have filed the resolution of approval of the report of the body determining just compensation as provided by § 15.2-1908 , nor shall the filing of any such resolution approving the award of the body determining just compensation be deemed to be a contract on the part of any such city or county to purchase or take the property sought to be condemned, or to render any such city or county liable in damages for failure to take same.

1938, p. 49; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-53; 2003, c. 940 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-206 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 2 / Section 15.2-206
Special elections; request for abolition of certain local constitutional offices
Status: in_force

No bill to enact or amend a charter which has the effect of abolishing any office set forth in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia shall be considered unless a referendum, elsewhere authorized by law, has been conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-685 , and a majority of the qualified voters voting thereon have approved the request for the enactment or amendment of the charter.

1985, c. 586, § 15.1-836.1:1; 1986, c. 355; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-107.2 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 1 / Section 15.2-107.2
Alternative method for local government to give notice by mail
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, a locality may give notice by regular mail in any instance in which two or more notices are required for the same action, the first notice is required to be sent by certified or registered mail, and at least one notice has previously been sent by certified or registered mail. Such notice shall be sent to the last address available through government records.

2011, c. 127 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2002 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2002
Acquisitions in connection with public right-of-way changes
Status: in_force

Every locality proposing to open or widen any public right-of-way by taking a part of any lot or other subdivision of property in such manner that the remnant thereof would, in the opinion of the governing body, be so small or of such shape as to be unsuited for the erection of appropriate buildings thereon may acquire, as permitted by § 15.2-1800 , the whole of the lot or other subdivision of property. Any such acquisition is declared to be for a public use, as the term public uses is used in Article I, Section 11 of the Constitution of Virginia. The locality may subsequently replat and dispose of the remnant of such property not used for right-of-way purposes in whole or in part, limiting the uses thereof as it may see fit. Nothing in this section shall be construed to give any locality any power to condemn the property of any railroad company or public service corporation which it does not otherwise possess under existing law.

Code 1950, § 15-771; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-372; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1104 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1104
Taxes and assessments
Status: in_force

A municipal corporation may raise annually by taxes and assessments on property, persons, and other subjects of taxation, which are not prohibited by law, such sums of money as in the judgment of the municipal corporation are necessary to pay the debts, defray the expenses, accomplish the purposes, and perform the functions of the municipal corporation, in such manner as the municipal corporation deems necessary or expedient. A municipal corporation may also establish by ordinance a discount for the early payment of any such taxes or assessments. For purposes of this section, "early payment" may include payment of real property taxes in full on or before the due date of such tax.

Code 1950, § 15-77.5; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-841; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 216 ; 2012, c. 585 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-854 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-854
Investigations
Status: in_force

Whenever the commission on human rights has a reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in, or is engaging in, any violation of a county ordinance that prohibits discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, and, after making a good faith effort to obtain the data, information, and attendance of witnesses necessary to determine whether such violation has occurred, is unable to obtain such data, information, or attendance, it may request the county attorney to petition the judge of the general district court for its jurisdiction for a subpoena against any such person refusing to produce such data and information or refusing to appear as a witness, and the judge of such court may, upon good cause shown, cause the subpoena to be issued. Any witness subpoena issued under this section shall include a statement that any statements made will be under oath and that the respondent or other witness is entitled to be represented by an attorney. Any person failing to comply with a subpoena issued under this section shall be subject to punishment for contempt by the court issuing the subpoena. Any person so subpoenaed may apply to the judge who issued a subpoena to quash it.

1986, c. 495, § 15.1-783.2; 1994, c. 873 ; 1997, cc. 404 , 587 ; 2020, cc. 1137 , 1140 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477 , 478 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3227 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3227
Annexation proceedings final for 10 years
Status: in_force

Except by mutual agreement of the governing bodies affected, no city or town, having instituted proceedings to annex territory of a county, shall again seek to annex territory of such county within the 10 years next succeeding the effective date of annexation in any proceeding under this article or previous acts. In the event annexation is denied, such prohibition shall begin with the date of the final order of the court denying annexation or, in the case of an appeal to the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals, with the date of the final order of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals. However, a city or town moving to dismiss the proceedings before a hearing on its merits may file a new petition five years after the filing of the petition in the prior suit. No county shall, except with the consent of its governing body, be made defendant in any annexation proceeding brought by any city within such 10-year period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a city shall have the right to file and maintain an annexation proceeding against any county against which it has not filed such a proceeding during the preceding 13 years.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any petition for annexation brought by a city or town, within such 10-year period, if the previous petition was dismissed due to a procedural defect, lack of jurisdiction, or any defense other than the merits of the case. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a city or town that institutes an annexation proceeding by filing notice with the Commission on Local Government but which subsequently fails to petition the court to grant such annexation. In that event, however, the city or town shall not again institute proceedings for annexation against the county for at least two years after the date the Commission renders its final report on the initial proceeding.

This section shall also apply to any city that was a town at the time of the filing of such petition.

Code 1950, § 15-152.25; 1952, c. 328; 1958, c. 378; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1055; 1979, c. 85; 1985, c. 478; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3224 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 32 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-3224
Commissioner of revenue for the county to certify list of real estate in annexed territory to commissioner of revenue
Status: in_force

The commissioner of the revenue of such county shall forthwith make from the land books and certify to the commissioner of the revenue of the city a list of all real estate within the annexed territory as it appears on such land books, embracing every entry thereon in regard thereto, for which service he shall be paid by such city a reasonable fee.

Code 1950, § 15-152.22; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1052; 1994, c. 539 ; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-607 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-607
Organization of departments
Status: in_force

The board shall, as soon as its members are elected and take office, provide for the performance of all the governmental functions of the county and to that end shall provide for and set up all necessary departments of government, consistent with the provisions of the form of county organization and government herein provided.

Code 1950, § 15-309; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-628; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1636.16 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 16 / Article 6.1 / Section 15.2-1636.16
Appropriations chargeable with Commonwealth's proportion of salaries, etc
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth's proportion of the salaries, expenses and other allowances of the treasurers, commissioners of the revenue, attorneys for the Commonwealth, and sheriffs shall be paid out of the appropriations made for those purposes in the general appropriation act.

The budgets fixed by the Compensation Board may thereafter be amended by the Compensation Board upon the request of the officer or local governing body or when changed circumstances so require. No budget shall be increased if any portion of the increase is payable from local funds without the concurrence of the local governing body.

All provisions of charters of cities and towns inconsistent with the provisions of this article are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Code 1950, § 14-78; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-66; 1966, c. 688; 1980, c. 588; 1983, c. 382; 1998, c. 872 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1915 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 19.1 / Section 15.2-1915
Proceedings dismissed on failure to pay compensation; judgment for fees and costs
Status: in_force

In the event that any such city or county fails to pay the amount fixed and ascertained by the report of the body determining just compensation, as directed by the court and within the time, or any extension thereof, allowed by the court as provided by § 15.2-1912 , the proceedings shall be dismissed on motion of any party thereto. If such proceedings be so dismissed, judgment shall be entered against such city or county for all costs and the attorneys' fee or fees actually incurred by the defendant or defendants; provided, however, that the fee or fees shall be so paid only to the extent they are reasonable in the opinion of the court.

1938, p. 49; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-54; 2003, c. 940 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1800.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 18 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1800.1
Tenancy in common with school board for certain property
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 22.1-125 or any other provision of law, whenever a locality has incurred a financial obligation, payable over more than one fiscal year, to fund the acquisition, construction or improvement of public school property, the local governing body of the locality shall be deemed to have acquired title to such school property, as a tenant in common with the local school board, for the term of such financial obligation. Such tenancy in common shall arise by operation of law when such financial obligation is incurred by the local governing body, and shall terminate by operation of law when such financial obligation has been paid in full. Neither the creation nor the termination of this tenancy in common shall require the execution or recordation of any deed of conveyance by either the school board or the governing body. If the school property in question is used by more than one school division, such tenancy in common shall arise and terminate on the same basis in each of the participating localities. Nothing in this section shall alter the authority or responsibility of local school boards to control and regulate the use of the property during the existence of such tenancy in common, nor shall it confer to the local governing body any additional powers over school board decisions relative to school board property, including actions taken pursuant to § 22.1-129 of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any local governing body may elect not to acquire tenancy in common to some or all of the public school property in its locality, by adopting a resolution declining such tenancy in common for current and future financial obligations.

2002, c. 674 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5201 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 52 / Section 15.2-5201
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

"Bond" includes any interest-bearing obligation, including promissory notes.

"Hospital or health center" means any and all medical facilities and approaches thereto and appurtenances thereof. Medical facilities shall include any and all facilities suitable for providing hospital and medical care, including any and all structures, buildings, improvements, additions, extensions, replacements, appurtenances, lands, rights in lands, franchises, machinery, equipment, furnishing, landscaping, approaches, roadways and other facilities necessary or desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto (including, without limitation, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care facilities, self-care facilities, medical office facilities, clinics, out-patient surgical centers, alcohol, substance abuse and drug treatment centers, laboratories, research facilities, sanitariums, hospices, facilities for the residence or care of elderly or chronically ill individuals or individuals with disabilities, residential facilities for nurses, interns, and physicians and any other kind of facility for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, or palliation of any human illness, injury, disorder, or disability), together with all related and supporting facilities and equipment necessary and desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto, or equipment alone, including, without limitation, kitchen, laundry, laboratory, pharmaceutical, administrative, communications, computer and recreational facilities and equipment, storage space, mobile medical facilities, vehicles and other equipment necessary or desirable for the transportation of medical equipment or the transportation of patients.

Code 1950, § 32-276.1; 1975, c. 295, § 15.1-1515; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587 ; 2000, c. 468 ; 2006, c. 658 ; 2023, cc. 148 , 149 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1532 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 15 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1532
Payment of premiums on bonds for more than one year in advance
Status: in_force

Governing bodies are authorized to pay out of their respective treasuries, the premiums on the surety bonds of all local officials who are required to be bonded, for a period of more than one year when a discount for advanced payment of such premiums may be obtained under the rates, rules and regulations promulgated by the State Corporation Commission according to law.

If any such surety bond be cancelled prior to its expiration, the portion of the premiums to be returned shall be calculated on the basis of the regular annual rate of premiums for the duration of the bond as such refunds are prescribed by the rates, rules and regulations promulgated by the State Corporation Commission according to law.

Code 1950, § 15-483; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-46; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1710 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1710
Fees and other compensation
Status: in_force

A police officer shall not receive any fee or other compensation out of the state treasury or the treasury of a locality for any service rendered under the provisions of this chapter other than the salary paid him by the locality and a fee as a witness in cases arising under the criminal laws of the Commonwealth. A police officer shall not receive any fee as a witness in any case arising under the ordinances of his locality, nor for attendance as a witness before any magistrate serving his locality. However, if it is necessary or expedient for him to travel beyond the limits of the locality in his capacity as a police officer, he shall be entitled to his actual expenses, as provided by law for other expenses in criminal cases.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a police officer of a locality from claiming and receiving any reward which may be offered for the arrest and detention of any offender against the criminal laws of this or any other state or nation.

Code 1950, § 15-557; 1960, c. 167; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-138; 1982, c. 38; 1984, c. 661; 1992, cc. 729, 742; 1995, c. 844 ; 1997, c. 587; 2008, cc. 551 , 691 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2316 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2316
Validation of zoning ordinances prior to 1971
Status: in_force

All proceedings had in the preparation, certification and adoption of zoning ordinances by every locality prior to January 1, 1971, which shall have been in substantial compliance with the provisions of this chapter are validated and confirmed, and all such zoning ordinances adopted or attempted to be adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter are declared to be validly adopted and enacted, notwithstanding any defects or irregularities in the adoption thereof.

Code 1950, § 15-854.2; 1962, c. 583, § 15.1-503; 1984, c. 380; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2638 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 4 / Section 15.2-2638
Powers of counties generally; approval of voters required
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, no county has the power to contract any debt or to issue its bonds unless a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question at an election held in accordance with §§ 15.2-2610 and 15.2-2611 approve contracting the debt, borrowing the money and issuing the bonds.

B. Voter approval is not required for a county (i) to contract debt or to issue bonds described in Article VII, Section 10(a)(1) and (3) of the Constitution of Virginia, (ii) to issue refunding bonds, or (iii) to issue bonds, with the consent of the school board and the governing body of the county, for capital projects for school purposes which are sold to the Literary Fund, the Virginia Retirement System, or other state agency prescribed by law.

Code 1950, § 15-666.28; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-185; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.39; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.3
Creation of authority
Status: in_force

The governing body of a locality may by resolution, or two or more localities may by concurrent resolutions, create an authority, the name of which shall contain the word "authority." The authority shall be a public body politic and corporate. The resolution creating the authority shall not be adopted or approved until a public hearing has been held in each participating locality on the question of its adoption or approval.

2003, c. 643 ; 2005, c. 299 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-609 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-609
Appointment of county manager
Status: in_force

The board shall appoint a county manager and fix his compensation. He shall be the administrative head of the county government and shall devote his full time to the work of the county. He shall be appointed with regard to merit only, and need not be a resident of the county at the time of his appointment. No member of the board shall, during the time for which he has been elected, be appointed county manager, nor shall the managerial powers be given to a person who at the same time is filling an elective office.

Code 1950, § 15-311; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-631; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2828 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 28.2 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2828
Ordinances regulating smoking generally
Status: in_force

A. No ordinances enacted by a locality prior to January 1, 1990, shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable because of lack of consistency with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Except as provided in § 15.2-2829 , no ordinances adopted after January 1, 1990, shall contain provisions or standards that exceed those established in this chapter.

C. However, any ordinance may provide that employers may regulate smoking in the private work place as they deem appropriate under the following circumstances: (i) if the designation of smoking and no-smoking areas is the subject of a written agreement between the employer and his employees, the provisions of the written agreement shall control such designation and (ii) a total ban on smoking in any work place shall only be enforced by the employer upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the affected employees voting, unless such ban is the subject of a contract of employment between the employer and the employees as a prior condition of employment. No ordinance adopted pursuant to this subsection shall affect no-smoking policies established by employers prior to the adoption of such ordinance.

2009, cc. 153 , 154 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4912 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 49 / Section 15.2-4912
Exemption from taxation
Status: in_force

The authority is hereby declared to be performing a public function in behalf of the locality with respect to which the authority is created and to be a public instrumentality of such locality. Accordingly, the income, including any profit made on the sale thereof from all bonds issued by the authority, shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof.

1966, c. 651, § 15.1-1383; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1405 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-1405
Immunity of members of local governmental entities; exception
Status: in_force

The members of the governing bodies of any locality or political subdivision and the members of boards, commissions, agencies and authorities thereof and other governing bodies of any local governmental entity, whether compensated or not, shall be immune from suit arising from the exercise or failure to exercise their discretionary or governmental authority as members of the governing body, board, commission, agency or authority which does not involve the unauthorized appropriation or misappropriation of funds. However, the immunity granted by this section shall not apply to conduct constituting intentional or willful misconduct or gross negligence.

1987, cc. 261, 290, § 15.1-7.01; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4610 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 46 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4610
Allocation of funds to local transportation districts
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of any county that has created a local district pursuant to § 15.2-4603 may advance funds, or provide matching funds, from money not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, from whatever source received or generated, including without limitation general revenues, special fees and assessments, state allocations, and contributions from private sources, to a local district to assist the local district to undertake the project for which it was created. The Commonwealth Transportation Board may allocate funds to a district only from the construction district or districts in which such transportation district is located pursuant to the highway allocation formula to assist the district with an approved project as provided by law.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1808.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-1808.1
(Effective July 1, 2028) Automated external defibrillators required at local government sporting events and sporting facilities
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Automated external defibrillator" or "AED" means the same as that term is defined in § 32.1-111.1 .

"Local government sporting event" means any athletic or sporting event organized or sponsored by a locality.

"Local government sporting facility" means the portions of any outdoor or indoor facility owned or operated by a locality that are being used for organized athletic or sporting activities.

B. Each locality shall ensure that operational automated external defibrillators are readily available at (i) every local government sporting facility during hours of operation and (ii) every local government sporting event, whether held at a local government sporting facility or elsewhere. Each locality shall develop a plan for the placement, care, and use of AEDs in every local government sporting facility to promote AED accessibility.

C. Indoor local government sporting facilities shall be required to have a minimum number of operational AEDs as follows:

1. Facilities under 10,000 square feet being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: one AED.

2. Facilities 10,000 to 30,000 square feet being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: two AEDs.

3. Facilities over 30,000 square feet being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 20,000 square feet.

D. Outdoor local government sporting facilities shall be required to have a minimum number of operational AEDs as follows:

1. Facilities under five acres being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: one AED.

2. Facilities five to 15 acres being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: two AEDs.

3. Facilities over 15 acres being used for organized athletic or sporting activities: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 10 acres.

E. For local government sporting events held at locations other than local government sporting facilities, a minimum number of operational AEDs shall be required as follows:

1. Events with under 500 attendees: one AED.

2. Events with 500 to 2,000 attendees: two AEDs.

3. Events with over 2,000 attendees: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 1,000 attendees.

F. Each AED shall be (i) located in a clearly marked and publicly accessible location, (ii) properly maintained and tested according to manufacturer's specifications, (iii) registered with the local emergency medical services agency, and (iv) accompanied by appropriate signage indicating its location.

2026, c. 481 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4601 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 46 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4601
Purpose of chapter
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the legislature to encourage the formation of transportation improvement districts in multicounty circumstances in order to facilitate regional transportation initiatives and to gain access to revenues in addition to general state and local taxes for the purpose of accelerating construction of vital transportation improvements.

It is the further intent of the legislature to grant to governing bodies of counties in which such transportation improvement districts may be formed the authority to provide long-term zoning and land use protection to properties paying the special taxes that further the purpose of this chapter.

It is the further intent of the legislature that all districts created pursuant to this chapter provide such long-term zoning protection where such special taxes have been imposed.

It is the further intent of the legislature to declare that the formation of transportation improvement districts and the granting of long-term land use protection in exchange for the payment of special taxes promote the public health, safety, and welfare.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2652 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 26 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2652
Service by publication of motion for judgment; parties defendant
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of the motion for judgment the court shall fix the time and place for hearing the proceeding and shall enter an order requiring the publication of the motion for judgment or a summary of it approved by the court, together with the order setting forth the time and place of the hearing, twice in a newspaper published or having general circulation in the jurisdiction where the issuer is located, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the date fixed for the hearing.

By the publication of the motion for judgment or summary and the order, all taxpayers, property owners and citizens of the jurisdiction where the issuer is located, including nonresidents owning property in or subject to taxation by it, and all other persons having or claiming any right, title or interest in any property or funds affected in any way by the issuance of the bonds, or having or claiming to have any right or interest in the subject matter of the motion for judgment, shall be considered parties defendant in the proceedings, and the court shall have jurisdiction of them the same as if each of them were named individually as a defendant in the motion for judgment and personally served with process.

Code 1950, § 15-666.56; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-215; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.54; 1997, c. 587 ; 2024, cc. 225 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1414.6 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 14 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-1414.6
Permitted salaries; salary increases; reimbursement for expenses
Status: in_force

A. Subject to the exception provided for in § 15.2-1414.5 , the annual salary of each member of the council of any city shall be set by its members by ordinance after a public hearing pursuant to notice in the manner and form provided in §§ 15.2-1426 and 15.2-1427 , notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special. The setting of such salaries by members of a council shall include the salary of the mayor or president of the council whether such official is a member of the council or not.

B. Cities within the following population brackets shall be allowed to set salaries for mayors, which include presidents of council, and council members not to exceed the following:

C. The maximum annual salaries provided in subsection B may be adjusted in any year or years, by ordinance as provided in subsection A, by an inflation factor not to exceed five percent.

D. No increase in the salary of a member of a council shall take effect until July 1 after the next regularly scheduled general election of council members.

E. Every proposed increase in the salary of a member of a council shall be adopted at least four months prior to the date of the next municipal election except in the case of a newly created consolidated city when the proposed increase shall be adopted at least two months prior to the date of its first municipal election.

F. Any member of a council shall be eligible to be reimbursed for any personal expenses incurred by him for official business. However, all claims for reimbursement shall be for reasonable expenses to the extent permitted by law incurred in the conduct of official city business and shall be itemized and documented by stamped paid receipts to the extent feasible.

G. In addition to a salary, each member of the council of any city may be compensated with such benefits as are provided city employees by the city.

1981, c. 358, § 14.1-47.2; 1982, c. 125; 1985, c. 111; 1986, cc. 111, 312; 1988, c. 213; 1996, c. 263 ; 1997, c. 592 ; 1998, c. 872 ; 2024, c. 608 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6015.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 60.01 / Section 15.2-6015.1
Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority; purpose
Status: in_force

The Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority (the Authority) is established as a body politic and corporate, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority shall have the powers and duties hereinafter conferred in this chapter.

The primary purpose of the Authority is to improve the transportation into, from, within, and through Southwest Virginia, assist in regional economic development, and generally enhance highway safety in the affected localities.

The Coalfields Expressway, designated as U.S. Route 121 and a Congressional High Priority Corridor, is a proposed four-lane, limited-access highway to provide a modern, safe, and efficient transportation artery through the coalfields region of far Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia.

The proposed expressway is designed to provide safe and rapid access to communities along the corridor, with interchanges connecting citizens of Pound, Clintwood, Clinchco, Haysi, Breaks, Grundy, and Slate.

It is hereby further declared that the foregoing is a public purpose and use for which public moneys may be spent and such activity will serve a public purpose in providing jobs to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter shall be in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth, particularly the affected localities, for the increase of their commerce and for the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, convenience, and prosperity.

2017, c. 543 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3707 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 37 / Section 15.2-3707
General effect of annulment
Status: in_force

Upon the effective date of annulment, the town shall terminate, as shall the terms of office and the rights, powers, duties and compensation of the officers, agents and employees of the town.

1992, c. 453, § 15.1-965.36; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-709.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle I / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 15.2-709.1
Applicant preemployment information in Arlington County
Status: in_force

Arlington County, having a local ordinance adopted in accordance with § 19.2-389 , shall require applicants for employment with the county to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant. Such applicants shall, if required by ordinance, pay the cost of the fingerprinting or criminal records check or both.

The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the county manager or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to a position, the locality shall consider the following criteria: (i) the nature and seriousness of the crime; (ii) the relationship of the crime to the work to be performed in the position applied for; (iii) the extent to which the position applied for might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person had been involved; (iv) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the position being sought; (v) the extent and nature of the person's past criminal activity; (vi) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime; (vii) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last involvement in the commission of a crime; (viii) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal activity; and (ix) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release.

If an applicant is denied employment because of information appearing in his criminal history record, the county shall notify the applicant that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.

2002, cc. 670 , 730 ; 2003, c. 739 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2228 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 3 / Section 15.2-2228
Adoption of parts of plan
Status: in_force

As the work of preparing the comprehensive plan progresses, the local planning commission may, from time to time, recommend, and the governing body approve and adopt, parts thereof. Any such part shall cover one or more major sections or divisions of the locality or one or more functional matters.

Code 1950, §§ 15-906, 15-921, 15-964.6; 1958, c. 389; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-452; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6305 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6305
Powers and duties of director
Status: in_force

The director shall exercise such of the powers and duties relating to the authority conferred upon the board as may be delegated to him by the board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The director shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him, and such powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

Code 1950, § 15-942; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1325; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5501 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 55 / Section 15.2-5501
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Authority" means any the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority created, organized and operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or if such Authority is abolished, the board, body, commission, department or officer succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by this chapter are given by law.

"Participating locality" means any county or city in the LENOWISCO or Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commissions with respect to which an authority may be organized and in which it is contemplated the Authority will function.

1993, c. 663, § 15.1-1399.18; 1994, c. 160 ; 1997, c. 587 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 384 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-3813 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 38 / Section 15.2-3813
Town liabilities and assets
Status: in_force

If a town becomes a city under this chapter, the city shall be liable for the bonded indebtedness and current debts and obligations of the town and shall be liable for the obligations or other liabilities of the town, both in law and in equity, arising out of any plans or annexations theretofore consummated between the town and any other territory. The title to all the property of the town, and its rights and privileges under any contract, including all moneys belonging to the town, and its books, records, papers and other things of value, shall vest in and become the city's property.

Code 1950, § 15-84; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-984; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2292.3 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 7 / Section 15.2-2292.3
Expedited approval for increased density for certain affordable housing developments
Status: in_force

A. A local governing body may by ordinance allow a zoning administrator to use an administrative process to approve rezoning applications for affordable housing developments, provided that:

1. At least 75 percent of housing units in the development are affordable housing;

2. The affordable housing development complies with all applicable provisions under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.);

3. The affordable housing development is connected to a public or community water supply or sewage system; and

4. The affordable housing development is located within or adjacent to an area identified by the locality that could support increased density development and provide access to services.

Such ordinance shall contain provisions that (i) allow administrative approval of increased housing density zoning usage for qualifying developments; (ii) articulate the minimum number of units per acre, maximum lot size, and height requirements for the affordable housing units; and (iii) require an annual report on the number of approved permits and units and the number of units that are built in accordance with the locality's ordinance.

B. No ordinance under this section shall be passed until after notice of an intention to propose such ordinance for passage has been advertised by reference twice, with the first notice being published no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the date of the meeting referenced in the notice, in a newspaper having a general circulation in the locality. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file at the office of the clerk of the circuit court or the office of the chief administrative officer of the locality.

C. The Department of Housing and Community Development (the Department) may give a locality that has adopted an ordinance pursuant to this section priority for any grants or loans administered by the Department if such locality demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that its ordinance has met the provisions of this section.

2026, c. 406 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-7211 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 72 / Section 15.2-7211
Reports
Status: in_force

The Authority shall keep minutes of its proceedings, which minutes shall be open to public inspection during normal business hours. It shall keep suitable records of all its financial transactions and shall arrange to have the same audited annually by an independent certified public accountant. Such audited financial reports will be provided to the Commonwealth Auditor of Public Accounts and to each participating political subdivision each year and shall be open to public inspection.

2010, cc. 11 , 210 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2504 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 25 / Section 15.2-2504
What budget to show
Status: in_force

Opposite each item of the contemplated expenditures the budget shall show in separate parallel columns the aggregate amount appropriated during the preceding fiscal year, the amount expended during that year, the aggregate amount appropriated and expected to be appropriated during the current fiscal year, and the increases or decreases in the contemplated expenditures for the ensuing year as compared with the aggregate amount appropriated or expected to be appropriated for the current year. This budget shall be accompanied by:

1. A statement of the contemplated revenue and disbursements, liabilities, reserves and surplus or deficit of the locality as of the date of the preparation of the budget; and

2. An itemized and complete financial balance sheet for the locality at the close of the last preceding fiscal year.

Code 1950, § 15-576; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-161; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2700 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 27 / Section 15.2-2700
Declaration of policy, findings and purpose
Status: in_force

The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that insurance protection is essential to the proper functioning of political subdivisions; that the resources of political subdivisions are burdened by the high cost of and frequent inability to secure such protection through standard carriers; that proper risk management requires the spreading of risk so as to minimize fluctuation in insurance needs; and that, therefore, all contributions of financial and administrative resources made by a political subdivision pursuant to an intergovernmental contract as authorized by this chapter are made for a public and governmental purpose, and that such contributions benefit each contributing political subdivision.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:1; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2020 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 20 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-2020
Lights on public rights-of-way in counties
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of § 15.2-2000 , counties may install and maintain suitable lights on public rights-of-way in such counties, and pay the costs of such installation and maintenance.

Code 1950, § 15-778; 1952, c. 125; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-380; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5431.9 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 54.1 / Section 15.2-5431.9
Dissolution and termination of authority
Status: in_force

A. Whenever the board of an authority determines that the purposes for which it was created have been completed or are impractical or impossible and that all its obligations have been paid or have been assumed by one or more of such political subdivisions or any authority created thereby or that cash or United States government securities have been deposited for their payment, it shall adopt and file with the governing body a resolution declaring such facts. If the governing body adopts a resolution concurring in such declaration and finding that the authority should be dissolved, it shall file appropriate articles of dissolution with the State Corporation Commission. When the affairs of the authority have been wound up and all of its assets have been distributed, the governing bodies shall file appropriate articles of termination of corporate existence with the State Corporation Commission.

B. If any of the governing bodies refuses to adopt a resolution concurring in such declaration, then the authority may petition the circuit court for any locality that is a member of the authority to order one or more of such governing bodies to create a new authority. The circuit court may order the governing body of the political subdivision requesting dissolution of the existing authority to adopt an ordinance establishing a new authority to which the provisions of §§ 15.2-5431.3 through 15.2-5431.6 shall not apply. Thereafter, the court may order that the assets be divided among the authorities and, subject to the approval of any debt holder, require the assumption of a proportionate share of the obligations of the existing authority by the new authority.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1 of § 15.2-5431.11 , an authority shall continue in existence and shall not be dissolved because the term for which it was created, including any extensions thereof, has expired, unless all of such authority's functions have been taken over and its obligations have been paid or have been assumed by one or more political subdivisions or by an authority created thereby, or cash or United States government securities have been deposited for their payment.

2003, c. 643 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-925.1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-925.1
Local notifications
Status: in_force

Any locality may by ordinance establish a system to deliver notifications to residents by email, phone, text message or other similar means of communication. Such ordinance shall be adopted only after a public hearing and shall contain an opt-in provision for non-emergency notifications.

2015, c. 192 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6603 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 66 / Section 15.2-6603
Participating political subdivision
Status: in_force

No pecuniary liability of any kind shall be imposed upon any participating political subdivision because of any act, omission, agreement, contract, tort, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance by or on the part of the Authority or any member thereof, or its agents, servants, or employees, except as otherwise provided in this act with respect to contracts and agreements between the Authority and any other political subdivision.

2002, c. 766 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-4609 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 46 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-4609
Jurisdiction of counties and officers, etc., not affected
Status: in_force

Neither the creation of a district nor any other provision in this chapter shall affect the power, jurisdiction, or duties of the respective local governing bodies, sheriffs, treasurers, commissioners of the revenue, circuit, district, or other courts, clerks of any court, magistrates, or any other county or state officer in regard to the area embraced in any district or restrict or prevent any county or town or its governing body from imposing and collecting taxes or assessments for public improvements as permitted by law. Any county that creates a district pursuant to this section may obligate itself with respect to the zoning ordinances, zoning ordinance text, and regulations relating thereto for all commercial and industrial classifications within the district as provided in subsection C of § 15.2-4603 for a term not to exceed 20 years from the date on which such district is created.

1997, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2108.17 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 21 / Article 1.1 / Section 15.2-2108.17
Antitrust immunity
Status: in_force

A municipality that provides a cable television service is subject to applicable antitrust liabilities and immunities from liabilities under the federal Local Government Antitrust Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. § 34 et seq.).

2003, c. 677 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6317 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 63 / Section 15.2-6317
Rents, fees and charges; disposition of revenues
Status: in_force

The rents, fees and charges established by the authority for the use of its property, projects and facilities and for any other service furnished or provided by the authority shall be fixed so that they, together with other revenues of the authority, shall provide at least sufficient funds to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating the authority, its property, projects and facilities and the principal and interest of any bonds issued by the authority or other debts contracted as the same shall become due and payable. A reserve may be accumulated and maintained out of the revenues of the authority for extraordinary repairs and expenses and for such other purposes as may be provided in any resolution authorizing a bond issue or in any trust indenture securing such bonds. Subject to such provisions and restrictions as may be set forth in the resolution or in the trust indenture authorizing or securing any of the bonds or other obligations issued hereunder, the authority shall have exclusive control of the revenue derived from the operation of the authority and the right to use such revenues in the exercise of its powers and duties set forth in this chapter. No person, firm, association or corporation shall receive any profit or dividend from the revenues, earnings or other funds or assets of such authority other than for debts contracted, for services rendered, for materials and supplies furnished and for other value actually received by the authority.

Code 1950, § 15-955; 1954, c. 645; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1338; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5369 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53.1 / Section 15.2-5369
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Authority" means any political subdivision, a body politic and corporate, created, organized, and operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or, if such Authority is abolished, the board, body, authority, department, or officer succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by this chapter are given by law.

"Bond" includes any interest bearing obligation, including promissory notes.

"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner.

"Cooperative agreement" means an agreement among two or more hospitals for the sharing, allocation, consolidation by merger or other combination of assets, or referral of patients, personnel, instructional programs, support services, and facilities or medical, diagnostic, or laboratory facilities or procedures or other services traditionally offered by hospitals.

"Hospital" includes any health center and health provider under common ownership with the hospital and means any and all providers of dental, medical, and mental health services, including all related facilities and approaches thereto and appurtenances thereof. Dental, medical, and mental health facilities includes any and all facilities suitable for providing hospital, dental, medical, and mental health care, including any and all structures, buildings, improvements, additions, extensions, replacements, appurtenances, lands, rights in lands, franchises, machinery, equipment, furnishing, landscaping, approaches, roadways, and other facilities necessary or desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto (including, without limitation, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care facilities, self-care facilities, mental health facilities, wellness and health maintenance centers, medical office facilities, clinics, outpatient surgical centers, alcohol, substance abuse and drug treatment centers, dental care clinics, laboratories, research facilities, sanitariums, hospices, facilities for the residence or care of elderly or chronically ill individuals or individuals with disabilities, residential facilities for nurses, interns, and physicians and any other kind of facility for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, or palliation of any human illness, injury, disorder, or disability), together with all related and supporting facilities and equipment necessary and desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto, or equipment alone, including, without limitation, kitchen, laundry, laboratory, wellness, pharmaceutical, administrative, communications, computer and recreational facilities and equipment, storage space, mobile medical facilities, vehicles and other equipment necessary or desirable for the transportation of medical equipment or the transportation of patients. Dental, medical, and mental health facilities also includes facilities for graduate-level instruction in medicine or dentistry and clinics appurtenant thereto offering free or reduced rate dental, medical, or mental health services to the public.

"Participating locality" means any county or city in the LENOWISCO or Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commissions and the Counties of Smyth and Washington and the City of Bristol with respect to which an authority may be organized and in which it is contemplated that the Authority will function.

2007, c. 676 ; 2013, c. 660 ; 2015, c. 741 ; 2023, cc. 148 , 149 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5614 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 56 / Section 15.2-5614
Bonds legal investments
Status: in_force

Bonds issued by the authority are securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Such bonds are securities which legally may be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations is, or may hereafter be, authorized by law.

Code 1950, § 15-714.27; 1962, c. 393, § 15, § 15.1-1285; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-5308 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 53 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-5308
Officers and agents
Status: in_force

When the office of the first chairman of the authority becomes vacant, the authority shall select a chairman from among its commissioners. An authority shall select from among its members a vice-chairman, and it may employ a secretary, technical experts, and such other officers, agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties and compensation. An authority may employ its own counsel and legal staff. An authority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees such powers or duties as it deems proper.

Code 1950, § 32-221; 1979, c. 719, § 15.1-1541; 1997, c. 587.
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1752 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 17 / Article 5 / Section 15.2-1752
Governmental immunity
Status: in_force

Any academy created pursuant to this article shall be deemed to be a governmental entity exercising essential governmental powers. Any such academy; its directors, officers, and employees; and any person serving as a trainer at the academy who is certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services or any person who is a criminal justice academy approved instructor shall be entitled to immunity in any civil action or proceeding for damages or injury to any person or property of any person to the same extent that counties and their officers and employees are immune. Members of the board of directors of the academy shall have the same immunity as members of county boards of supervisors.

1993, c. 935, § 15.1-159.7:6; 1997, c. 587; 2013, cc. 66 , 99 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2209.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 1 / Section 15.2-2209.1:1
Extension of approvals to address the COVID-19 pandemic
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any time limits for validity set out in § 15.2-2260 or 15.2-2261 , any subdivision plat valid under § 15.2-2260 and outstanding as of July 1, 2020, and any recorded plat or final site plan valid under § 15.2-2261 and outstanding as of July 1, 2020, shall remain valid until July 1, 2025, or such later date as may be provided for by the terms of the locality's approval, local ordinance, resolution, or regulation. Any other plan or permit associated with such plat or site plan extended by this subsection is similarly extended for the same time period.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any valid special exception, special use permit, or conditional use permit, or any modifications thereto, outstanding as of July 1, 2020, any deadline in the exception permit, or in the local zoning ordinance that requires the landowner or developer to commence the project or incur significant expenses related to improvements for the project within a certain time, is extended until July 1, 2025, or such longer period as may be agreed to by the locality.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any rezoning approved pursuant to § 15.2-2297 , 15.2-2298 , or 15.2-2303 and valid and outstanding as of July 1, 2020, any proffered condition that requires the landowner or developer to incur significant expenses upon the occurrence of an event related to a stage or level of development is extended until July 1, 2025, or longer as may be agreed to by the locality. However, the extensions in this subsection do not apply (i) to proffered dedications of land or rights-of-way pursuant to § 15.2-2297 , 15.2-2298 , or 15.2-2303 or (ii) when completion of the event related to the stage or level of development has already occurred.

D. The extension of validity provided in subsection A and the extension of deadlines as provided in subsection B will be effective only if any unreleased performance bonds and agreements or other financial guarantees of completion of public improvements in or associated with the proposed development are continued in force. However, if the locality has enacted a bonding moratorium or deferral program, the performance bonds and agreements or other financial guarantees of completion may be waived or modified by the locality, in which case the provisions of subsections A and B apply. The landowner or developer must comply with the terms of any bonding moratorium or deferral agreement with the locality in order for the extensions referred to in this subsection to be effective.

2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 40 ; 2022, cc. 178 , 179 ; 2023, cc. 436 , 437 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-6400 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle IV / Chapter 64 / Section 15.2-6400
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Authority" means any regional facility authority organized and existing pursuant to this chapter.

"Board" means the board of directors of an authority.

"Facility" means any structure or park, including real estate and improvements as applicable, for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, office, or other industrial, residential, recreational or commercial purposes. A facility specifically includes structures or parks that are not owned by an authority or its member localities, but are subject to a cooperative arrangement pursuant to subdivision 13 of § 15.2-6405 .

"Governing bodies" means the boards of supervisors of counties and the councils of cities and towns which are members of an authority.

"Member localities" means the counties, cities, and towns, or combination thereof, which are members of an authority.

"Region" means the area within the boundaries of the member localities.

1997, cc. 276 , 587, § 15.1-1710; 1999, cc. 540 , 804 , 820 , 837 , 882 ; 2000, cc. 892 , 915 , 960 , 965 ; 2001, cc. 391 , 404 ; 2003, c. 874 ; 2004, cc. 603 , 640 ; 2007, cc. 941 , 947 ; 2009, c. 616 .
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2251 — Virginia Code / Title 15.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 22 / Article 6 / Section 15.2-2251
Local planning commission shall prepare and recommend ordinance; notice and hearing on ordinance
Status: in_force

In every locality the local planning commission shall prepare and recommend the subdivision ordinance and transmit it to the governing body. The governing body of every locality shall approve and adopt a subdivision ordinance only after notice has been published, and a public hearing held, in accordance with § 15.2-2204 .

Code 1950, §§ 15-782, 15-967.5; 1962, c. 407, § 15.1-470; 1975, c. 641; 1997, c. 587.