dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 32 (Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities)
§ 15.2-3241. Petition for contraction of towns located in two or more counties; appointment of special court.
Whenever it is deemed desirable to contract the corporate limits of a town located partially in one county and partially in another, a majority of voters registered to vote at the preceding November general election residing in that part of the town which is proposed to be abandoned may petition the circuit court for the county in which that part of the town is located to amend the charter of the town so as to exclude from the corporate limits of the town that part of the town which is located in such county.

Such petition shall be signed by the petitioners. It shall accurately define the boundary of the territory proposed to be abandoned and shall pray that the charter of the town may be amended so as to exclude such territory from the corporate limits of the town. The circuit court with which the petition was filed shall notify the Supreme Court which shall appoint a special court to hear the case as prescribed by Chapter 30 (§ 15.2-3000 et seq.) of this title.

Code 1950, § 15-158; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1064; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 32 (Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities)
§ 15.2-3242. Parties defendant and publication of such petition.
The county in which the part of the town proposed to be abandoned under § 15.2-3241 is located shall be named as defendant to the petition. Satisfactory proof that the petition, or a descriptive summary of the petition along with a reference to the place in the town where the petition may be examined, has been published in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or town three times, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the filing of the petition, shall be filed with the petition. A statement in the publication to the effect that a certain number of registered voters of the territory proposed to be abandoned signed the petition shall be sufficient in lieu of the names of the signers.

Code 1950, § 15-159; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1065; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225, 242.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 32 (Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities)
§ 15.2-3243. Hearing and order upon such petition.
The special court shall fix a day on which the petition filed pursuant to § 15.2-3241 shall be heard and shall direct the clerk of the court to cause to be summoned the chairman of the board of supervisors of the county and the mayor of the town, who without formal pleadings shall make such defense against the prayer of the petition as they may have. One or more residents or landowners of the territory proposed to be abandoned may appear and set forth reasons why the same should not be done.

If the court is satisfied that it will be in the best interest of a majority of the people of the territory proposed to be abandoned and that the general good of the community will not be materially affected, it shall by an order entered in its common-law order book, reciting the fact of the due publication of the petition, that it is in the best interest of a majority of the people of that part of the town proposed to be abandoned, and that the general good of the community will not be materially affected by amendment of the charter, order that the charter of such town be amended accordingly. Whenever such an order is entered, a copy of the order shall be certified to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The court in its order may make such disposition of the corporate property of the town as may seem to it just and equitable and shall also make such provision as to the payment of any debts or obligations of the town as between the county and the inhabitants of the town as to the court may seem just and equitable.

At the next session of the General Assembly following the final determination of such order, the town shall request that the General Assembly amend its charter in accordance with the court order. The effective date of the transfer of territory shall be the effective date of the court order and not the effective date of the Act of Assembly.

Code 1950, § 15-160; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1066; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 32 (Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities)
§ 15.2-3244. Appeal from such order.
Any one or more of the petitioners, or the defendants, or any inhabitants of the town, who may feel themselves aggrieved by an order declaring territory to be abandoned as provided by this article, or by the refusal to enter such order, may, at any time within 60 days from the date of the order, upon giving bond for costs, the amount thereof to be fixed by the court, appeal to the Court of Appeals according to the general law. Any one or more of the petitioners, or the defendants, or any inhabitants of the town, who may feel themselves aggrieved by any decision of the Court of Appeals rendered pursuant to this section, may, at any time within 30 days from the date of the order, upon giving bond for costs, the amount thereof to be fixed by the court, apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of error and supersedeas according to the general law.

Code 1950, § 15-161; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1067; 1997, c. 587; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 32 (Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities)
§ 15.2-3245. Validation of proceedings.
All proceedings prior to July 1, 1960, taken in contraction of the corporate limits of the City of Fairfax are hereby validated, ratified, approved, and confirmed, and all such contractions or attempted contractions of the corporate limits of such city are hereby declared to have been validly created and established, notwithstanding any defects or irregularities in the creation thereof.

1960, c. 420, § 15.1-1067.1; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3300. Purposes of chapter.
The purposes of this chapter are: (i) to provide complete immunity from annexation and incorporation of new cities for those counties or tier-cities which by reason of their population density and numbers are providing urban services and (ii) to provide a system by which portions of counties may receive immunity from annexation and incorporation of new cities in the future if qualified pursuant to this chapter.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.19:1; 1984, c. 695; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3301. Initiation of proceeding for declaration of immunity.
The governing body of any county or tier-city may, by ordinance passed by a recorded affirmative vote of a majority of the members thereof, petition the circuit court for the county for an order declaring the county or tier-city totally or partially immune, as the case may be, from city-initiated annexation and from the incorporation of new cities within its boundaries.

If the petition for total or partial county immunity is filed after the institution of a proceeding for city-initiated annexation of county or tier-city territory or for the incorporation of a new city within the county's or tier-city's boundaries under the provisions of Chapters 32 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.) or 38 (§ 15.2-3800 et seq.) and before the time limit for pleadings established by the court pursuant to § 15.2-3204 or § 15.2-3805, the proceeding for annexation or incorporation shall be stayed until the court determines the question of total or partial county immunity. The clerk of the circuit court shall give notice of its receipt of a county's or tier-city's petition for immunity to each court in which the county or tier-city may be a party to a city-initiated annexation proceeding or to a proceeding for the incorporation of a new city.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.20; 1984, c. 695; 1985, c. 478; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3302. Criteria for total immunity; judicial determination.
A. If, after receipt of a petition for immunity, the circuit court determines that the county or tier-city has a population at the time of the filing of the petition of at least 20,000 persons and a population density of at least 300 persons per square mile, or a minimum population of at least 50,000 persons and a population density of at least 140 persons per square mile, based either on the latest United States census, on the latest population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, or on a special census conducted under court supervision, it shall enter an order declaring the total county or tier-city immune from city-initiated annexation and incorporation of new cities.

B. If the court determines that the county or tier-city has not met the criteria for immunity as set forth in this section, it shall deny the county's or tier-city's petition.

C. In the determination of its population density, a county or tier-city may elect to have excluded from consideration the area of property within its boundaries which is owned by the federal and state governments and the area covered by bodies of water of forty acres or more in size. If a county or tier-city elects to exclude such areas from consideration, any county or tier-city residents residing in such areas must also be excluded in determining the county's or tier-city's population and population density.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.21; 1984, c. 695; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3303. Notice of determination by court; effect on other proceedings.
The clerk of the circuit court shall give notice of the court's determination of a county's or tier-city's eligibility for immunity to any court in which proceedings were stayed pending a determination of county or tier-city immunity. If county or tier-city immunity is granted by order of the court, any suits stayed pending a determination of such immunity shall be dismissed. If county or tier-city immunity is not granted by order of the court, such stays shall be dissolved.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.22; 1984, c. 695; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3305. Duration of immunity.
After a county or tier-city or part of a county is once granted immunity as provided by this chapter, it shall thereafter retain it.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.22:2; 1984, c. 695; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3306. Limitations to immunity.
A. Immunity granted by this chapter shall not be interpreted to prohibit any town annexations, or to prohibit annexations to a city initiated under the provisions of § 15.2-3203, except that no city may commence or be a petitioner in any such proceeding.

B. Notwithstanding other provisions of law, including § 15.2-3800, no grant of county immunity shall be interpreted to deny the right of any town, which in 1979 possessed a population in excess of 5,000 persons and was situated in a county possessing a population of 20,000 or more persons and a population density of 300 or more persons per square mile, or a population of 50,000 or more persons and a population density of 140 persons or more per square mile, based either on the United States census, on population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, or on a special census conducted under court supervision, to obtain city status. Where a town seeks to become a city under the provisions of this section, the special court shall be limited in its review to a determination of the town's population and population density. Where the court determines that such town has a population of at least 5,000 persons and a density of 200 persons per square mile, it shall enter an order granting the town city status.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.23; 1997, c. 587; 2002, c. 199.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3307. Election of city barred from annexation to be treated as immune county.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any city that is barred or that may hereafter become barred from further annexation may, by resolution passed by a majority vote of its governing body, elect to be treated the same as an immune county for purposes of state police services and for the maintenance and construction of streets and highways. Such election shall be exercised by notifying the Governor of the election at least two years prior to the beginning of the biennium in which it takes effect. If, after a minimum period of eight years following the date upon which such treatment has become effective, a city wishes to terminate such treatment as an immune county, it shall notify the Governor of its intention to return to being treated as a city for such purposes. Such return shall become effective two years after such notification to the Governor.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-977.24; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 33 (IMMUNITY OF COUNTIES OR PARTS OF COUNTIES FROM CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION AND CITY INCORPORATION)
§ 15.2-3308. Partial immunity proceedings final for five years; exceptions.
No county, having instituted proceedings for immunity for part or parts of the county, shall again seek immunity for substantially the same part or parts of the county within the next five years.

Such prohibition shall begin with the date of the final order of the court granting or denying immunity or, in the case of an appeal to the Court of Appeals, with the date of the final order of the Court of Appeals or, in the case of an appeal to the Supreme Court, with the date of the final order issued by the Supreme Court. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a petition for partial immunity if the previous petition was withdrawn, or was dismissed for any reason other than the merits of the case.

The provisions of this section further shall not apply to a county which institutes an immunity proceeding by filing notice with the Commission on Local Government but subsequently fails to petition the court to grant such immunity. In that event, however, the county shall not again institute proceedings for immunity for substantially the same part or parts of the county for at least two years after the date the Commission renders its final report on the initial proceeding.

1985, c. 478, § 15.1-977.25; 1997, c. 587; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 34 (Voluntary Settlement of Annexation, Transition or Immunity Issues)
§ 15.2-3401. Referendum on contracting of debt by counties in voluntary settlement agreements.
Before a county, under the terms of a voluntary agreement pursuant to this chapter, contracts a debt pursuant to Article VII, § 10 (b) of the Constitution of Virginia, the board of supervisors shall, in conformity with Article VII, § 10 (b) of the Constitution of Virginia, petition the circuit court for the county for an order calling for a special election in the county on the question of contracting such debt.

The question on the ballot shall be as follows, provided that the circuit court in its order calling for the election may substitute alternative language necessary to specify the type of agreement or the particular debt which the county proposes to contract under an agreement:

"Shall (name of county) be authorized to contract a debt by entering into a contract for the payment (describe the debt or payment) to (name of locality to whom payments are to be made) as a part of the proposed voluntary annexation and immunity settlement agreement between the county and (name of other locality)?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No"

The clerk of the county shall cause a notice of the referendum to be published three times in a newspaper having general circulation in the county, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the election, and shall post a copy of the notice at the door of the county courthouse.

The election shall be held and the results thereof ascertained and certified in accordance with Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2. If a majority of the voters of the county voting in such election approve the contracting of such debt, the county may proceed to adopt, by ordinance, the agreement.

1985, c. 66, § 15.1-1167.2; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507; 2024, cc. 225, 242.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3500. Application of article.
The provisions of this article shall be applicable only to the consolidation of like units of local government into a consolidated like unit of local government. As used in this article "like unit" means the consolidation of (i) two or more counties into a consolidated county, (ii) two or more cities into a consolidated city or (iii) two or more towns into a consolidated town.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3501. Authority to consolidate counties, cities or towns.
Any two or more adjoining like units of local government are hereby authorized to consolidate into a single consolidated like unit of local government.

Code 1950, § 15-162; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1071; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3502. Agreement for consolidation.
The governing bodies of any two or more adjoining localities desiring to consolidate into a consolidated locality in accordance with this article may enter into an agreement for the consolidation, setting forth in such consolidation agreement:

1. The names of the localities which are proposed to be consolidated;

2. The name of the proposed consolidated locality, which name shall be such as to distinguish it from the name of any other like unit of government in Virginia;

3. The property, real and personal, belonging to each locality and the fair value thereof in current money of the United States;

4. The indebtedness, bonded and otherwise, of each locality;

5. The proposed name and location of the county seat of the consolidated county or the address of the administrative offices of the city or town;

6. If the counties have different forms of county organization and government, the proposed form of county organization and government of the consolidated county, or if the cities or towns are to adopt the charter of one of the cities or towns, the name of the city or town whose charter is adopted; and

7. The other terms of the agreement.

The governing body of each of the localities may appoint an advisory committee composed of three persons to assist in the preparation of such agreement and may pay the members of such advisory committee reasonable compensation, approved by the judge of the circuit court for the locality.

In counties, no consolidation agreement shall become effective unless approved by a referendum. In cities and towns, the consolidation agreement may include a provision requiring approval by referendum.

The original of the consolidation agreement and, if appropriate, a petition on behalf of the several governing bodies asking for a referendum on the question of consolidation shall be filed with the judge or one of the judges of the circuit courts for the localities; there shall be filed with each of the other judges a copy of the consolidation agreement and of the petition.

Code 1950, § 15-163; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1072; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3503. Petition requesting agreement.
The voters of any locality whose governing body has not taken the initiative under § 15.2-3502 may require the governing body to do so by filing a petition with the governing body. The petition shall be signed by not less than ten percent of the voters of the locality registered as of January 1 of the year in which the petition is filed, which in no case shall be less than 100 voters, and shall ask the governing body to effect, in accordance with § 15.2-3502, a consolidation agreement with the locality named in the petition and to petition the judge for a referendum on the question. A copy of the petition of the voters shall also be filed with the judge of the circuit court for the locality. If the governing body within six months is unable or for any reason fails to perfect such consolidation agreement, then the judge of the circuit court for the locality shall appoint a committee of five representative citizens of the locality to act for and in lieu of the governing body in perfecting the consolidation agreement and in petitioning for a referendum.

Code 1950, § 15-164; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1073; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3504. Publication of agreement.
The governing body of each of the consolidating localities shall cause a copy of the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the agreement and a reference to the place within the locality where a copy of the agreement may be examined, to be published in each locality with which it is proposed to consolidate three times in a newspaper having a general circulation therein, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the adoption of the consolidated agreement in accordance with § 15.2-3502. A copy of the agreement shall be available for public inspection at the circuit court clerk's office of each of the consolidating localities.

Code 1950, § 15-165; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1074; 1997, c. 587; 2024, cc. 225, 242.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3505. Order for election.
When the publication of the consolidation agreement in each of the localities is completed, the judge or judges of the circuit courts for the counties and, if appropriate, for the cities or towns shall by order entered of record, in accordance with Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2, require the regular election officers of such localities on the day fixed in the order, which day shall be the same in each of the localities proposing to consolidate, to open a poll and take the sense of the qualified voters therein on the question submitted as hereinafter provided. Certification from the owner, editor or manager of each newspaper publishing the agreement shall be proof of publication.

Code 1950, § 15-166; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1075; 1975, c. 517; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3506. Conduct of election.
The election authorized by § 15.2-3505 shall be conducted in accordance with general law. The ballots used shall be printed and shall contain the following:

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

[ ] Yes

[ ] No."

Code 1950, § 15-167; 1950, p. 395; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1076; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3507. Result of election.
The ballots shall be counted, returns made and canvassed as in other elections and the results certified by the electoral boards to the judge or judges of the circuit courts for the localities. If it appears by the report of the electoral boards that a majority of the voters of each locality proposing to consolidate voting on the question submitted are in favor of the consolidation, the judge or judges shall enter of record such fact and shall notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth of such fact.

Code 1950, § 15-168; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1077; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3508. Election or appointment of county officers.
At the next regular November election held at least sixty days after the election at which the consolidation is approved by the voters, all county officers provided for by general law shall be elected for the consolidated county. Their terms shall begin on January 1 next succeeding their election, at which time they shall replace all elective county officers of the consolidated counties whose terms shall terminate on such day. The terms of the new officers shall expire on January 1 next succeeding the regular election of county officers in the Commonwealth.

All appointive county officers shall be appointed by the person, board or authority upon whom the power to appoint such officers in other counties is conferred. The terms of such officers shall commence on January 1 next succeeding the first election of officers for the consolidated county and shall continue, unless otherwise removed, until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

The successors of all such officers whose first election or appointment is herein provided for shall thereafter be elected or appointed at the time, in the manner and for the terms provided by general law.

Code 1950, § 15-169; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1078; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3509. Election or appointment of city or town officers.
At the next regular May election held at least sixty days after the adoption of the consolidation ordinance by the governing bodies or, if applicable, the election at which the consolidation is approved by the voters, such officers as are provided for by general or special law shall be elected for the consolidated city or town. Their terms shall begin on July 1 next succeeding their election, at which time they shall replace all elective city or town officers of the consolidated cities or towns whose terms shall terminate on such day. The terms of the new officers shall expire on January 1 for constitutional officers next succeeding the regular election of city constitutional officers in the Commonwealth and July 1 next succeeding the regular election of all other city and town officers.

All appointive city and town officers shall be appointed by the person, board or authority upon whom the power to appoint such officers in other cities and towns is conferred. The terms of such officers shall commence on January 1 next succeeding the first election of officers for the consolidated city or town and shall continue, unless otherwise removed, until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

The successors of all such officers whose first election or appointment is herein provided for shall thereafter be elected or appointed at the time, in the manner and for the terms provided by general or special law.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3510. General effect of consolidation.
Upon the first day of office following the first election of county, city or town officers for the consolidated localities, the several localities shall be thereafter for all purposes treated and considered as one county, city or town, as the case may be, under the name and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the consolidation agreement and in accordance with the provisions of this article. All the rights, privileges and franchises of each of the several localities and all property, real and personal, and all debts due on whatever account, as well as other things in action, belonging to each of such localities shall be deemed as transferred to and vested in the consolidated locality without further act or deed. All property, all rights-of-way and all other interests shall be as effectually the property of the consolidated locality as they were of the several localities prior to their consolidation. The title to real estate, either by deed or otherwise, under the laws of this Commonwealth vested in any of the localities shall not be deemed to revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the consolidation. The rights of creditors and all liens upon the property of any of the localities shall be preserved unimpaired; the respective localities shall be deemed to continue in existence to preserve such rights and liens, and all debts, liabilities and duties of any of the localities shall thenceforth attach to the consolidated locality and be enforced against it to the same extent as if such debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

Such consolidated locality shall in all respects, except as otherwise provided herein, be subject to all the obligations and liabilities imposed and shall possess all the rights, powers, and privileges vested by law in other localities.

Code 1950, § 15-170; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1079; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3511. Liabilities.
All valid and lawful charges and liabilities existing against a consolidated locality, or which may thereafter arise or accrue against such locality, which, but for such consolidation would be valid, and lawful charges or liabilities against them, or either of them, shall be deemed and taken to be like charges against or liabilities of the consolidated locality and shall accordingly be defrayed and answered to by it to the same extent, and no further than, the several localities would have been bound if no consolidation had taken place. All bonds, contracts and obligations of the localities which exist as legal obligations shall be deemed like obligations of the consolidated locality, and all such obligations as are authorized or required to be issued or entered into shall be issued or entered into by and in the name of such consolidated jurisdictions.

Code 1950, § 15-213; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1123; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3512. Suits and prosecutions.
From and after the date when consolidation becomes effective, all indictments and prosecutions for crimes committed or ordinances violated and all suits or causes of action arising within the territory of the consolidated locality may be instituted in the county, city or town with the same force and effect as if consolidation had always been effective.

Suits may be brought and maintained against a consolidated locality in any of the courts of this Commonwealth in the same manner as against any other locality.

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

Code 1950, §§ 15-171, 15-216; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-1080, 15.1-1126; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3513. Magisterial, school and election districts, etc.
The magisterial districts in a county, and the school districts, election districts and voting places in the consolidated county, city or town shall continue as in the several counties, cities or towns prior to consolidation, unless and until changed in accordance with law.

Code 1950, § 15-172; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1081; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3514. Courts and judicial circuits.
Until changed by law, the same judicial circuits shall continue, though this may result in the consolidated county or city being a part of two or more circuits. All such courts shall, however, be held at the place designated as the seat of the consolidated county or administrative offices of the city, and each such court shall continue to have and exercise the same jurisdiction as it had and exercised before such consolidation. If two or more judges have jurisdiction in any consolidated county or city, they or a majority of them shall exercise the power to appoint officers and fill vacancies as is vested in judges of circuit courts of other counties and cities.

Code 1950, § 15-173; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1082; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3515. Congressional and assembly districts.
For the purpose of representation in Congress and in the General Assembly, the existing congressional, senatorial and house districts shall continue until changed in accordance with law.

Code 1950, § 15-174; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1083; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3516. Registration of voters.
No new registration shall be necessary in case of consolidation, but all voter registrations of the localities shall be transferred to the proper registration books of the consolidated locality, and new registrations shall be made as provided by law just as if no consolidation had taken place.

Code 1950, § 15-187; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1096; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3517. Existing ordinances.
The ordinances in force in the localities at the time of consolidation, insofar as they are not in conflict with the consolidation agreement, shall be continued in force and effect within the limits of the consolidated localities, subject to repeal or amendment by the governing bodies of the consolidated localities; however, in case of a conflict between the ordinances of localities when the charter of one of them has been retained, the ordinances of the one whose charter has been surrendered shall to the extent of such conflict be void and of no effect. Localities may also provide in the consolidation agreement for an alternative procedure for resolving conflicts between ordinances.

Code 1950, § 15-188; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1097; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3518. Determination of rights.
If any right, title, interest, claim or case arises out of any consolidation or by reason thereof which is not determinable by reference to the provisions of this article or by the Constitution and other laws of the Commonwealth, the governing body of the consolidated locality may by ordinance provide therefor in a manner conforming to law.

Code 1950, § 15-189; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1098; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3519. Repeal of certain charters.
At the session of the General Assembly that follows the elections provided for in either § 15.2-3508 or § 15.2-3509, the governing body of the resulting consolidated county, city or town shall request its delegate or senator in the General Assembly to introduce a bill to repeal all obsolete charters of the local governments that have been consolidated.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3520. Counties, cities and towns specified; alternative consolidations.
By complying with the requirements specified in this article, any one or more counties or cities having a common boundary, or any county and all incorporated towns located entirely therein, may consolidate into a single county or city; however, no consolidation instituted under the provisions of this article shall result in the creation of consolidated cities, unless such proposed consolidation is reviewed by the Commission on Local Government and a special court established pursuant to § 15.2-3522 and they meet the criteria set out in subsection A of § 15.2-3526.

The term "incorporated towns" as used in this article means only those incorporated towns which have held municipal elections in the ten years preceding the date of the filing of a petition for a referendum pursuant to § 15.2-3529.

If two or more like units of local government propose to consolidate into a consolidated like unit of local government, they shall do so in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter.

This article applies to the (i) consolidation of unlike units of local governments such as a county and a city joining to form either a county or city; (ii) consolidation of like units of local governments into an unlike unit of local government such as a county and a county joining to form a city; or (iii) other combinations provided for herein.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.1; 1983, c. 4; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3521. Proposed consolidated city; notice of motion; service and publication.
At least thirty days before instituting a proceeding under the provisions of this article for the creation of a consolidated city, the counties and cities proposing to consolidate shall serve notice on the attorney for the Commonwealth or the attorney for the city or county, and on the chairman of the governing body or mayor of each county and city having a common boundary that they will, on a given day, petition the circuit court for a determination of whether the proposed consolidated city is eligible for city status. The notice served on each official shall include a certified copy of the consolidation agreement. A copy of the notice and the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the notice and agreement and a reference to the place within the city or town where copies of the notice and agreement may be examined, shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks in some newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the localities which are parties to the agreement. The notice and consolidation agreement shall be returned after service to the clerk of the circuit court. Certification of the owner, editor or manager of the newspaper publishing the notice and agreement shall be proof of publication.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.2; 1986, c. 312; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3522. Petition; appointment of special court.
When a consolidation agreement proposing the creation of a consolidated city in accordance with § 15.2-3529 has been adopted, the original of the consolidation agreement, a petition on behalf of the several governing bodies, signed by the chairman, the mayor and the clerk of each such body, and certificates of publication as provided for in § 15.2-3521 shall be presented to a circuit court having jurisdiction over one or more of the localities. Upon receipt of the consolidation agreement, the petition, and the certificates of publication, the chief judge of the circuit court shall request the Supreme Court to appoint pursuant to Chapter 30 (§ 15.2-3000 et seq.) of this title the special court which shall determine whether the proposed consolidation is eligible for city status.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.3; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3523. Parties.
In any proceedings instituted under the provisions of this article for the creation of a consolidated city, any voter, person having an interest or property owner of any locality which is a party to the consolidation agreement may by petition become party to the proceedings. Any locality having a common boundary, or other person affected by the proceedings may appear and shall be made party to the case.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.4; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3524. Time limit for intervenors.
The court shall by order fix a time within which a voter, property owner, other person or political subdivision not served may become a party to proceedings instituted under this article for the creation of a consolidated city and thereafter no such petition shall be received, except for good cause shown. A copy of the order shall be published at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the localities proposing to consolidate and in the counties and cities contiguous thereto.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.5; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3525. Pretrial conference; matters considered.
The special court shall, prior to hearing any case under this article for the establishment of a consolidated city, direct the attorneys for the parties to appear before it, or, in its discretion, before a single judge for a conference to consider:

1. Simplification of the issues;

2. Amendment of pleadings and filing of additional pleadings;

3. Stipulations as to facts, documents, records, photographs, plans and like matters, which will dispense with formal proof thereof, including:

a. The assessed values and the ratio of assessed values to true values as determined by the State Department of Taxation in the counties, cities and towns proposing to consolidate, including real property, personal property, machinery and tools, merchants' capital and public service corporation assessments for each year of the five years immediately preceding;

b. The school population and school enrollment in the area proposing to consolidate, as shown by the records in the office of the division superintendent of schools; and the cost of education per pupil in average daily membership as shown by the last preceding report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; and

c. The population and the density of population of the area proposing to consolidate;

4. The method of taking any population census requested by the petitioner;

5. Limitation on the number of expert witnesses, as well as requiring each expert witness who will testify to file a statement of his qualifications;

6. Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the case.

The court, or the judge as the case may be, shall make an appropriate order which will control the subsequent conduct of the case unless modified before or at the trial or hearing to prevent manifest injustice.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.7; 1997, c. 587; 2010, cc. 386, 629.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3526. Hearing and decision by court.
A. The court shall order an election to be held as provided in § 15.2-3538 if, after hearing the evidence, it finds that:

1. The proposed consolidation has a minimum population of 20,000 persons and a density of at least 300 persons per square mile, or a minimum population of 50,000 persons and a population density of at least 140 persons per square mile, based on the latest United States census, or on the latest population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, or on a special census conducted under court supervision; however, where the proposed consolidation includes an existing city, the population and density requirements set forth in this subdivision shall not apply;

2. The proposed consolidation has the fiscal capacity to function as an independent city and is able to provide appropriate services; and

3. After a consideration of the best interests of the parties, the interest of the Commonwealth in the compliance with and the promotion of applicable state policies with respect to environmental protection, public planning, education, public transportation, housing and other state service policies declared by the General Assembly, and the interest of the Commonwealth in promoting strong and viable units of government in the area, the proposed consolidation is eligible for city status.

B. The court shall be limited in its decision to granting or denying eligibility for city status and shall have no authority to impose terms or conditions with respect to a proposed consolidation.

C. If a majority of the court is of the opinion that the criteria set out in subsection A herein have not been met, then eligibility for city status shall be denied.

D. The court shall render a written opinion in every case brought under the provisions of this article.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.8; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3527. Assistance of state agencies.
The court may, in its discretion, direct any appropriate state agency, in addition to the Commission on Local Government, to gather and present evidence, including statistical data and exhibits, for the court, to be subject to the usual rules of evidence. The court shall determine the actual expense of preparing such evidence, and shall tax such expense as costs in the case; the costs shall be paid by the clerk into the general fund of the state treasury and credited to the agency furnishing the evidence.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.9; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 35 (Consolidation of Localities)
§ 15.2-3528. Appeals.
Appeals may be made to the Court of Appeals as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222, which shall apply mutatis mutandis. Any judgment of the Court of Appeals rendered pursuant to this section may be appealed to the Supreme Court, which, if it grants the petition for appeal, shall hear the appeal as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222, which shall apply mutatis mutandis.

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