dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-929. Solid waste management facility siting approval.
A. Any locality may enact an ordinance regulating the siting of solid waste management facilities within its boundaries. The ordinance shall prescribe the criteria, form of application, and procedure, which shall include a public hearing, for siting approval. In establishing the criteria, the locality shall consider the potential effect of the siting of a solid waste management facility on the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the locality. Any person desiring to site a solid waste management facility within the boundaries of any locality which has adopted an ordinance pursuant to this section shall file its application with the governing body of the locality. Within 120 days of the receipt of an application which complies with the provisions of the ordinance, the governing body shall grant or deny siting approval. Failure to act within 120 days shall constitute a granting of siting approval.

B. Whenever any governing body denies siting approval, the applicant shall be entitled to appeal such decision to the circuit court of the jurisdiction denying siting approval.

C. Any person who has already been issued a permit to operate a solid waste management facility by the Department of Environmental Quality or has received zoning or other land use approval for the siting of the facility, prior to July 1, 1989, shall not be required to obtain siting approval for such solid waste management facility pursuant to the provisions of this section.

1989, c. 623, § 15.1-11.02; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-932. Authorization to enter into certain contracts for garbage and refuse pickup and disposal services; waste recovery facilities.
Any locality is authorized to contract with any person, whether profit or nonprofit, for garbage and refuse pickup and disposal services in its locality and to enter into contracts relating to waste disposal facilities which recover energy or materials from garbage, trash and refuse. Such contracts may make provision for, among other things, (i) the purchase by the locality of all or a portion of the disposal capacity of a waste disposal facility located within or outside the locality for its present or future waste disposal requirements, (ii) the operation of such facility by the locality, (iii) the delivery by or on behalf of the contracting locality of specified quantities of garbage, trash and refuse, whether or not such locality collects such garbage, trash and refuse, and the making of payments in respect of such quantities of garbage, trash and refuse, for such garbage, trash and refuse delivered, (iv) adjustments to payments made by the locality in respect of inflation, changes in energy prices or residue disposal costs, taxes imposed upon the facility owner or operator, or other events beyond the control of the facility operator or owners, (v) the fixing and collection of fees, rates or charges for use of the disposal facility and for any product or service resulting from operation of the facility, and (vi) such other provision as is necessary for the safe and effective construction, maintenance or operation of such facility, whether or not such provision displaces competition in any market. Any such contract shall not be deemed to be a debt or gift of the localities within the meaning of any law, charter provision or debt limitation. Nothing in the foregoing powers granted such locality shall include the authority to pledge the full faith and credit of such locality in violation of Article X, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia.

1985, c. 558, § 15.1-28.02; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-933. Ordinances requiring delivery of garbage, trash and refuse to certain facilities; exceptions.
Any ordinance requiring the delivery of all or any portion of the garbage, trash or refuse generated or disposed of within a locality to waste disposal facilities located within or outside the locality, or otherwise prohibiting the disposal of garbage, trash and refuse in or at any other place other than that provided for the purpose, shall not apply to garbage, trash and refuse generated, purchased or utilized by an entity engaged in the business of manufacturing, mining, processing, refining or conversion except for an entity engaged in the production of energy or refuse-derived fuels for sale to a person other than any entity controlling, controlled by or under the same control as the manufacturer, miner, processor, refiner or converter. Nor shall such ordinance apply to (i) recyclable materials, which are those materials that have been source-separated by any person or materials that have been separated from garbage, trash and refuse by any person for utilization in both cases as a raw material to be manufactured into a new product other than fuel or energy, (ii) construction debris to be disposed of in a landfill or (iii) waste oil.

1985, c. 558, § 15.1-28.03; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-935. Authority to prohibit placement of leaves or grass clippings in landfills.
A. Any locality may by ordinance prohibit the disposal of leaves or grass clippings in any privately operated landfill within its jurisdiction, provided such locality has implemented a composting program which is capable of handling all leaves and grass clippings generated within the jurisdiction. However, no such ordinance shall contain provisions which penalize anyone other than the initial generator of such leaves or grass clippings.

B. For purposes of this section, the term "composting" means the manipulation of the natural aerobic process of decomposition of organic materials to increase the rate of decomposition.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any locality from prohibiting the disposal of leaves and grass clippings in any public landfill which it operates if that locality has implemented a composting program which is capable of handling all leaves and grass clippings generated within its jurisdiction.

1990, c. 172, § 15.1-11.5:1; 1992, c. 638; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-936. Garbage and refuse disposal; fee exemption.
Persons may be exempted, deferred, or charged a lesser amount by a locality from paying any charges and fees authorized by any law for the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse. Ordinances providing for such exemptions, deferrals or charges of lesser amounts may be conditioned upon only the income criteria as provided by § 58.1-3211 as in effect on December 31, 2010.

1992, cc. 197, 458, § 15.1-11.04; 1993, cc. 643, 651; 1997, c. 587; 2011, cc. 438, 496.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-937. Separation of solid waste.
A. Any locality may by ordinance require any person to separate solid waste for collection and recycling. Any such ordinance shall specify the type of materials to be separated. No such ordinance shall affect the right of any person to sell or otherwise dispose of waste material as provided in § 15.2-933 or permitted under any other law of the Commonwealth, nor shall any such ordinance impose any liability upon any apartment or commercial office building owner or manager for failure of tenants to comply with any provisions of the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section or upon any waste hauler for failure of its customers to comply with such ordinance. No such ordinance shall impose criminal penalties for failure to comply with its provisions; however, such ordinance may prescribe civil penalties for violations of the provisions of the ordinance.

B. Any locality may by ordinance provide for the reasonable inspection at any landfill within their jurisdiction of any tractor truck semitrailer combination with five or more axles transporting solid waste to any landfill within their jurisdiction to ensure separation of such solid waste in accordance with all applicable state laws and regulations. In enforcing such ordinance, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that solid waste transported from any jurisdiction which has comparable requirements for waste recycling is in compliance with such ordinance.

C. For purposes of this section, the term "recycling" has the meaning ascribed to it in § 10.1-1414.

1988, c. 373, § 15.1-11.5; 1990, cc. 608, 961; 1992, c. 638; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-938. Preference for purchase of recycled paper and paper products.
A. Any locality may by ordinance require that in determining the award of any contract for paper or paper products to be purchased for use by any division, department, or agency of such locality, the purchasing agent for such locality shall procure using competitive sealed bidding and shall award to the lowest responsible bidder offering recycled paper or paper products of a quality suitable for the purpose intended, so long as the bid price is not more than ten percent greater than the bid price of the low responsive and responsible bidder offering a product that does not qualify under subsection B of this section.

B. For purposes of this section, recycled paper and paper products means any paper and paper products meeting the EPA Recommended Content Standards as defined in former 40 C.F.R. Part 247.

1990, cc. 449, 857, § 15.1-11.5:01; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-939. Ordinances requiring recycling reports.
Any locality may by ordinance require all nonresidential solid waste generators and companies that manage solid waste or recycle materials generated within its jurisdiction to annually report such nonproprietary information regarding waste generation, waste management, and recycling as is necessary to facilitate compliance with regulations adopted pursuant to § 10.1-1411. Any report required under this section shall be based on volume or weight, provided that where such measurements cannot be accurately determined, the report may be based on carefully estimated data.

1990, cc. 540, 563, § 15.1-11.5:2; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-940. Expenditures for promoting resources and advantages of locality.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-941. Participation by local government in certain loan programs.
Any locality or other political subdivision may participate in a program known as the "Virginia Shell Building Initiative." It is the intent of the General Assembly that this program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, make available moneys to any locality or any other political subdivision for the express purpose of constructing industrial shell buildings, or renovating existing buildings, to be sold or leased at public or private sale to any person that will locate thereon any manufacturing, processing, technology-related or similar establishment.

Prior to filing an application with the Authority to participate in this program, the governing body shall hold a public hearing on the application and disposal of the proposed industrial shell buildings and related real estate. This public hearing process shall fulfill the public hearing requirements for the disposal of property set forth in § 15.2-1800.

1989, c. 285, § 15.1-18.4; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 1997, c. 587; 2001, c. 66.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-941.1. Creation of abandoned school revitalization zones.
A. Any locality may establish by ordinance one or more abandoned school revitalization zones for the purpose of providing incentives to private entities to purchase or develop real property or to assemble parcels suitable for economic development that include an abandoned school site. Each locality establishing an abandoned school revitalization zone may grant incentives and provide regulatory flexibility.

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

C. Incentives established pursuant to this section may extend for a period of up to 10 years from the date of initial establishment of the abandoned school revitalization zone; however, the extent and duration of any incentive shall conform to the requirements of applicable federal and state law.

D. The regulatory flexibility provided in an abandoned school revitalization zone may include (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) the use of a special permit process; (iii) exemption from certain specified ordinances, excluding ordinances or provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.) and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.); and (iv) any other incentives adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

E. The governing body may establish a service district for the provision of additional public services pursuant to Chapter 24 (§ 15.2-2400 et seq.).

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

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

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

2018, cc. 498, 499.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-942. Local government participation in certain events.
Any locality may provide for the re-creation and portrayal of important historical or cultural events associated with or which have taken place within the locality. Such locality may:

1. Enter into agreements with public or private nonprofit organizations to stage and promote such events;

2. Charge admission to such events, permit street vending, the sale of food, beverages, and merchandise related to and compatible with the objectives of the public celebration arranged for such events, or to delegate to such organizations the authority to do so;

3. Delegate to such organizations the collection of license fees from vendors;

4. Require a surety bond adequate to protect the public interest;

5. Restrict traffic on designated streets for the duration of the events; and

6. Make gifts by ordinance to such organizations from its treasury in furtherance of the re-creation and portrayal of such important historical or cultural events.

1984, c. 588, § 15.1-28.6; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-943. Operation and maintenance of living historical farm museums.
A. The General Assembly finds that there is a public interest in encouraging the development of living historical farm museums to preserve for posterity living examples of earlier farm operation and farm life in Virginia. Such living historical farm museums lead to respect for the past, the education of the young and also serve as tourist attractions in the Commonwealth.

B. A "living historical farm museum," for the purposes of this section, shall be a nonprofit corporation or association dedicating no less than five acres for the sole purpose of portraying by restoration, preservation or reconstruction of farm operation and farm life, including milling, of a selected period in the agricultural history of Virginia. The requirement that the museum shall be nonprofit shall not prevent the museum from charging admittance fees adequate to cover costs of operation and maintenance.

C. Any locality may provide, by appropriate ordinance, that whenever a person dedicates five or more acres to a nonprofit corporation or association dedicated solely for the purpose of organizing, operating, and maintaining a living historical farm museum, such person may be authorized to build and maintain such structures for the living historical farm museum as will be used in the operation, maintenance and support of such museum, subject, however, to any provisions of any zoning or planning ordinance of such locality.

1973, c. 332, § 15.1-18.1:1; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-943.1. Creation of arts and cultural districts.
A. Any locality, or combination of localities, may by ordinance, or in the case of multiple localities by substantially similar ordinances, establish within the boundaries of such localities one or more arts and cultural districts for the purpose of increasing awareness and support for the arts and culture in the locality. The locality may provide incentives for the support and creation of arts and cultural venues in each district. The locality may also grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in each arts and cultural district.

B. The tax incentives for each district may be provided for up to 10 years and may include, but not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax, and (iv) rebate of real estate property taxes. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

C. Each locality may also provide for regulatory flexibility in each district that may include, but not be limited to, (i) special zoning for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances, and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

2018, c. 396.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-944. Authority to acquire and preserve places and things of historical interest.
Any locality may acquire, except by condemnation, sites, landmarks, structures and records of historical interest and value to the Commonwealth and may restore and preserve them, or may convey them to a nonstock corporation chartered under Virginia law for the purposes of acquiring and preserving such places and things. A locality may appropriate money to any such corporation.

Code 1950, § 15-7.3; 1962, c. 333, § 15.1-18.1; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-944.1. Notification prior to sale or transfer of ownership of certain historic properties.
A. Any charitable or civic organization or museum that (i) has been granted tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (ii) owns real property that is designated as historic under a local zoning ordinance or meets the criteria for a historic area under § 15.2-2201; and (iii) is operating that property as a historic attraction open to the public for interpretation for more than 100 days per year, shall notify in writing the locality's chief administrative officer, the Department of Historic Resources, and the Office of Attorney General of its intent to sell or transfer ownership of such property.

B. Such notification shall be provided at least ninety days prior to the public offering for sale of such property, or if no public offering is made, at least ninety days prior to the acceptance of a purchase offer for such property.

C. The notification required pursuant to subsection A shall be waived where (i) only a portion of the property is sold or transferred and the portion that is not sold or transferred remains open to the public at least 100 days a year; (ii) the property is being transferred to another owner who has been granted tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the property remains open to the public at least 100 days a year; or (iii) an easement, right-of-way, or leasehold interest in the property is being sold or transferred and the property remains open to the public at least 100 days a year.

D. Failure to provide the notification required by this section shall not be the basis for invalidation of any sale, but may subject the terms of the sale to special review by the locality or the Attorney General to ensure that such sale has not resulted in a violation of any public law or charitable trust obligation by the transferring organization or entity.

2001, c. 780.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-945. Acquisition and housing of relics, paintings, carvings, sculpture and other works of art.
The governing body of any locality may enter into agreements with appropriate authorities or agencies, acting under legislation enacted by the Congress of the United States, or with any person to provide and secure for such locality such relics and such paintings, carvings, sculpture and other works of art as may be specified in such agreements and may appropriate buildings to house them. For such purposes the governing body, notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 18 (§ 15.2-1800 et seq.) or this chapter to the contrary, may furnish such materials, services and supplies and appropriate and expend from the general funds of such locality such moneys as the governing body deems proper.

Code 1950, § 15-706; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-281; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-946. Regulation of tour guides and tourist guides.
Any locality may, before issuing any license to do business as a tour guide or tourist guide, require that an applicant for such license take and pass an examination to determine the fitness of such person as to his knowledge of the history of the locality and of the historical and tourist attractions located therein.

1984, c. 675, § 15.1-28.7; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-946.1. Expired.
Expired.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-947. Systems of public transportation for certain counties or cities.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of any county or city not a member of a transportation district, upon finding a need for a system of public transportation and the inability of the governing body to reach a reasonable agreement for membership with an existing transportation district, may create, operate, maintain or contract for a system of public transportation to be operated in such county or city for the safety, comfort and convenience of the public. The governing body of any such county or city providing a system of public transportation or desiring to provide such a system may contract with any authority providing public transportation in contiguous localities for transportation services or the interchange of passengers for the purpose of providing continuous service between localities.

1974, c. 325, § 15.1-526.2; 1975, c. 404; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-948. Locality may designate continuing source of revenue for mass transit.
The governing body of any locality may, within the limits permitted by the Constitution, designate any of its continuing sources of revenue, or portions thereof, as a stable and reliable source of revenue to pay its mass transit operating and debt service expenses to the extent that such designation is required by the United States as a prerequisite pursuant to Public Law 96-184 to the provision of funds for mass transit construction and debt service which benefits any such locality.

1980, c. 226, § 15.1-37.3:5; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-949. Shared ride taxi systems, etc.; nonprofit vanpools.
As used herein, "shared ride taxi system" means a transportation system which employs taxicab-type vehicles or other motor vehicles which can carry no more than six passengers, and which attempts to arrange for use of such vehicles by more than one passenger per trip.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any locality which is a member of any transportation district may, with the concurrence of the transportation district commission that there is a need for a shared ride taxi system and the unavailability of adequate existing public transportation or public transportation proposed to be available within a reasonable period of time, construct, finance, purchase, operate, maintain or contract for a shared ride taxi system to be operated in such locality for the health, safety, welfare, comfort and convenience of the public. Such system may be financed from general revenues or funds received from the United States government, from the Commonwealth or any other source. Such system or the equipment and property needed for such system may also be constructed or purchased from proceeds of bonds which may be issued pursuant to the Public Finance Act (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.). Rates may be charged for the use of the system in such amount as the governing body of the locality deems reasonable, and different rates may be charged to different reasonable classifications of users.

The need for a shared ride taxi system and the unavailability of adequate existing or proposed public transportation may be based on the lack of such system or on the lack of such system at such user rates as will promote the health, safety, welfare, comfort and convenience of the public. Contracts may be made with existing or proposed shared ride taxi systems, both publicly and privately owned, for the subsidy of all users or groups of users.

In the administration of this section, private carriers are preferred over public ownership or operation; therefore, before any such locality undertakes to establish and operate its own transportation system which uses taxis or other similar vehicles, it shall first make a bona fide attempt to enter into contracts with existing privately owned taxi businesses. If such locality cannot reach a reasonable agreement within an equitable period of time, then it may by ordinance proceed to establish and operate its own system.

In lieu of establishing a shared ride taxi system, such a locality may provide financial subsidies, low-interest or interest-free loans, or tax incentives to assist with the capital costs involved in the establishment of nonprofit vanpools meeting the definition of ridesharing arrangements set forth in § 46.2-1400.

Any such locality shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out any of the foregoing powers.

1976, c. 303, § 15.1-37.3:3; 1988, c. 109; 1997, c. 587; 2002, c. 337.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-950. Appropriations.
A locality may make appropriations for the purposes for which it is empowered to levy taxes and make assessments, for the support of the locality, for the performance of its functions, and the accomplishment of all other lawful purposes and objectives, subject to such limitations as may be imposed by law.

Code 1950, § 15-77.6; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-842; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-951. Acquisition, disposition and use of personal property by localities generally.
Localities, for the purposes of exercising any of their powers and duties and performing any of their functions, may acquire by gift, bequest, purchase, lease, or installment purchase contract; and may own and make use of and may grant security interests in, sell and otherwise dispose of, within and outside the localities, personal property, including any interest, right or estate therein. In addition, localities may sell and otherwise dispose of surplus materials, as defined in § 2.2-1124, by public sale or auction, including online public auction, provided that such sale or auction conforms with the procedures set forth in subdivisions B 3 through B 5 and subdivision B 8 of § 2.2-1124. In any instance where personal property in any of the following categories: school or transit bus fleet, vehicle fleet, or road construction equipment is sold with the intent to lease back the property, when the value of the proposed sale amount exceeds $2,000,000 approval by the governing body, after notice and a public hearing, shall be required. The public hearing shall be advertised once in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least seven days prior to the date set for the hearing. Any debt incurred by a municipality pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be subject to the limitations imposed by Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia.

1986, c. 573, § 15.1-526.4; 1988, c. 810; 1989, c. 340, § 15.1-29.17; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 531; 2006, cc. 468, 493.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-952. Political subdivisions may acquire property from United States.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any charter or any ordinance, any locality, sanitary district or other political subdivision may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the acquisition and purchase from the United States of America, or any agency thereof, whether now existing or hereafter created, of any equipment, supplies, materials or other property, real or personal, in such manner as such governing body may determine.

It is the purpose of this section to enable any political subdivision of this Commonwealth to secure from time to time promptly the benefits of acquisition and purchases as authorized by this section, to aid them in securing advantageous purchases, to prevent unemployment and thereby to assist in promotion of public welfare and to these ends such political subdivisions may do all things necessary or convenient to carry out such purpose, in addition to the expressed power conferred by this section. This section is remedial in nature and the powers hereby granted shall be liberally construed.

Code 1950, § 15-24; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-32; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-954. Loans to volunteer firefighting and rescue organizations.
Any locality may make loans of money appropriated from public funds to any nonprofit organization furnishing firefighting or rescue services for the construction of facilities or the acquisition of equipment that is to be used for the purpose of providing firefighting or rescue services.

1990, c. 125, § 15.1-24.1; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-954.1. Volunteer firefighter or volunteer emergency medical services personnel tuition reimbursement.
Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, any locality may by ordinance establish and administer a tuition reimbursement program for eligible volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical services personnel, or both, for the purposes of recruitment and retention.

2003, c. 208; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-955. Approval by local governing body for the establishment of volunteer emergency medical services agencies and firefighting organizations.
A. No volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer firefighting organization shall be established in any locality on or after July 1, 1984, without the prior approval by ordinance or resolution of the governing body. Such ordinance or resolution shall specify the geographic boundaries of the agency's primary service area within the locality.

B. Each locality shall seek to ensure that essential emergency medical services are maintained throughout the entire locality.

C. An emergency medical services agency that responds to medical emergencies for its primary service area as defined by the local emergency medical response plan shall be a designated emergency response agency and recognized as an integral and essential part of the official public safety program of the county, city, or town with responsibility for providing emergency medical response.

1984, c. 599, § 15.1-26.01; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 418; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, cc. 458, 459.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-956. Participation in certain federal development programs.
A. Any locality may participate in a program under Title I (Community Development) of the United States Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 or any other federal legislation or program under which the locality may receive and use or administer the use of federal funds for housing, community development or economic development purposes. Any such locality may undertake the community development activities specified in such legislation or programs unless such activities are prohibited by the Constitution of Virginia. Any locality may appropriate its own moneys for the same purposes for which federal funds may be employed under the provisions of such federal legislation or program unless prohibited by the Constitution of Virginia. Any federal funds, or portion thereof, received by a locality under such legislation or programs may be deposited in a special fund which shall be established separate and apart from any other funds, general or special; such funds shall be deemed to be federal funds and shall not be construed to be part of the revenues of such locality.

B. Any city with a population over 100,000 which appropriates local funds pursuant to subsection A may use the income guidelines established by the Virginia Housing Development Authority for its single-family mortgage subsidy program to determine eligibility for home-ownership assistance from its local funds.

1976, c. 251, § 15.1-29.7; 1978, c. 374; 1979, c. 187; 1993, c. 380; 1995, c. 349; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-957. Participation by localities in certain leasing programs.
Any locality may participate in a program under § 8 (Housing Assistance Payments Program) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, on behalf of eligible families or eligible persons leasing privately owned housing directly from owners or private leaseholders. Any such locality may also appropriate its own money for the same purposes for which federal funds may be employed under the provisions of such federal legislation as well as for the purpose of increasing the payments to eligible families or eligible persons beyond federally approved levels when the fair market rent of the rental unit is greater than that established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If any power granted in the foregoing paragraph is held invalid, the other remaining power shall not be affected thereby. If the application of the power granted in the foregoing paragraph to any persons or circumstances is held invalid, the application of the power to other persons shall not be affected thereby. Nothing in the foregoing powers granted localities includes the authority to pledge the full faith and credit of such locality in violation of Article X, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia.

1975, c. 534, § 15.1-29.6; 1976, c. 154; 1978, c. 592; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.1. Sale of certain property in certain cities.
A. The City of Richmond may by ordinance provide for the sale of property for the nominal amount of one dollar if such property (i) has been acquired in accordance with § 58.1-3970 or § 58.1-3970.1 or (ii) has been declared a blighted structure and has been acquired by the city in accordance with § 36-49.1:1.

B. If the city sells a property acquired under subsection A, the city shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the property into compliance with the local building code within a period not to exceed two years of the purchase. The city may include any additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intent of this section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable codes.

C. A "blighted structure" means a structure as defined in § 36-49. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, such city may exercise within its boundaries any spot blight abatement procedures set forth in § 36-49.1:1. The owner shall have the opportunity to take corrective action or present a reasonable plan to do so in accordance with such section.

2000, c. 364; 2007, c. 813.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.1:1. Sale of certain vacant and blighted or derelict property.
A. Any locality where property is located that (i) has been vacant for at least five years, (ii) has been declared a blighted property or derelict building as defined in § 58.1-3221.6, and (iii) is tax delinquent may petition the circuit court to appoint a special commissioner to execute the necessary deed or deeds to convey the real estate, in lieu of a sale at public auction, to the locality, to the locality's land bank entity, or to an existing nonprofit entity designated by the locality to carry out the functions of a land bank entity pursuant to § 15.2-7512. The conveyance of real estate may include all parcels of property owned by the entity in the locality if, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, all the parcels are deemed necessary to effectuate a proper sale of the property to an interested developer.

After notice as required in Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1 and service of process, and upon answer filed by the owner or other parties in interest to the bill in equity, the court shall allow the parties to present evidence and arguments, ore tenus, prior to the appointment of the special commissioner. Any surplusage accruing to a locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity as a result of the sale of the parcel or parcels after the receipt of the deed shall be payable to the beneficiaries of any liens against the property and to the former owner or his heirs or assigns in accordance with § 58.1-3967. No deficiency shall be charged against the owner after conveyance to the locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity.

B. If the locality sells a property acquired under subsection A, the locality shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the property into compliance with the local building code within a period not to exceed two years of the purchase. The locality may include any additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intent of this section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable codes.

C. The locality may sell the property for the nominal amount of one dollar, assuming there are no outstanding mortgages, loans, or other liens not associated with the locality to a qualified developer who properly responds to a request for proposal and submits a plan for the highest and best use of the property. The local governing body shall review the responses to the request for proposal and choose the developer who has the financial wherewithal to develop the property as proposed.

2025, c. 449.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.2. Grants for homeownership; workforce housing.
A. In order to ensure its competitiveness as an employer, a locality may, by ordinance, provide for the use of funds, other than state funds, to provide homeownership grants to employees of the locality, employees of the school board and employees of constitutional officers, to purchase their primary residences in the locality. The ordinance shall require that individual grants not exceed $25,000 per employee, nor lifetime cumulative grants exceed $25,000 per employee. Any such grants issued shall be subject to the Virginia Housing and Development Authority regional sales price and household income limitations. The ordinance may establish such other terms and conditions to ensure the integrity of the homeownership grant program.

B. In addition to the homeownership grants authorized in subsection A, a locality may by ordinance, and in cooperation with the local school division, offer residential housing assistance grants in amounts not to exceed those permitted in subsection A and, with the local school division, enter into public-private partnerships and other arrangements to provide affordable workforce housing alternatives to school division personnel.

2004, c. 541; 2007, cc. 578, 674; 2009, c. 198.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.2:01. Grants for certain corporations and pass-through entities.
A. The counties and cities listed in subsection B may give grants or loans to any eligible company, as defined in § 58.1-405.1.

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

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

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

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

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

2018, cc. 801, 802; 2019, cc. 262, 263.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.3:1. Local green banks.
A. As used in this section, "clean energy technologies" means energy resources and emerging technologies that have significant potential for commercialization and do not involve (i) the combustion of coal, petroleum or petroleum products, or municipal solid waste or (ii) nuclear fission. "Clean energy technologies" includes renewable energy sources, projects, and infrastructure; energy efficiency projects; alternative fuels used for electricity generation; alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging station infrastructure; and smart grid.

B. Any locality may, by ordinance, establish a green bank to promote the investment in clean energy technologies in its locality and provide financing for clean energy technologies. Such ordinance may include the following functions for a green bank:

1. Finance investment or financial support of investment in clean energy technologies to foster the growth and development of renewable energy sources;

2. Stimulate the demand for renewable energy and the deployment of clean energy technologies that serve end-use customers;

3. Before making any loan, loan guarantee, or other form of financing support for clean energy technologies, develop rules, policies, and procedures to specify borrower eligibility and any other term or condition of financial support;

4. Provide financing or financial support for clean energy technologies;

5. Develop consumer protection standards for investments to ensure that the green bank and its partners are lending in a transparent and responsible manner that is in the financial interests of the borrowers; and

6. Undertake any other activity as needed to support the mission of the green bank.

C. In establishing a green bank, the locality shall determine whether the green bank will be a public entity, quasi-public entity, depository bank, or nonprofit entity.

D. The locality shall offer private lending institutions the opportunity to participate in the green bank established pursuant to this section.

E. Prior to the adoption of any ordinance pursuant to this section, the locality shall conduct a public hearing at which interested persons may object to or inquire about the proposed green bank or any of its particulars. The public hearing shall be advertised once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 405.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.4. Waiver of certain fees for affordable housing.
A. A locality may by ordinance provide for the waiver of building permit fees and other local fees associated with the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of housing by a § 501(c)(3) organization with a primary purpose of assisting with the provision of affordable housing.

B. A locality may by ordinance provide for the waiver of building permit fees and other local fees associated with the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of housing by a private-sector entity that is pursuing an affordable housing development. For purposes of this subsection, a locality may determine in its ordinance what constitutes affordable housing and may set other conditions on the waiver of fees as it deems appropriate.

2009, c. 799; 2019, c. 393.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 9 (GENERAL POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
§ 15.2-958.5. Local funding for community revitalization.
A. Any locality may by ordinance provide for the creation of a community revitalization fund for the purpose of preventing neighborhood deterioration in such locality. The community revitalization fund shall be composed of appropriated local moneys.

B. Any such community fund established pursuant to this section shall be used for one or more of the following purposes:

1. Loans or grants to for-profit and nonprofit organizations for the construction, renovation, or demolition of residential structures in the locality;

2. Infrastructure improvements; and

3. Acquisition of blighted structures in accordance with § 36-49.1:1.

C. Such ordinance shall establish (i) qualifying income guidelines for participants and the communities in which community revitalization funds may be expended and (ii) criteria for participation by for-profit and nonprofit organizations that may be eligible for loans or grants pursuant to the provisions of this section.

2011, cc. 770, 833; 2024, cc. 692, 701.