dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 18.1 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES PRIVATE CAPITAL LENDING)
§ 15.2-1816. Power to enter into financing agreements.
In addition to other powers granted by law, every local government may, by ordinance, enter into a financing agreement as described in this section and may as part of that financing agreement (i) convey title to any property that is part of a project as defined in this chapter to a conduit or other entity in exchange for consideration provided for under the financing agreement; (ii) assign, pledge to, and create a lien in favor of a conduit or other entity, and permit the conduit or other entity to reassign, pledge to, and create a lien in favor of a private capital funding source, any revenues derived from the project being financed as provided for under the financing agreement; (iii) enter into a lease-leaseback arrangement for a term not to exceed 99 years, under which the private capital funding source will lease from the conduit or other entity, and the conduit or other entity shall lease back from the private capital funding source, the conveyed project. In addition, the conduit or other entity has the power to contribute to the local government any funds received by it in excess of the payments it is required to make to the private capital funding source under the lease-leaseback arrangement and has the power to convey the conveyed property back to the local government when the property is no longer encumbered by any lien or lease in favor of the funding source. The local government and the conduit or other entity may enter into agreements or contracts under which the local government may maintain or administer the conveyed property under the project or may collect rents or fees on behalf of the conduit or other entity. The parties may modify or extend the financing agreement subject to approval by the local government. The local government may enter into a financing agreement under this section either through a competitive selection process or by direct negotiations with a private capital funding source, as determined by the local government or as otherwise provided by law.

2011, cc. 562, 660.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 18.1 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES PRIVATE CAPITAL LENDING)
§ 15.2-1817. Real estate taxation.
The conveyed property under the project shall be subject to real property taxation under Chapter 32 (§ 58.1-3200 et seq.) of Title 58.1.

2011, cc. 562, 660.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1900. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2007, cc. 882, 901 and 926, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1901. Condemnation authority.
A. In addition to the authority granted to localities pursuant to any applicable charter provision or other provision of law, whenever a locality is authorized to acquire real or personal property or property interests for a public use, it may do so by exercise of the power of eminent domain, except as provided in subsection B.

B. A locality may acquire property or property interests outside its boundaries by exercise of the power of eminent domain only if such authority is expressly conferred by general law or special act. However, cities and towns shall have the right to acquire property outside their boundaries for the purposes set forth in § 15.2-2109 by exercise of the power of eminent domain. The exercise of such condemnation authority by a city or town shall not be construed to exempt the municipality from the provisions of subsection F of § 56-580.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, no locality shall condition or delay the timely consideration, advancement, or approval of any application for or grant of any permit or other approval for any real property over which it enjoys jurisdiction for the purpose, expressed or implied, of allowing the condemnation or acquisition of the property or to commence any process to consider whether to undertake condemnation or acquisition of the property.

1997, c. 587; 2001, c. 538; 2013, c. 581; 2022, c. 735.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1901.1. Condemnation by localities authorized.
The governing body of any locality may acquire by condemnation title to (i) land, buildings and structures, (ii) any easement thereover or (iii) any sand, earth, gravel, water or other necessary material for the purpose of opening, constructing, repairing or maintaining a road or for any other authorized public undertaking if the terms of purchase cannot be agreed upon or the owner (a) is unknown, (b) cannot with reasonable diligence be found in the Commonwealth or (c) due to incapacity cannot negotiate an agreement. Condemnation proceedings shall be conducted under the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 insofar as applicable.

Code 1950, § 25-232; 1964, c. 291, § 25-232.01; 1980, c. 559; 1986, c. 117; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1902. Condemnation proceedings generally.
Except where otherwise authorized by any applicable charter provision, a locality shall exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner, and in accordance with the procedures, set out in Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) or Chapter 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1, except that:

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

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

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

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

1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 940; 2012, c. 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1903. Requirements for initiating condemnation; filing of ordinance or resolution with petition; voluntary conveyance.
A. Condemnation proceedings may be instituted when:

1. the locality and owner cannot agree on the compensation to be paid or other terms of purchase or settlement;

2. the owner is legally incapacitated;

3. either the owner or his whereabouts is unknown; or

4. the owner is unable to convey valid title to the property.

B. Prior to initiating condemnation proceedings, the governing body shall, after a public hearing, adopt a resolution or ordinance approving the proposed public use and directing the acquisition of property for the public use by condemnation or other means. The resolution or ordinance shall state the use to which the property shall be put and the necessity therefor. Furthermore, other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth shall also be required to hold a public hearing prior to initiating condemnation proceedings.

C. When a petition for condemnation is filed by or on behalf of the locality, a true copy of the resolution or ordinance duly adopted by the governing body declaring the intended public use of the property, and the necessity therefor, may be filed with the petition, and when so filed constitutes sufficient evidence of such public use and necessity.

D. The fact that no petition has been filed by a locality to condemn any interest conveyed by deed shall not by itself render such conveyance free from the threat of condemnation, nor shall such fact constitute sufficient proof of voluntary conveyance for the purposes of any taxing authority.

1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 927.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1904. Possession of property prior to condemnation; authority to utilize expedited acquisition procedure conferred.
A. When a condemnation is authorized by § 15.2-1901, a locality may enter upon and take possession of property before the conclusion of condemnation proceedings, using the procedures in Chapter 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1, for public purposes of (i) streets and roads, (ii) drainage facilities, (iii) water supply and sewage disposal systems, including pipes and lines, (iv) oyster beds and grounds, and for any of the purposes set out in § 15.2-1901.1. In such proceedings, the procedure may be the same as is prescribed in Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 or Chapter 3 of Title 25.1. Property may be condemned after the construction of a project, as well as prior thereto. The provisions of Chapter 3 of Title 25.1 shall be used to identify the fund out of which the judgment of the court in condemnation proceedings shall be paid. However, no property of any public service corporation shall be condemned except in accordance with §§ 15.2-1906, 15.2-2146 through 15.2-2148 and 25.1-102.

B. In all other condemnation proceedings authorized by § 15.2-1901, property shall be acquired by condemnation proceedings in accordance with the procedure provided in Chapter 2 of Title 25.1.

C. Before entering and taking possession of any property, the locality shall pay into court or to the clerk thereof, for the property owner's benefit, such sum as the governing body estimates to be the fair value of the property taken and damage, if any, done to the residue. Such payment shall not limit the amount to be allowed under proper proceedings.

D. When a locality enters upon and takes possession of property before the conclusion of condemnation proceedings pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 3 of Title 25.1, a certificate in lieu of payment may be issued by the governing body through its authorized designee, which certificate shall be countersigned by the locality's director of finance or authorized agent for availability of funds.

E. As soon as practicable after the date of payment of the purchase price or the date of deposit into court of funds to satisfy the award of compensation in a condemnation proceeding to acquire real property, whichever is earlier, the locality shall reimburse the property owner, or other person legally obligated to pay the real property taxes, for the pro rata portion of real property taxes paid for the period subsequent to the date of title vesting in the locality or the effective date of possession of the real property by the locality, whichever is earlier.

Code 1950, §§ 15-668.1, 15-668.2; 1954, c. 384; 1958, c. 382; 1960, c. 6; 1962, cc. 494, 511, 623, § 15.1-238; 1964, c. 269; 1979, c. 303; 1983, c. 434; 1989, c. 304; 1990, c. 514; 1997, c. 587; 2003, cc. 680, 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1906. Condemnation of existing water or sewage disposal systems.
Condemnation of existing water or sewage disposal systems shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 19.1 (§ 15.2-1908 et seq.) of this title so far as applicable. The provisions of § 25.1-102 shall not apply in the case of condemnation of an existing water or sewage disposal system in its entirety. The circuit court for the city or county wherein the property proposed to be condemned, or any part thereof, is located, shall have jurisdiction of the condemnation proceedings. It shall not be necessary to file with the petition for the condemnation of an existing water or sewage system, in its entirety, a minute inventory and description of the property sought to be condemned, provided the property is described therein generally and with reasonable particularity and in such manner as to disclose the intention of the petitioner that such existing water or sewage system be condemned in its entirety. The court having jurisdiction of the condemnation proceedings shall, as the occasion arises and prior to the filing of the report of the body determining just compensation for the property sought to be condemned in its entirety, take such steps as may be necessary and proper to cause to be included in an inventory of the property sought to be condemned full descriptions of any and all such property whenever the exigencies of the case or the ends of justice will be promoted thereby. Such inventory shall be made a part of the record in the proceedings and referred to the body determining just compensation.

Code 1950, § 15-754; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-340; 1997, c.; 2003, c. 940; 2025, c. 617.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1907. Condemnation for water supplies and water lines.
Upon compliance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1, cities and towns may acquire by condemnation any lands or rights-of-way necessary for maintaining, protecting, or providing supplies of water for public use or for laying water pipes, and counties may so acquire such lands or rights-of-way within their borders. Any interest acquired under this section by a county, city or town shall be subject to the provisions of § 25.1-102.

Code 1950, § 25-232; 1964, c. 291, § 25-232.01; 1980, c. 559; 1986, c. 117; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19 (CONDEMNATION)
§ 15.2-1907.1. Condemnation of lands for compensatory mitigation of wetlands.
Notwithstanding any other provision of a local government charter or other special act, when authorization is required by federal or state law for any project affecting wetlands and the authorization is conditioned upon compensatory mitigation for adverse impacts to wetlands, no locality or other political subdivision shall acquire through exercise of the power of eminent domain any property to satisfy such condition unless: (i) the property sought to be acquired is located within the same locality as the project affecting wetlands, or (ii) the governing body of the locality where the property sought to be acquired consents to its acquisition for such purpose.

2005, c. 311.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1908. Council or other governing body to file copy of resolution.
In any proceedings instituted by any city or county to acquire a waterworks system by condemnation pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1, as authorized by § 15.2-1906 and §§ 15.2-2146, 15.2-2147, and 15.2-2148, after the body determining just compensation, as defined in § 25.1-100, has filed its report as provided by § 25.1-232, it shall be the duty of its council or other governing body, within such time as may be fixed and allowed by the court, to file in the proceedings a certified copy of a resolution of such council or other governing body stating whether the council or other governing body is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the city or county to take the property sought to be condemned at the amount fixed by the body determining just compensation as compensation or damages on account of the taking of same. If such copy of the resolution be not filed within the time allowed by the court, or within any extension of such time which may be allowed, the proceedings shall be dismissed on motion of any party thereto.

1938, p. 48; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-47; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1909. Such resolution to contain statement as to issuance of bonds.
If in order to pay the amount fixed by the body determining just compensation it will be necessary for the city or county to issue and sell its bonds, such resolution filed shall so state, and shall further state that the council or other governing body proposes promptly to take the necessary and appropriate action required by law to issue and sell such bonds whenever authorized by § 15.2-1910.

1938, p. 48; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-48; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1910. Prerequisite to issuance and sale of bonds.
The necessary and appropriate action for the issuance and sale of such bonds may be taken: (i) whenever an order, decree or judgment of the court confirming the report of the body determining just compensation has become final and not subject to review by writ of error or appeal; (ii) if appealed, whenever the report shall be finally confirmed by any final appellate court; or (iii) whenever a sole defendant, if there be but one, or all of the defendants, if there be more than one, shall file in the proceedings a statement or statements that such defendant or defendants will accept the report of the body determining just compensation and will not dispute or contest in any manner the amount therein fixed or the legality of the proceedings.

1938, p. 48; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-49; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1911. Statement by defendant precludes appeal.
If a statement, as provided for in § 15.2-1910, is filed by each defendant, no appeal or writ of error shall thereafter be allowed such defendant.

1938, p. 49; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-50; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1912. Time for sale of bonds or payment fixed by court.
When such report is finally confirmed or when such defendant or defendants have filed in such proceedings the statement or statements as provided by § 15.2-1910, the court shall, upon motion of any party to the proceedings, after notice to all other parties thereto, fix a reasonable time within which the city or county must complete the issuance and sale of its bonds, if the sale of bonds is necessary, or pay the money to the party or parties entitled thereto, or pay the same into the court. Such time so fixed may be extended by the court for good cause shown.

1938, p. 49; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-51; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1913. Time for holding election if revenue bonds are to be issued.
If the bonds that any such city or county proposes to issue in order to raise the money necessary to pay the amount fixed in the report of the body determining just compensation will be revenue bonds requiring approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified voters in a referendum election as provided in Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia, the court shall allow a reasonable time for the holding of the required election.

1938, p. 49; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-52; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1914. Proceedings dismissed if issuance defeated or bonds cannot be sold; resolution of approval of report not deemed contract to purchase.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1915. Proceedings dismissed on failure to pay compensation; judgment for fees and costs.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 19.1 (ACQUISITION OF WATERWORKS SYSTEMS)
§ 15.2-1916. Right to pay compensation into court and take possession and operate.
A. Notwithstanding any exceptions that may be filed to the report of the body determining just compensation or the pendency of proceedings on the exceptions, or any appeal or writ of error that may be contemplated or may be pending, or the pendency of any other matters in such proceedings, any such city or county shall have the right at any time pending such proceedings, after the filing of the report of the body determining just compensation, to pay into court the amount of the award fixed by the report and take possession of and operate the property sought to be condemned and embraced in such report, and to enlarge the works taken and construct additional works on any property taken and to make any needed repairs to or replacements, or substitutions with respect to the works or any part thereof. No court or judge shall enter any order or decree restraining, prohibiting or enjoining any such city or county from taking such possession of any such waterworks or other property embraced in the report of the body determining just compensation, or from operating same or making replacements, repairs, betterments or additions thereto.

B. If such money is paid and possession taken within 90 days of the time of the filing of the report of the body determining just compensation, no interest on the amount of the award, or any part thereof, shall be allowable to the defendant or defendants, and if such money is paid and possession taken after the lapse of more than 90 days from the date of the filing of the report of the body determining just compensation, the court, upon hearing after due notice, shall adjudicate all claims made by the defendant or defendants for damages claimed to have been sustained and for interest on the value of the property taken, and for additions thereto or replacements during or for the time elapsed since the expiration of the 90 days. If the property taken, or any part thereof, be income producing the court shall take into consideration any income accruing to the property owner during such period, and shall also take into consideration depreciation of an operating water system as well as the cost of additions, betterments, and replacements made by the city or county. If the court finds that the property owner is entitled to receive any additional payment by reason of such matters, it shall render judgment against the city or county for the amount thereof.

1938, p. 50; Michie Code 1942, § 4387a; Code 1950, § 25-55; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-200. Required procedure for obtaining new charter or amendment.
No charter shall be granted to a locality by the General Assembly and no charter of a locality shall be amended by the General Assembly except as provided in this chapter or in Chapter 34 (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.) of this title.

Code 1950, § 15-65.1; 1958, c. 329; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-833; 1979, c. 297; 1985, c. 387; 1986, c. 312; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-201. Charter elections; subsequent procedure; procedure when bill not introduced or fails to pass in General Assembly.
A locality may provide for holding an election to be conducted as provided in § 24.2-681 et seq. of Title 24.2 to determine if the voters of the locality desire that it request the General Assembly to grant to the locality a new charter or to amend its existing charter. At least seven days prior to the holding of such election, public notice shall be given in accordance with § 15.2-1427.

If a majority of the voters voting in such election vote in favor of such request, the locality shall transmit two certified copies of the results of such election together with the publisher's affidavit and the new charter or the amendments to the existing charter, to one or more members of the General Assembly representing such locality for introduction as a bill in the succeeding session of the General Assembly.

If a bill incorporating such charter or amendments is not introduced at the succeeding session of the General Assembly, the approval of the voters for such charter or amendments shall be void. If, at such session, members of the General Assembly fail to enact or pass by indefinitely and do not carry over such a bill incorporating such charter or amendments, the charter or amendments shall again be presented to the voters for their approval or submitted to a public hearing pursuant to § 15.2-202 before reintroduction in the General Assembly.

Code 1950, § 15-65.2; 1958, c. 329; 1962, cc. 1, 623, § 15.1-834; 1979, c. 297; 1985, c. 387; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225, 242.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-202. Public hearing in lieu of election; procedure when bill not introduced or fails to pass in General Assembly.
In lieu of the election provided for in § 15.2-201, a locality requesting the General Assembly to grant to it a new charter or to amend its existing charter may hold a public hearing with respect thereto, at which citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard to determine if the citizens of the locality desire that the locality request the General Assembly to grant to it a new charter, or to amend its existing charter. Public notice shall be given in accordance with § 15.2-1427. The public hearing may be adjourned from time to time, and upon the completion thereof, the locality may request, in the manner provided in § 15.2-201, the General Assembly to grant the new charter or amend the existing charter and the provisions of § 15.2-201 shall be applicable thereto.

If a bill incorporating such charter or amendments is not introduced at the succeeding session of the General Assembly, the authority of the locality to request such charter or amendments by reason of such public hearing shall thereafter be void. If at such session members of the General Assembly fail to enact and do not carry over or pass by indefinitely a bill incorporating such charter or amendments, the charter or amendments may again be submitted to a public hearing in lieu of an election as provided hereinabove before reintroduction in the General Assembly.

The locality requesting a new or amended charter shall provide with such request a publisher's affidavit showing that the public hearing was advertised and a certified copy of the governing body's minutes showing the action taken at the advertised public hearing.

Code 1950, § 15-65.3; 1958, c. 329; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-835; 1979, c. 297; 1985, c. 387; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507; 2024, cc. 225, 242.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-203. Legislation granting or amending charter evidence of compliance with requirements.
The passage of any legislation granting or amending any charter of a locality shall be conclusive evidence of compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 15-65.4; 1960, c. 497; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-836; 1985, c. 387; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-204. Uniform charter powers.
Cities and towns shall have all powers set forth in Article 1 (§ 15.2-1100 et seq.) of Chapter 11, known as the uniform charter powers. Such powers do not need to be set out or incorporated by reference in a city or town charter.

Counties shall have all powers set forth in Article 1 (§ 15.2-1100 et seq.) of Chapter 11 only when such powers are specifically conferred upon the county.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-205. Use of provisions of chapter not authorized for certain purposes.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the statutes within this chapter shall not be used as authorization for ordering or holding any election or referendum the results of which would cause or result in the abolition of any office set forth in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia until the abolition of any such office has first been provided for by a general law or special act on such question alone and approved in a referendum.

1977, c. 684, § 15.1-836.1; 1979, c. 297; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-206. Special elections; request for abolition of certain local constitutional offices.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-207. Boundaries of municipal corporations continued; charters not to contain metes and bounds; incorporated by reference.
The boundaries of municipal corporations remain as now established unless changed as provided in this title. No charter of any municipal corporation shall contain the metes and bounds of such municipal corporation, but the boundaries shall be incorporated therein by reference to the recordation in the clerk's office of the court where deeds are admitted to record of the final decree or order of the court establishing such boundaries or the act of the General Assembly by which they are defined. The part of the charter of a municipal corporation defining its boundaries hereafter amended shall not contain the metes and bounds of the municipal corporation, but the boundaries shall be incorporated therein by reference to the recordation of a final decree or order of court or to a General Assembly act.

Code 1950, § 15.1-908; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-836.2; 1979, c. 297; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-208. Boundaries of counties.
No county charter shall contain the description of the county's boundaries.

1985, c. 387, § 15.1-836.3; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 2 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHARTERS)
§ 15.2-209. Notice to be given to counties, cities, and towns of tort claims for damages.
A. Every claim cognizable against any county, city, or town for negligence shall be forever barred unless the claimant or his agent, attorney, or representative has filed a written statement of the nature of the claim, which includes the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred, within six months after such cause of action accrued. Failure to provide such statement shall not bar a claim against any county, city, or town, provided that the attorney, chief executive, or mayor of such locality, or any insurer or entity providing coverage or indemnification of the claim, had actual knowledge of the claim, which includes the nature of the claim and the time and place at which the injury is alleged to have occurred, within six months after such cause of action accrued. However, if the claimant was under a disability at the time the cause of action accrued, the tolling provisions of § 8.01-229 shall apply.

B. The statement shall be filed with the county, city, or town attorney or with the chief executive or mayor of the county, city, or town.

C. The notice is deemed filed when it is received in the office of the official to whom the notice is directed. The notice may be delivered by hand, by any form of United States mail service (including regular, certified, registered or overnight mail), or by commercial delivery service.

D. In any action contesting the filing of the notice of claim, the burden of proof shall be on the claimant to establish receipt of the notice in conformity with this section. A signed United States mail return receipt indicating the date of delivery, or any other form of signed and dated acknowledgment of delivery, given by authorized personnel in the office of the official with whom the statement is filed, shall be prima facie evidence of filing of the notice under this section.

E. This section does not, and shall not be construed to, abrogate, limit, expand or modify the sovereign immunity of any county, city, town, or any officer, agent or employee of the foregoing.

F. This section, on and after June 30, 1954, shall take precedence over the provisions of all charters and amendments thereto of municipal corporations in conflict herewith granted prior to such date. It is further declared that as to any such charter or amendment thereto, granted on and after such date, that any provision therein in conflict with this section shall be deemed to be invalid as being in conflict with Article IV, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia unless such conflict be stated in the title to such proposed charter or amendment thereto by the words "conflicting with § 15.2-209 of the Code" or substantially similar language.

G. The provisions of this section are mandatory and shall be strictly construed. This section is procedural and compliance with its provisions is not jurisdictional.

2007, c. 368; 2016, c. 772.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2000. State highway systems excepted; town streets.
A. Nothing contained in this chapter, except as otherwise provided, shall apply to any highway, road, street or other public right-of-way which constitutes a part of any system of state highways; however, any highway for which a locality receives highway maintenance funds pursuant to § 33.2-319 or 33.2-366 shall not, for purposes of this section, be deemed to be a part of any system of state highways.

B. Public rights-of-way subject to local control under this chapter which lie within the boundaries of incorporated towns which receive highway maintenance funds pursuant to § 33.2-319 shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the town council of such town and not the board of supervisors of the county in which such town is located.

C. The term "public right-of-way" as used in this chapter means any area over which the public has a general privilege to travel. It includes, but is not limited to, ways, areas between deeded right-of-way boundary lines, and easements of all descriptions that are available for general travel by the public.

Code 1950, § 15-77.59:1; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-896; 1994, c. 177; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 839.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2001. Streets, sidewalks and public rights-of-way generally.
Every locality may lay out, open, extend, widen, narrow, establish or change the grade of, close, construct, pave, curb, gutter, plant and maintain shade trees on, improve, maintain, repair, clean and light: streets, limited access highways, express highways, roads, alleys, bridges, viaducts, subways and underpasses. Localities may make, improve and repair sidewalks upon all public rights-of-way and may convert sidewalks to bicycle paths. A locality's power and authority over its public rights-of-way and other public places shall be the same, regardless of whether the public right-of-way or place has been expressly or impliedly dedicated to public use, has been conveyed to the locality by deed, or has been acquired by any other means.

Furthermore, any locality may establish highway user fees for highways that are not part of any system of state highways when such highway's traffic-carrying capacity is increased by construction or improvement.

Code 1950, § 15-77.53; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-889; 1974, c. 407; 1997, c. 587; 2006, c. 924.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2002. Acquisitions in connection with public right-of-way changes.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2003. Acquisition of land for public rights-of-way outside certain corporate limits.
Whenever the council of any city having a population of more than 100,000 seeks to acquire land for projecting roads, streets and avenues or for extending any of its existing roads, streets and avenues of uniform width into the territory adjacent to such city, it may acquire the necessary lands as permitted by § 15.2-1800; however, no such land shall be acquired except within five miles from the corporate limits, and the proposed location of any such projected or extended roads, streets and avenues shall be approved by the board of supervisors of the county in which such road, street or avenue is located.

Code 1950, § 15-772; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-373; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2004. Streets, highways, etc., outside a city or town.
A city or town may construct, improve and maintain, or aid in the construction, improvement and maintenance of streets, roads, highways, bridges and underpasses outside the city or town in order to facilitate public travel and traffic into and out of the city or town or any property owned by it outside its boundaries.

Code 1950, § 15-77.54; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-890; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2005. Streets, etc., through any lands belonging to Commonwealth.
No street, alley or public highway not now actually improved and open to public travel shall be opened or maintained through, on or over any land lying in any city or town which belongs to the Commonwealth, without first obtaining the consent of the General Assembly, anything in the charter or ordinances of any city or town to the contrary notwithstanding.

Nothing herein shall be construed as interfering in any way with the present or future plans of any cities or towns in regard to the location and maintenance of sewerage and surface drainage on or through such properties when submitted to and approved by the Governor.

Code 1950, § 15-773; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-374; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2006. Alteration and vacation of public rights-of-way; appeal from decision.
In addition to (i) the powers contained in the charter of any locality, (ii) any powers now had by such governing bodies under the common law or (iii) powers by other provisions of law, public rights-of-way in localities may be altered or vacated on motion of such governing bodies or on application of any person after notice of intention to do so has been published twice in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality, with the first notice appearing no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the hearing. The notice shall specify the time and place of a hearing at which persons affected may appear and be heard. The cost of publishing the notice shall be taxed to the applicant. At the conclusion of the hearing and on application of any person, the governing body may appoint three to five people to view such public right-of-way and report in writing any inconvenience that would result from discontinuing the right-of-way. The governing body may allow the viewers up to fifty dollars each for their services. The sum allowed shall be paid by the person making the application to alter or vacate the public right-of-way. From such report and other evidence, if any, and after the land owners affected thereby, along the public right-of-way proposed to be altered or vacated, have been notified, the governing body may discontinue the public right-of-way. When an applicant requests a vacation to accommodate expansion or development of an existing or proposed business, the governing body may condition the vacation upon commencement of the expansion or development within a specified period of time. Failing to commence within such time may render the vacation, at the option of the governing body, void. A certified copy of the ordinance of vacation shall be recorded as deeds are recorded and indexed in the name of the locality. A conditional vacation shall not be recorded until the condition has been met.

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

Code 1950, § 15-766; 1950, p. 725; 1952, c. 580; 1956, c. 487; 1958, c. 196; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-364; 1964, c. 13; 1972, c. 357; 1973, c. 71; 1980, c. 236; 1982, c. 381; 1983, c. 33; 1984, c. 175; 1986, c. 41; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225, 242.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2007. Fee for processing application under § 15.2-2006.
The governing body of any locality may prescribe and charge a reasonable fee not exceeding $100 for processing an application pursuant to § 15.2-2006.

1970, c. 161, § 15.1-364.1; 1976, c. 183; 1979, c. 208; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2007.1. Appointment of viewers in certain cities.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 20 (STREETS AND ALLEYS)
§ 15.2-2008. Sale of public rights-of-way, easements, etc., to certain purchasers.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, any locality, as a condition to a vacation or abandonment, may require the fractional portion of its public rights-of-way and easements to be purchased by any abutting property owner. The price shall be no greater than the property's fair market value or its contributory value to the abutting property, whichever is greater, or the amount agreed to by the parties. No such vacation or abandonment shall be concluded until the agreed price has been paid. If any abutting property owner does not pay for such owner's fractional portion within one year, or other time period made a condition of the vacation or abandonment, of the local government action to vacate or abandon, then the vacation or abandonment shall be void as to any such property owner.

1979, c. 241, § 15.1-366; 1985, c. 276; 1992, c. 362; 1993, c. 343; 1997, c. 587.