dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-404. Administrative payments; construction.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as creating in any condemnation proceedings brought under the power of eminent domain, any element of value or damage not in existence immediately prior to April 10, 1972.

1972, c. 738, § 25-235.1; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-405. Funds for implementing provisions of chapter.
Funds appropriated or otherwise available to any state agency for the acquisition of real property or any interest therein for a particular program or project shall be available also to fund any payment required to implement the provisions of this chapter as applied to that program or project.

1972, c. 738, § 25-244; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-406. Moving and related expenses.
Whenever the acquisition of real property for a program or project undertaken by a state agency will result in the displacement of any person, the state agency shall make fair and reasonable relocation payments to the displaced person for:

1. Actual reasonable expenses in moving himself, his family, business, farm operation, or other personal property;

2. Actual direct losses of tangible personal property as a result of moving or discontinuing a business or farm operation, which payments shall not exceed an amount equal to the reasonable expenses that would have been required to relocate such property, as determined by the state agency;

3. Actual reasonable expenses in searching for a replacement business or farm; and

4. Actual reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in reestablishing a displaced farm, nonprofit organization or small business at its new site, in accordance with criteria established by the state agency but not to exceed $25,000.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.04, 33.1-132.4; 1970, c. 40, § 25-239; 1972, c. 738; 1989, c. 714; 2000, c. 851; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-407. Optional moving expense allowance for persons displaced from dwelling.
Any displaced person eligible for payments under § 25.1-406 who is displaced from a dwelling may elect to accept the payments authorized by this section in lieu of the payments authorized by § 25.1-406, which displaced person so electing shall receive a moving expense allowance of an amount determined according to a schedule established by the state agency. The acceptance of the payment authorized by this section shall be in lieu of any payment under § 25.1-406.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.04, 33.1-132.4; 1970, c. 40, § 25-239; 1972, c. 738; 1989, c. 714; 2000, c. 851; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-408. Optional payment for persons displaced from a place of business or farm operation.
Any displaced person eligible for payments under § 25.1-406 who is displaced from his place of business or farm operation and who is eligible under criteria established by the state agency may elect to accept the payment authorized by this section in lieu of the payment authorized by § 25.1-406. Such payment shall consist of a fixed payment in an amount to be determined according to criteria established by the state agency, except that such payment shall not be less than $1,000 nor more than $75,000. A person whose sole business at the displacement site is the rental of such property to others shall not qualify for a payment under this section. The acceptance of the payment authorized by this section shall be in lieu of any payment under § 25.1-406.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.04, 33.1-132.4; 1970, c. 40, § 25-239; 1972, c. 738; 1989, c. 714; 2000, c. 851; 2003, c. 940; 2006, c. 452.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-409. Replacement housing for homeowners.
A. In addition to payments otherwise authorized by this chapter, the state agency shall make an additional payment not to exceed $31,000 to any displaced person who is displaced from a dwelling actually owned and occupied by such displaced person for not less than 90 days before the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the property. Such additional payment shall include the following elements:

1. The amount, if any, that when added to the acquisition cost of the dwelling acquired by the state agency, equals the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling;

2. The amount, if any, that will compensate the displaced person for any increased interest costs and other debt service costs that such person is required to pay for financing the acquisition of any comparable replacement dwelling. The amount for any increased interest or debt service costs shall be (i) determined in accordance with the criteria established by the state agency and (ii) paid only if the dwelling acquired by the state agency was encumbered by a bona fide mortgage that was a valid lien on such dwelling for not less than 180 days immediately prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of such dwelling; and

3. Reasonable expenses incurred by such displaced person for evidence of title, recording fees, and other closing costs incident to the purchase of the comparable replacement dwelling, but not including prepaid expenses.

B. The additional payment authorized by this section shall be made only to such a displaced person who purchases and occupies a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling not later than the end of the one-year period beginning on the later of (i) the date on which he receives final payment of all costs for the acquired dwelling or (ii) the date on which the state agency obligation under § 25.1-414 is met. However, the state agency may extend such period for good cause. If such period is extended, the payment under this section shall be based on the cost of relocating the person to a comparable replacement dwelling within one year of such date.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.05, 33-75.06, 33.1-132.5, 33.1-132.6; 1970, c. 40, § 25-240; 1972, c. 738; 1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940; 2014, c. 218.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-410. Replacement housing for tenants.
A. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this article, a state agency shall make a payment to or for any displaced person displaced from any dwelling not eligible to receive a payment under § 25.1-409 which dwelling was actually and lawfully occupied by such displaced person for not less than 90 days immediately prior to (i) the initiation of negotiations for acquisition of the dwelling or (ii) if the displacement is not a direct result of acquisition, such other event as the state agency shall prescribe. Such payment shall consist of the amount necessary to enable such displaced person to lease or rent, for a period not to exceed 42 months, a comparable replacement dwelling, but not to exceed $7,200. At the discretion of the state agency, a payment under this subsection may be made in periodic installments. Computation of a payment under this subsection to a low-income displaced person for a comparable replacement dwelling shall take into account such person's income.

B. Any person eligible for a payment under subsection A may elect to apply such payment to a down payment on, and other incidental expenses pursuant to, the purchase of a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling. Any such person may, at the discretion of the state agency, be eligible under this subsection for the maximum payment allowed under subsection A.

1972, c. 738, § 25-241; 1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940; 2011, cc. 117, 190; 2014, c. 218.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-411. Relocation planning, assistance coordination, and advisory services.
A. Programs or projects undertaken by a state agency shall be planned in a manner that (i) recognizes, at an early stage in the planning of such programs or projects and before the commencement of any actions that will cause displacements, the problems associated with the displacement of individuals, families, businesses, and farm operations, and (ii) provides for the resolution of such problems in order to minimize adverse impacts on displaced persons and to expedite program or project advancement and completion.

B. The state agency shall ensure that the relocation assistance advisory services described in subsection C are made available to all persons displaced by the state agency. If the state agency determines that any person occupying property immediately adjacent to the real property acquired is caused substantial economic injury because of the acquisition, it may offer such person relocation advisory services under such program.

C. Each relocation assistance advisory program required by subsections A and B shall include such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary or appropriate in order to:

1. Determine, and make timely recommendations on, the need and preferences, if any, of displaced persons for relocation assistance;

2. Provide current and continuing information on the availability, sales prices, and rental charges of comparable replacement dwellings for displaced homeowners and tenants and suitable locations for businesses and farm operations;

3. Assure that a person shall not be required to move from a dwelling unless the person has had a reasonable opportunity to relocate to a comparable replacement dwelling, except in the case of (i) a major disaster declared by the Governor; (ii) a national emergency declared by the President of the United States; or (iii) any other emergency that requires the person to move immediately from the dwelling because continued occupancy of such dwelling by such person constitutes a substantial danger to the health or safety of such person;

4. Assist a person displaced from his business or farm operation in obtaining and becoming established in a suitable replacement location;

5. Supply information concerning federal and state housing programs, disaster loan programs, and other federal or state programs offering assistance to displaced persons; and

6. Provide other advisory services to displaced persons in order to minimize hardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.

D. The head of a state agency shall coordinate the relocation activities performed by the state agency with other project activities and other planned or proposed governmental actions in the community or nearby areas that may affect the efficient and effective delivery of relocation assistance and related services.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.03, 33.1-132.3; 1970, c. 40, § 25-242; 1972, c. 738; 1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940; 2011, cc. 117, 190.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-412. Administration of relocation assistance programs.
In order to prevent unnecessary expense and duplication of functions, and to promote uniform and effective administration of relocation assistance programs for displaced persons, a state agency may enter into contracts with any person for services in connection with such programs, or may carry out its functions under this chapter through any federal or state agency or instrumentality having an established organization for conducting relocation assistance programs.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.03, 33.1-132.3; 1970, c. 40, § 25-243; 1972, c. 738; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-413. Payments to certain persons displaced as the result of certain code enforcement activities.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the governing body of a locality shall be authorized to make payments to any displaced person who is displaced by nonfederally assisted housing, plumbing, building, electrical, elevator, fire, food and health and sanitation code enforcement activities, in its discretion either (i) in amounts not exceeding the amounts authorized by the provisions of this chapter or (ii) in such lesser amounts as it may determine. Localities may adopt policies and procedures for payments to be made to persons displaced by such nonfederally assisted programs.

1972, c. 738, § 25-245; 1973, c. 426; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-414. Authority of state agency where replacement housing not available; requiring person to move.
A. If a program or project undertaken by a state agency cannot proceed to actual construction on a timely basis because comparable replacement dwellings are not available, and the state agency determines that such dwellings cannot otherwise be made available, the state agency may take such action as is necessary or appropriate to provide such dwellings by use of funds authorized for such project. The state agency may use this section to exceed the maximum amounts that may be paid under §§ 25.1-409 and 25.1-410 on a case-by-case basis for good cause as determined in accordance with such regulations as the state agency shall issue.

B. No person shall be required to move from his dwelling on account of any project, unless the head of the state agency is satisfied that comparable replacement housing is available to such person.

1972, c. 738, § 25-247; 1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940; 2011, cc. 117, 190.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-415. Adjustments to certain benefit limits.
The monetary limits provided for in §§ 25.1-406, 25.1-408, 25.1-409, and 25.1-410 shall be adjusted to conform to future revisions of corresponding monetary benefits under the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646).

1981, c. 149, § 25-247.1; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-416. Application of article.
The provisions of this article shall apply for the benefit of (i) owners and (ii) other persons who are actually and lawfully occupying the real property to be acquired and who have been occupants thereof for at least 90 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for acquisition.

1972, c. 738, § 25-236; 1979, c. 235; 2000, c. 851; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-417.1. Expired.
Expired.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-418. Reimbursement of owner for certain expenses.
Any state agency acquiring real property in connection with any program or project, as soon as practicable after the first to occur of the date of payment of the purchase price or the date of deposit into court of funds to satisfy the award of compensation in a condemnation proceeding to acquire real property, shall reimburse the owner, to the extent the state agency deems fair and reasonable, for expenses he necessarily incurred for (i) recording fees, transfer taxes and similar expenses incidental to conveying such real property to the state agency; (ii) penalty costs for prepayment for any preexisting recorded mortgage entered into in good faith encumbering such real property; and (iii) the pro rata portion of real property taxes paid that are allocable to a period subsequent to the first to occur of the date of vesting title in the state agency or the effective date of possession of such real property by the state agency.

Code 1950, §§ 33-75.06, 33.1-132.6; 1970, c. 40, § 25-249; 1972, c. 738; 2003, c. 940.

Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-419. Reimbursement of owner for costs when taking is abandoned or denied.
The court in which a condemnation proceeding is instituted by a state agency to acquire real property by condemnation shall award the owner of any right, title, or interest in such real property such sum as will, in the opinion of the court, reimburse such owner for his reasonable costs, disbursements, and expenses, including reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees, actually incurred because of the condemnation proceedings, if (i) the final judgment is that the state agency cannot acquire the real property by condemnation or (ii) the taking is abandoned by the state agency, in full or in part. The award of such sums shall be paid by the state agency that sought to condemn the property.

1972, c. 738, § 25-250; 2003, c. 940; 2019, c. 788.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-420. Reimbursement of owner for costs incurred in inverse condemnation proceeding.
If a declaratory judgment proceeding is instituted pursuant to § 8.01-187 by the owner of any right, title or interest in real property because of use of his property in any program or project undertaken by a state agency, and either (i) the court renders a judgment for the plaintiff in such proceeding and awards compensation for the damaging or taking of property or (ii) the Attorney General effects a settlement of any such proceeding in which the Commonwealth is a party, the court or Attorney General, as appropriate, shall determine and award or allow to such plaintiff, as a part of such judgment or settlement, such sum as will, in the opinion of the court or the Attorney General, as the case may be, reimburse such plaintiff for his reasonable costs, disbursements and expenses, including reasonable attorney, appraisal and engineering fees, actually incurred because of such proceeding.

1972, c. 738, § 25-251; 2003, c. 940; 2017, c. 735.
Code of Virginia — Title 25.1 (Eminent Domain), Chapter 4 (Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies)
§ 25.1-421. Buildings, structures and other improvements on real property.
A. To the greatest extent practicable, where an interest in real property is acquired by a state agency, the state agency shall acquire an equal interest in all buildings, structures, or other improvements located upon the real property so acquired and that are required to be removed from such real property so acquired and that are determined to be adversely affected by the use to which such real property will be put.

B. For the purpose of determining the just compensation to be paid for any building, structure or other improvement required to be acquired as provided in subsection A, such building, structure or other improvement shall be deemed to be a part of the real property to be acquired, notwithstanding the right or obligation of a tenant, as against the owner of any other interest in the real property, to remove such building, structure or improvement at the expiration of his term. In such event, the tenant shall be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the fair market value that such building, structure or improvement contributes to the fair market value of the real property to be acquired or (ii) the fair market value of such building, structure or improvement to be removed from the real property.

C. Payment for such building, structures or improvements as set forth in subsections A and B shall not result in duplication of any payments otherwise authorized by other laws of the Commonwealth. No such payment shall be made unless the owner of the land involved disclaims all interest in the improvements of the tenant. In consideration for any such payment, the tenant shall assign, transfer and release all his right, title and interest in and to such improvements. Nothing with regard to such acquisition of buildings, structures or other improvements shall be construed to deprive the tenant of any rights to reject payment under this section and to obtain payment for such property interests in accordance with other laws of the Commonwealth.

D. The provisions of this section create no rights or liabilities and shall not affect the validity of any property acquisitions by purchase or condemnation.

1972, c. 738, §§ 25-235.1, 25-252; 2003, c. 940.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-1. Firefighters and equipment may in emergencies go or be sent beyond territorial limits.
Whenever the necessity arises during any actual or potential emergency resulting from fire, personal injury, or other public disaster, the firefighters of any county, city, or town may, together with all necessary equipment, lawfully go or be sent beyond the territorial limits of such county, city, or town to any point within or without the Commonwealth, to assist in meeting such emergency.

In such event, the acts performed for such purpose by such firefighters and the expenditures made for such purpose by such county, city, or town shall be deemed conclusively to be for a public and governmental purpose and all of the immunities from liability enjoyed by a county, city, or town when acting through its firefighters for a public or governmental purpose within its territorial limits shall be enjoyed by it to the same extent when such county, city, or town is so acting, under this section or under other lawful authority, beyond its territorial limits.

The firefighters of any county, city, or town, when acting hereunder, or under other lawful authority, beyond the territorial limits of such county, city, or town, shall have all the immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and regulations, and shall have all of the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits, enjoyed by them while performing their respective duties.

1942, p. 376; Michie Code 1942, § 3032c; 1966, c. 134; 1977, c. 326; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-2. Contracts of cities or towns to furnish fire protection.
The governing body of any city or town may, in its discretion, authorize or require the fire department or division thereof to render aid in cases of actual or potential fire occurring beyond their limits, and may prescribe the conditions on which such aid may be rendered, and may enter into a contract, or contracts, with nearby, adjacent or adjoining counties and cities, within or without the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia, for rendering aid in fire protection in such counties, cities, or any district, or sanitary district thereof or in the District of Columbia, on such terms as may be agreed upon by such governing body and the governing body of the District of Columbia or of such counties or cities or district, including sanitary districts, provided that each of the parties to such agreement may contract as follows: (i) waive any and all claims against all the other parties thereto which may arise out of their activities outside their respective jurisdictions under such agreement; (ii) indemnify and save harmless the other parties to such agreement from all claims by third parties for property damage or personal injury that may arise out of the activities of the other parties to such agreement outside their respective jurisdictions under such agreement. When the fire department or division of any city or town is operating under such permission or contract, or contracts, on any call beyond the corporate limits of the city or town, it shall be deemed to be operating in a governmental capacity and subject only to such liability for injuries as it would be if it were operating within the corporate limits of such city or town.

Code 1919, § 3033; 1938, p. 576; 1966, c. 134; 1968, c. 801; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-2.1. Contracts for fire protection for federal and state property.
Any county, city, or town may contract with the federal or state government to provide fire service to federal or state property located within or without the boundaries of the county, city, or town.

In the absence of a written contract, any acts performed and all expenditures made by a county, city, or town in providing fire protection to property owned by the federal government shall be deemed conclusively to be for a public and governmental purpose and all of the immunities from liability enjoyed by a county, city, or town when acting through its firefighters for a public or governmental purpose within or without its territorial limits shall be enjoyed by it to the same extent when such county, city, or town is so acting, under the provisions of this section, or under other lawful authority.

The firefighters of any county, city, or town when acting hereunder, or under other lawful authority, shall have all of the immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and regulations and shall have all of the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits enjoyed by them while performing their respective duties.

The amount of compensation to the county, city, or town pursuant to the contract shall be a matter within the sole discretion of the governing body of the county, city, or town.

1980, c. 729; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-3. Contract of county with city or another county for fire protection.
The governing body of any county adjoining or near any city, town, or county, within or without the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia, having and maintaining firefighting equipment may contract with any such city, town, or county, upon such terms as such governing body may deem proper, for fighting fires in such county, town, or city and may prescribe the terms and conditions upon which such services may be provided on privately owned property in the county, town, or city and may raise funds with which to pay for such services, by levying and collecting annually, at such rates as such governing body may deem sufficient, a special tax upon the property in such county, or in any magisterial district thereof, subject to local taxation.

Code 1919, § 2743; 1942, p. 118; 1966, c. 134; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-3.1. Public liability insurance to cover claims arising out of mutual aid agreements.
The governing body of any city, county or town in the Commonwealth is authorized to procure or extend the necessary public liability insurance to cover claims arising out of mutual aid agreements executed with other cities, counties, or towns outside the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia.

1968, c. 801; 1995, c. 461.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-4. Contract of county, city, or town to furnish fire protection.
Any county, city, or town that operates firefighting equipment as provided for in § 27-15.2 and any county, city, or town mentioned in § 27-6.02 may contract with counties, cities, or towns in, adjacent to, or near such county, city, or town, including the District of Columbia, for fire protection in the manner provided for in § 27-2.

1946, p. 609; Michie Suppl. 1946, § 2743m; 1948, p. 160; 1970, c. 187; 1991, c. 54; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5. Contracts as to installation of automatic sprinklers with incidental insurance clauses.
Nothing contained in Title 38.2 shall be construed as prohibiting the performance of any contract made for the introduction of automatic sprinklers for reducing the risk by fire on any property located in this Commonwealth and containing provisions for obtaining or guaranteeing insurance against loss or damage by fire or water for a specified time at a fixed rate; provided, that all insurance contracts issued as a result of such contracts shall be in the form required by law in this Commonwealth; provided, further, that the contract rate be less than the published rate on risks covered thereby or the rate used by insurance companies writing such risks.

1930, p. 23; Michie Code 1942, § 4246c.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1986, c. 429.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5.2. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1988, c. 891.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5.3. Certain counties authorized to accept grants and other federal assistance.
Any county having a population of more than 2,000 persons per square mile may apply for, accept and utilize grants and other assistance from the federal government pursuant to § 117 of the United States Housing Act of 1949 (79 Stat. 451, 477), as amended, for the purpose of carrying out programs of concentrated code enforcement and related activities.

1966, c. 435.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5.4. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1988, c. 891.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 27-5.5. Plans of certain state structures to be submitted to local governing bodies; access of local fire officials to state structures; corrective actions.
A. Any agency, commission or institution of the Commonwealth engaging in the construction or renovation of a structure, the cost of which exceeds $25,000, shall submit, prior to the initiation of such construction or renovation, preliminary and working plans and specifications to the governing body, or its designee, of the political subdivision in which the structure is or will be located, provided that such governing body has submitted a written request for such plans and specifications to the Director of the Department of General Services and to such agency, commission or institution.

B. Every agency, commission or institution of the Commonwealth shall permit, at all reasonable hours, a local fire official reasonable access to existing structures or a structure under construction or renovation, for the purposes of performing an informational and advisory fire safety inspection. The local fire official may submit, subsequent to performing such inspection, his findings and recommendations including a list of corrective actions necessary to ensure that such structure is reasonably safe from the hazards of fire to the appropriate official of such agency, commission or institution, the Director of the Department of General Services, and the State Fire Marshal. Such agency, commission or institution shall notify, within sixty days of receipt of such findings and recommendations, the Director of the Department of General Services, the State Fire Marshal, and the local fire official of the corrective measures taken to eliminate the hazards reported by the local fire official. The State Fire Marshal shall have the same power in the enforcement of this section as is provided for the enforcement of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§ 27-94 et seq.).

1978, c. 197; 1989, c. 258.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-10. Dissolution of fire company.
Whenever the fire department of the county, city, or town to which any fire company belongs ascertains that such company has failed, for three months successively, to consist of 20 effective members, or ascertains that such fire company has failed for the like period to have or keep in good and serviceable condition an engine or other support apparatus and equipment and other proper implements, or the governing body of the county, city, or town for any reason deems it advisable, such governing body may dissolve the fire company.

Code 1919, § 3136; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 237.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-11. Duty of members on alarm of fire or call of a medical emergency.
Every member of the fire company shall, upon any alarm of fire or call of a medical emergency, attend according to the ordinances of the county, city, or town, or the bylaws, rules, or regulations of the fire department or the fire company's regulations, and endeavor to extinguish such fire or assist in the medical emergency.

Code 1919, § 3123; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-12. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1970, c. 187.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-13. Appointment of chief and other officers.
In every county, city, or town in which a fire company is established, there shall be appointed, at such time and in such manner as the governing body of such county, city, or town may prescribe, a chief and as many other officers as such governing body may direct.

Code 1919, § 3125; 1970, c. 187; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-14. Ordinances as to fire departments and fire companies.
A. The governing body of any county, city, or town in which a fire department or fire company is established may make such ordinances in relation to the powers and duties of such fire departments or fire companies, and chiefs and other officers of such fire departments or fire companies, as it may deem proper, including billing property owners on behalf of volunteer fire departments as provided in § 38.2-2130 and billing on behalf of volunteer fire departments for the support of a licensed emergency medical services agency, as defined in § 32.1-111.1.

B. The ordinances shall not require a minor who achieved certification under National Fire Protection Association 1001, level one, firefighter standards, as administered by the Department of Fire Programs, on or before January 1, 2006, between the ages of 15 and 16, to repeat the certification after his sixteenth birthday.

Code 1919, § 3127; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2006, c. 462; 2008, c. 410; 2013, cc. 356, 616; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2024, c. 823.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-15. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1970, c. 187.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-15.1. Authority of chief or other officer in charge when answering alarm; penalty for refusal to obey orders.
While any fire department or fire company is in the process of answering an alarm where there is imminent danger or the actual occurrence of fire or explosion or the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials that threaten life or property and returning to the station, the chief or other officer in charge of such fire department or fire company at that time shall have the authority to (i) maintain order at such emergency incident or its vicinity, including the immediate airspace; (ii) direct the actions of the firefighters at the incident; (iii) notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 46.2-888 through 46.2-891, keep bystanders or other persons at a safe distance from the incident and emergency equipment; (iv) facilitate the speedy movement and operation of emergency equipment and firefighters; (v) cause an investigation to be made into the origin and cause of the incident; and (vi) until the arrival of a police officer, direct and control traffic in person or by deputy and facilitate the movement of traffic. The fire chief or other officer in charge shall display his firefighter's badge or other proper means of identification. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this authority shall extend to the activation of traffic control signals designed to facilitate the safe egress and ingress of emergency equipment at a fire station. Any person or persons refusing to obey the orders of the chief or other officer in charge at that time is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The chief or other officer in charge shall have the power to make arrests for violation of the provisions of this section. The authority granted under the provisions of this section may not be exercised to inhibit or obstruct members of law-enforcement agencies or emergency medical services agencies from performing their normal duties when operating at such emergency incident, nor to conflict with or diminish the lawful authority, duties, and responsibilities of forest wardens, including but not limited to the provisions of Chapter 11 (§ 10.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 10.1. Personnel from the news media, such as the press, radio, and television, when gathering the news may enter at their own risk into the incident area only when the officer in charge has deemed the area safe and only into those areas of the incident that do not, in the opinion of the officer in charge, interfere with the fire department or fire company, firefighters, or emergency medical services personnel dealing with such emergencies, in which case the chief or other officer in charge may order such person from the scene of the emergency incident.

1970, c. 187; 1977, c. 326; 1984, c. 644; 2001, c. 142; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2017, c. 517.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-15.1:1. Penalty for refusing or neglecting to obey order of chief or other officer in command.
If any person at a fire refuses or neglects to obey any order duly given by the chief or other officer in command, he shall be fined a civil penalty not to exceed $100.

2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-15.2. Purchase, maintenance, etc., of equipment; donated equipment.
A. The governing body of every county, city, and town shall have power to provide for the purchase, operation, staffing, and maintenance of suitable equipment for firefighting or performing emergency medical services in or upon the property of the county, city, or town and of its inhabitants, and to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which the same will be used for fighting fires or performing emergency medical services in or upon privately owned property. All equipment purchased after October 1, 1970, shall be equipped with threads of USA Standard B2.3, B2.4 of the American Standards Association.

B. Any fire department of a county, city, or town, or any fire company donating equipment for fighting fires to any fire department or any fire company, which equipment met existing engineering and safety standards at the time of its purchase by the donating entity, shall be immune from civil liability unless the donating entity acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

C. A safety inspection shall be completed by a certified emergency vehicle service center and a report designating any deficiencies shall be provided prior to the change in ownership of the donated emergency vehicle.

1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2010, c. 545; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-15.3. Purchase of service-issued boots or helmet by certain firefighters.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing body of any county, city, or town may allow any paid or volunteer firefighter for such jurisdiction with 10 or more years of service, but fewer than 20, to purchase the helmet or boots issued to the firefighter at fair market value.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing body of any county, city, or town may allow any paid or volunteer firefighter for such jurisdiction with over 20 years of service to be given the helmet or boots issued to the firefighters or to purchase the helmet or boots issued to the firefighter at a price of $1.

2011, c. 22.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-16. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1970, c. 187.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-17. Entry of buildings on fire and premises adjoining.
The chief of any fire department or fire company or other authorized officer in command at a fire or medical emergency, and his subordinates, upon his order or direction, shall have the right at any time of the day or night to enter any building or upon any premises where a fire is in progress, or any building or premises adjacent thereto for the purpose of extinguishing the fire.

Code 1919, § 3130; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-17.1. Remaining on premises after fire extinguished.
The chief or other authorized officer of any fire department or fire company in command at a fire, and his subordinates upon his order or direction, shall have the right to remain at the scene of fire, including remaining in any building or house, for purposes of protecting the property and preventing the public from entry into the premises, until such reasonable time as the owner may resume responsibility for the protection of the property.

1978, c. 149; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-18. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1970, c. 187.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-19. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2015, cc. 502 and 503, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-20. Destruction of property to prevent spread of fire.
The chief, or other officer commanding in his absence, may direct the pulling down or destroying of any fence, house, or other thing which he may judge necessary to be pulled down or destroyed to prevent the further spreading of a fire, and for this purpose may require such assistance from all present as he shall judge necessary.

Code 1919, § 3133; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-21. Owner may recover amount of actual damage.
The owner of property destroyed pursuant to § 27-20 shall be entitled to recover from the county, city, or town the amount of the actual damage that he may have sustained by reason of the same having been pulled down or destroyed under such direction.

Code 1919, § 3134; 1970, c. 187; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-22. But not for property which would have been destroyed by the fire.
Section 27-21 shall not enable anyone to recover compensation for property which would have been destroyed by the fire, if the same had not been pulled down or destroyed under such direction, but only for what could have been saved with ordinary care and diligence, had no such direction been given.

Code 1919, § 3135.
Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-23. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1970, c. 187.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-23.1. Establishment of fire zones or districts; tax levies.
The governing bodies of the several cities or counties of the Commonwealth may create and establish, by designation on a map of the city or county showing current, official parcel boundaries, or by any other description which is legally sufficient for the conveyance of property or the creation of parcels, fire zones or districts in such cities or counties, within which may be located and established one or more fire departments, to be equipped with apparatus for fighting fires and protecting property and human life within such zones or districts from loss or damage by fire, illness or injury.

In the event of the creation of such zones or districts in any city or county, the city or county governing body may acquire, in the name of the city or county, real or personal property to be devoted to the uses aforesaid, and shall prescribe rules and regulations for the proper management, control, and conduct thereof. Such governing body shall also have authority to contract with, or secure the services of, any individual corporation, organization, or municipal corporation, or any volunteer firefighters for such fire protection as may be required.

To raise funds for the purposes aforesaid, the governing body of any city or county in which such zones or districts are established may levy annually a tax on the assessed value of all property real and personal within such zones or districts, subject to local taxation, which tax shall be extended and collected as other city or county taxes are extended and collected. In any city or county having a population between 25,000 and 25,500, the maximum rate of tax under this section shall be $0.30 on $100 of assessed value.

The amount realized from such levy shall be kept separate from all other moneys of the city or county and shall be applied to no other purpose than the maintenance and operation of the fire departments and companies established under the provisions of this section.

1970, c. 187; 1972, c. 252; 1977, c. 326; 1978, c. 682; 1985, c. 343; 1993, c. 915; 2001, cc. 111, 142; 2007, c. 813; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 560.

Code of Virginia — Title 27 (Fire Protection), Chapter 2 (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENTS AND FIRE/EMS COMPANIES)
§ 27-23.10. Ordinances to effectuate purposes of § 27-23.9.
Every county, city and town is authorized to enact and enforce appropriate ordinances to effectuate the purposes of § 27-23.9.

1970, c. 187.