Source: https://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2009/hb1879/fulltext/
Timestamp: 2020-07-10 17:07:42
Document Index: 582828414

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 24', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 15', '§ 55', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 10', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 22', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 24', '§ 15', '§ 24', '§ 24', '§ 24']

Richmond Sunlight » HB1879: Government, local; alternatives to publication of notices for charter changes, referenda, etc.
HOUSE BILL NO. 1879 Offered January 14, 2009 Prefiled January 12, 2009 A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 15.2-201, 15.2-202, 15.2-619, 15.2-903, 15.2-909, 15.2-951, 15.2-1201, 15.2-1301, 15.2-1416, 15.2-1719, 15.2-1720, 15.2-1813, 15.2-2108.7, 15.2-2114, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2316.2, 15.2-2400, 15.2-2401, 15.2-2506, 15.2-2507, 15.2-2606, 15.2-3107, 15.2-3400, 15.2-3537, 15.2-3913, 15.2-4528, 15.2-5104, 15.2-5403, 15.2-5431.5, 15.2-5602, 15.2-5702, and 15.2-5711 of the Code of Virginia, relating to local government; publication of notices for charter changes, referenda, and public hearings, etc; alternatives.
1. That §§ 15.2-201, 15.2-202, 15.2-619, 15.2-903, 15.2-909, 15.2-951, 15.2-1201, 15.2-1301, 15.2-1416, 15.2-1719, 15.2-1720, 15.2-1813, 15.2-2108.7, 15.2-2114, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2316.2, 15.2-2400, 15.2-2401, 15.2-2506, 15.2-2507, 15.2-2606, 15.2-3107, 15.2-3400, 15.2-3537, 15.2-3913, 15.2-4528, 15.2-5104, 15.2-5403, 15.2-5431.5, 15.2-5602, 15.2-5702, and 15.2-5711 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
A locality may provide for holding an election to be conducted as provided in § 24.2-681 et seq. of Title 24.2 to determine if the voters of the locality desire that it request the General Assembly to grant to the locality a new charter or to amend its existing charter. At least ten 10 days prior to the holding of such election, the text or an informative summary of the new charter or amendment desired shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for the text or an informative summary of the new charter or amendment desired to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the election shall be held not less than 10 days after the final day of notice. If a majority of the voters voting in such election vote in favor of such request, the locality shall transmit two certified copies of the results of such election together with the publisher's affidavit and the new charter or the amendments to the existing charter, to one or more members of the General Assembly representing such locality for introduction as a bill in the succeeding session of the General Assembly.
§ 15.2-202. Public hearing in lieu of election; procedure when bill not introduced or fails to pass in General Assembly.
In lieu of the election provided for in § 15.2-201, a locality requesting the General Assembly to grant to it a new charter or to amend its existing charter may hold a public hearing with respect thereto, at which citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard to determine if the citizens of the locality desire that the locality request the General Assembly to grant to it a new charter, or to amend its existing charter. At least ten 10 days' notice of the time and place of such hearing and the text or an informative summary of the new charter or amendment desired shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for the text or an informative summary of the new charter or amendment desired to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than 10 days after the final day of notice. Such public hearing may be adjourned from time to time, and upon the completion thereof, the locality may request, in the manner provided in § 15.2-201, the General Assembly to grant the new charter or amend the existing charter and the provisions of § 15.2-201 shall be applicable thereto.
If a bill incorporating such charter or amendments is not introduced at the succeeding session of the General Assembly, the authority of the locality to request such charter or amendments by reason of such public hearing shall thereafter be void. If at such session members of the General Assembly fail to enact and do not carry over or pass by indefinitely a bill incorporating such charter or amendments, the charter or amendments may again be submitted to a public hearing in lieu of an election as provided hereinabove before reintroduction in the General Assembly.
The locality requesting a new or amended charter shall provide with such request a publisher's affidavit showing that the public hearing was advertised and a certified copy of the governing body's minutes showing the action taken at the advertised public hearing.
§ 15.2-619. Same; powers of commissioners of revenue; real estate reassessments.
Every general reassessment of real estate in the county, unless some other person is designated for this purpose by the county manager in accordance with § 15.2-612 or unless the board creates a separate department of assessments in accordance with § 15.2-616, shall be made by the director of finance; he shall collect and keep in his office data and devise methods and procedures to be followed in each such general reassessment that will make for uniformity in assessments throughout the county.
The board shall establish a continuing board of real estate review and equalization to review all assessments made under authority of this section and to which all appeals by any person aggrieved by any real estate assessment shall first apply for relief. The board of real estate review and equalization shall consist of not fewer than three nor more than five members who shall be freeholders in the county. The appointment, terms of office and compensation of the members of such board shall be prescribed by the board of supervisors. The board of real estate review and equalization shall have all the powers conferred upon boards of equalization by general law. All applications for review to such board shall be made not later than April 1 of the year for which extension of taxes on the assessment is to be made. Such board shall grant a hearing to any person making application at a regular advertised meeting of the board, shall rule on all applications within sixty days after the date of the hearing, and shall thereafter promptly certify its action thereon to the director of finance. The equalization board shall conduct hearings at such times as are convenient, after publishing a notice in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county, ten 10 days prior to any such hearing at which any person applying for review will be heard. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for the notice of the hearing to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than 10 days after the final day of notice.
§ 15.2-903. Ordinances taxing and regulating "automobile graveyards," "junkyards," and certain vacant and abandoned property.
A. Any locality may adopt ordinances imposing license taxes upon and otherwise regulating the maintenance and operation of places commonly known as automobile graveyards and junkyards and may prescribe fines and other punishment for violations of such ordinances.
No such ordinance shall be adopted until after notice of the proposed ordinance has been published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice of the proposed ordinance to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. The ordinance need not be advertised in full, but may be advertised by reference. Every such advertisement shall contain a descriptive summary of the proposed ordinance and a reference to the place or places within the locality where copies of the proposed ordinance may be examined.
As used in this section the terms "automobile graveyard" and "junkyard" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 33.1-348.
B. The Counties of Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fauquier, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, Tazewell, Warren and York may adopt an ordinance imposing the screening of automobile graveyards and junkyards, unless screening is impractical due to topography, as set forth in § 33.1-348. Any such ordinance may apply to any automobile graveyard or junkyard within the boundaries of such county regardless of the date on which any such automobile graveyard or junkyard may have come into existence, notwithstanding the provisions of § 33.1-348.
C. The City of Newport News may adopt an ordinance imposing screening or landscape screening for retail or commercial properties that have been vacant or abandoned for more than three years within designated areas consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.
§ 15.2-909. Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of wharves, piers, pilings, bulkheads, vessels or abandoned, obstructing or hazardous property.
4. If the identity or whereabouts of the lawful owner is unknown or not able to be ascertained after a reasonable search and after lawful notice has been made to the last known address of any known owner, the locality, through its own agents or employees, may repair such wharf, pier, piling, bulkhead or other structure or vessel or remove such property after giving notice by publication once each week for two weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where such property is located. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks;
5. Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and which remains unpaid, to the extent applicable, shall constitute a lien against the owner's real property, and such lien shall be recorded in the judgment lien docket book in the circuit court for such locality. Such lien may also be reduced to a personal judgment against the owner.
§ 15.2-951. Acquisition, disposition and use of personal property by localities generally.
Localities, for the purposes of exercising any of their powers and duties and performing any of their functions, may acquire by gift, bequest, purchase, lease, or installment purchase contract; and may own and make use of and may grant security interests in, sell and otherwise dispose of, within and outside the localities, personal property, including any interest, right or estate therein. In addition, localities may sell and otherwise dispose of surplus materials, as defined in § 2.2-1124, by public sale or auction, including online public auction, provided that such sale or auction conforms with the procedures set forth in subdivisions B 3 through B 5 and subdivision B 8 of § 2.2-1124. In any instance where personal property in any of the following categories: school or transit bus fleet, vehicle fleet, or road construction equipment is sold with the intent to lease back the property, when the value of the proposed sale amount exceeds $2,000,000 approval by the governing body, after notice and a public hearing, shall be required. The public hearing shall be advertised once in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least seven days prior to the date set for the hearing. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice of the public hearing to be advertised on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the public hearing shall be held not less than 7 days after the final day of notice. Any debt incurred by a municipality pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be subject to the limitations imposed by Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia.
The boards of supervisors of counties are hereby vested with the same powers and authority as the councils of cities and towns by virtue of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the acts of the General Assembly passed in pursuance thereof. However, with the exception of ordinances expressly authorized under Chapter 13 of Title 46.2, no ordinance shall be enacted under authority of this section regulating the equipment, operation, lighting or speed of motor-propelled vehicles operated on the public highways of a county unless it is uniform with the general laws of the Commonwealth regulating such equipment, operation, lighting or speed and with the regulations of the Commonwealth Transportation Board adopted pursuant to such laws. Nothing in this section shall be construed to give the boards of supervisors any power to control or exercise supervision over signs, signals, marking or traffic lights on any roads constructed and maintained by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. No powers or authority conferred upon the boards of supervisors of counties solely by this section shall be exercised within the corporate limits of any incorporated town except by agreement with the town council.
In the County of Fairfax an ordinance may be adopted by the board of supervisors under this section after a descriptive notice of intention to propose the same for passage has been published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, in lieu of the foregoing notice the County of Fairfax may provide for notice of the proposed ordinance to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks prior to the adoption of the ordinance. After the enactment of such ordinance by the board of supervisors, no publication of the ordinance shall be required and such ordinance shall become effective upon adoption or upon a date fixed by the board of supervisors.
§ 15.2-1301. Voluntary economic growth-sharing agreements.
B. The terms and conditions of the revenue, tax base or economic growth-sharing agreement as provided in subsection A shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be approved by the governing body of each locality participating in the agreement, provided the governing body of each such locality first holds a public hearing which shall be advertised once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for the advertisement to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. An advertisement on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, with the last day of publication being at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. However, the public hearing shall not take place until the Commission on Local Government has issued its findings in accordance with subsection D. For purposes of this section, "revenue, tax base, and economic growth-sharing agreements" means any agreement authorized by subsection A which obligates any locality to pay another locality all or any portion of designated taxes or other revenues received by that political subdivision, but shall not include any interlocal service agreement.
The days, times and places of regular meetings to be held during the ensuing months shall be established at the first meeting which meeting may be referred to as the annual or organizational meeting; however, if the governing body subsequently prescribes any public place other than the initial public meeting place, or any day or time other than that initially established, as a meeting day, place or time, the governing body shall pass a resolution as to such future meeting day, place or time. The governing body shall cause a copy of such resolution to be posted on the door of the courthouse or the initial public meeting place and inserted in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or municipality at least seven days prior to the first such meeting at such other day, place or time. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for the resolution to be published on the locality's website or advertised by reading on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. If the resolution is read in full on any public access radio or published in full on any public access television channel, it shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, with the last airing being at least seven days prior to the first such meeting at such other day, place or time. Should the day established by the governing body as the regular meeting day fall on any legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next following regular business day, without action of any kind by the governing body.
Regular meetings, without further public notice, may be adjourned from day to day or from time to time or from place to place, not beyond the time fixed for the next regular meeting, until the business before the governing body is completed.
Any locality may provide by ordinance for (i) the public sale in accordance with the provisions of this section or (ii) the retention for use by the law-enforcement agency of any unclaimed personal property which has been in the possession of its law-enforcement agencies and unclaimed for a period of more than sixty days. As used herein, "unclaimed personal property" shall be any personal property belonging to another which has been acquired by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties, which is not needed in any criminal prosecution, which has not been claimed by its rightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declined if remitted under the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (§ 55-210.1 et seq.). Unclaimed bicycles and mopeds may also be disposed of in accordance with § 15.2-1720. Unclaimed firearms may also be disposed of in accordance with § 15.2-1721.
Prior to the sale or retention for use by the law-enforcement agency of any unclaimed item, the chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall make reasonable attempts to notify the rightful owner of the property, obtain from the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing a statement advising that the item is not needed in any criminal prosecution, and cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality once a week for two successive weeks, notice that there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice that there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. Such property, including property selected for retention by the law-enforcement agency, shall be described generally in the notice, together with the date, time and place of the sale and shall be made available for public viewing at the sale. The chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall pay from the proceeds of sale the costs of advertisement, removal, storage, investigation as to ownership and liens, and notice of sale. The balance of the funds shall be held by such officer for the owner and paid to the owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership. Any unclaimed item retained for use by the law-enforcement agency shall become the property of the locality served by the agency and shall be retained only if, in the opinion of the chief law-enforcement officer, there is a legitimate use for the property by the agency and that retention of the item is a more economical alternative than purchase of a similar or equivalent item.
If no claim has been made by the owner for the property or proceeds of such sale within sixty days of the sale, the remaining funds shall be deposited in the general fund of the locality and the retained property may be placed into use by the law-enforcement agency. Any such owner shall be entitled to apply to the locality within three years from the date of the sale and, if timely application is made therefor and satisfactory proof of ownership of the funds or property is made, the locality shall pay the remaining proceeds of the sale or return the property to the owner without interest or other charges or compensation. No claim shall be made nor any suit, action or proceeding be instituted for the recovery of such funds or property after three years from the date of the sale.
Any locality may, by ordinance, (i) provide for the public sale or donation to a charitable organization of any bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped that has been in the possession of the police or sheriff's department, unclaimed, for more than thirty 30 days; (ii) require every resident owner of a bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped to obtain a license therefor and a license plate, tag, and, in the case of an electric personal assistive mobility device, an adhesive license decal of such design and material as the ordinance may prescribe, to be substantially attached to the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped; (iii) prescribe the license fee, the license application forms and the license form; and (iv) prescribe penalties for operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on public roads or streets within the locality without an attached license plate, tag, or adhesive decal. The ordinance shall require the license plates, tags, or adhesive decals to be provided by and at the cost of the locality. Any locality may provide that the license plates, tags, or adhesive decals shall be valid for the life of the bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds to which they are attached or for such other period as it may prescribe and may prescribe such fee therefor as it may deem reasonable. When any town license is required as provided for herein, the license shall be in lieu of any license required by any county ordinance. Any bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped found and delivered to the police or sheriff's department by a private person that thereafter remains unclaimed for thirty 30 days after the final date of publication as required herein may be given to the finder; however, the location and description of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped shall be published at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation provide for notice of the location and description of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped to be published on the locality's website or given on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. In addition, if there is a license, tag, or adhesive license decal affixed to the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped, the record owner shall be notified directly.
Any public hearing required by this chapter shall be advertised once in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least seven days prior to the date set for the hearing. However, to ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of advertising any public hearing required by this chapter in a newspaper, advertise the public hearing on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, with the last airing occurring at least seven days prior to the date set for the hearing.
B. Except as provided in subsection C and D, the municipality shall publish notice of the public hearings required under subsection A at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. The last publication of notice required under this subsection shall be at least three days before the first public hearing required under subsection A.
D. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may, in lieu of providing the notice as required in subsection B, provide for notice of the hearings on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. The last posting or airing of notice required under this subsection shall be at least three days before the first public hearing required under subsection A.
DE. After holding the public hearings required by this section, if the governing body of the municipality elects to proceed, the municipality shall adopt by resolution the feasibility study.
A. Any locality, by ordinance, may adopt a stormwater control program consistent with Article 1.1 (§ 10.1-603.1 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 10.1, or any other state or federal regulation, by establishing a utility or enacting a system of service charges. Income derived from these charges shall be dedicated special revenue and may be used only to pay or recover costs for the following:
3. Engineering and design, debt retirement, construction costs for new facilities and enlargement or improvement of existing facilities, including the enlargement or improvement of dams, whether publicly or privately owned, that serve to control stormwater; however, prior to adoption of any ordinance pursuant to this section related to the enlargement or improvement of privately owned dams, a locality shall comply with the notice provisions of § 15.2-1427 and hold a public hearing;
4. Facility maintenance, including the maintenance of dams, whether publicly or privately owned, that serve to control the stormwater; however, prior to adoption of any ordinance pursuant to this section related to the maintenance of privately owned dams, a locality shall comply with the notice provisions of § 15.2-1427 and hold a public hearing;
5. Monitoring of stormwater control devices;
6. Pollution control and abatement, consistent with state and federal regulations for water pollution control and abatement; and
7. Planning, design, land acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance activities.
B. The charges may be assessed to property owners or occupants, including condominium unit owners or tenants (when the tenant is the party to whom the water and sewer service is billed), and shall be based upon their contributions to stormwater runoff; however, prior to adopting such a system, a public hearing shall be held after giving notice as required by charter or by publishing a descriptive notice once a week for two successive weeks prior to adoption in a newspaper with a general circulation in the locality. The second publication shall not be sooner than one calendar week after the first publication.To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of providing the notice by publication in a newpaper provide for a descriptive notice to be posted on the locality's website or read on any public access radio or advertised on any television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two successive weeks. A locality adopting such a system shall provide for full waivers of charges to federal, state, or local government agencies when the agency owns and provides for maintenance of storm drainage and stormwater control facilities or is a unit of the locality administering the program. A locality shall also provide full waivers of charges for roads and public street rights-of-way that are owned and maintained by state or local agencies. A locality adopting such a system may also provide for full or partial waivers of charges to any person who develops, redevelops or retrofits outfalls, discharges or property so that there is a permanent reduction in post-development stormwater flow and pollutant loading. The locality shall base the amount of the waiver in part on the percentage reduction in both stormwater flow and pollutant loading, from predevelopment to postdevelopment. No locality shall provide a waiver to any person who does not obtain a stormwater permit from the Department of Environmental Quality when such permit is required by statute or regulation. A locality adopting such a system may also provide for full waiver of charges to cemeteries. Income derived from service charges may not exceed the actual costs incurred by a locality operating under the provisions of this title.
C. Any locality may issue general obligation bonds or revenue bonds in order to finance the cost of infrastructure and equipment for a stormwater control program. Infrastructure and equipment shall include structural and natural stormwater control systems of all types, including, without limitation, retention basins, sewers, conduits, pipelines, pumping and ventilating stations, and other plants, structures, and real and personal property used for support of the system. The procedure for the issuance of any such general obligation bonds or revenue bonds pursuant to this section shall be in conformity with the procedure for issuance of such bonds as set forth in the Public Finance Act (§ 15.2-2600 et seq.).
D. In the event charges are not paid when due, interest thereon shall at that time accrue at the rate, not to exceed the maximum amount allowed by law, determined by the locality until such time as the overdue payment and interest are paid. Charges and interest may be recovered by the locality by action at law or suit in equity and shall constitute a lien against the property, ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid taxes. The locality may combine the billings for stormwater charges with billings for water or sewer charges, real property tax assessments, or other billings; in such cases, the locality may establish the order in which payments will be applied to the different charges. No locality shall combine its billings with those of another locality or political subdivision, including an authority operating pursuant to Chapter 51 (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 15.2, unless such locality or political subdivision has given its consent by duly adopted resolution or ordinance.
E. Any two or more localities may enter into cooperative agreements concerning the management of stormwater.
The local planning commission shall not recommend nor the governing body adopt any plan, ordinance or amendment thereof until notice of intention to do so has been published once a week for two successive weeks in some newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality; however, the notice for both the local planning commission and the governing body may be published concurrently. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation provide for notice to be published on the locality's website or given on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. The notice shall specify the time and place of hearing at which persons affected may appear and present their views, not less than five days nor more than 21 days after the second advertisement appears in such newspaper. The local planning commission and governing body may hold a joint public hearing after public notice as set forth hereinabove. If a joint hearing is held, then public notice as set forth above need be given only by the governing body. The term "two successive weeks" as used in this paragraph shall mean that such notice shall be published at least twice in such newspaper with not less than six days elapsing between the first and second publication. After enactment of any plan, ordinance or amendment, further publication thereof shall not be required.
B. When a proposed amendment of the zoning ordinance involves a change in the zoning map classification of 25 or fewer parcels of land, then, in addition to the advertising as above required, written notice shall be given by the local planning commission, or its representative, at least five days before the hearing to the owner or owners, their agent or the occupant, of each parcel involved; to the owners, their agent or the occupant, of all abutting property and property immediately across the street or road from the property affected, including those parcels which lie in other localities of the Commonwealth; and, if any portion of the affected property is within a planned unit development, then to such incorporated property owner's associations within the planned unit development that have members owning property located within 2,000 feet of the affected property as may be required by the commission or its agent. Notice sent by registered or certified mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the current real estate tax assessment books or current real estate tax assessment records shall be deemed adequate compliance with this requirement. If the hearing is continued, notice shall be remailed. Costs of any notice required under this chapter shall be taxed to the applicant.
When a proposed amendment of the zoning ordinance involves a change in the zoning map classification of more than 25 parcels of land, or a change to the applicable zoning ordinance text regulations that decreases the allowed dwelling unit density of any parcel of land, then, in addition to the advertising as above required, written notice shall be given by the local planning commission, or its representative, at least five days before the hearing to the owner, owners, or their agent of each parcel of land involved, provided, however, that written notice of such changes to zoning ordinance text regulations shall not have to be mailed to the owner, owners, or their agent of lots shown on a subdivision plat approved and recorded pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 (§ 15.2-2240 et seq.) of this chapter where such lots are less than 11,500 square feet. One notice sent by first class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the current real estate tax assessment books or current real estate tax assessment records shall be deemed adequate compliance with this requirement, provided that a representative of the local commission shall make affidavit that such mailings have been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the case. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as to invalidate any subsequently adopted amendment or ordinance because of the inadvertent failure by the representative of the local commission to give written notice to the owner, owners or their agent of any parcel involved.
C. When a proposed comprehensive plan or amendment thereto; a proposed change in zoning map classification; or an application for special exception for a change in use or to increase by greater than 50 percent of the bulk or height of an existing or proposed building, but not including renewals of previously approved special exceptions, involves any parcel of land located within one-half mile of a boundary of an adjoining locality of the Commonwealth, then, in addition to the advertising and written notification as above required, written notice shall also be given by the local commission, or its representative, at least 10 days before the hearing to the chief administrative officer, or his designee, of such adjoining locality.
D. When (i) a proposed comprehensive plan or amendment thereto, (ii) a proposed change in zoning map classification, or (iii) an application for special exception for a change in use involves any parcel of land located within 3,000 feet of a boundary of a military base, military installation, military airport, excluding armories operated by the Virginia National Guard, or licensed public-use airport then, in addition to the advertising and written notification as above required, written notice shall also be given by the local commission, or its representative, at least 10 days before the hearing to the commander of the military base, military installation, military airport, or owner of such public-use airport, and the notice shall advise the military commander or owner of such public-use airport of the opportunity to submit comments or recommendations.
B. Any proposed transfer of development rights shall only be initiated upon application by the property owners of both the sending and receiving properties. A locality may not require property owners to transfer development rights as a condition of the development of any property.
C. Prior to any transfer of development rights, a locality shall adopt an ordinance based on findings of public benefit. Such ordinance shall provide for:
1. The issuance and recordation of the instruments necessary to sever development rights from the sending property and to affix development rights to the receiving property. These instruments shall be executed by the affected property owners and lienholders. The instruments shall identify the development rights being transferred, identification of the sending property and the receiving property;
2. The preservation of the character of the sending property and assurance that the prohibitions against the use and development of the sending property shall bind the landowner and every successor in interest to the landowner;
3. The severance of transferable development rights from the sending property and the transfer of development rights to a receiving property;
4. The purchase, sale, exchange, or other conveyance of transferable development rights prior to the rights being affixed to a receiving property;
8. The ordinance shall include permitted uses and the maximum increases in density in the receiving area;
9. The minimum acreage of a sending property and the minimum reduction in density of the sending property that may be conveyed in a transfer of development rights;
10. An assessment of the infrastructure in the receiving area that identifies the ability of the area to accept increases in density and its plans to provide necessary utility services within any designated receiving area;
11. The review of an application by the planning commission or its agent to determine whether the application complies with the provisions of the ordinance. The application shall be deemed approved upon the determination of compliance with the ordinance and upon recordation of the instrument transferring the development rights in the land records of the office of the circuit court clerk for the locality; and
12. Such other provisions as the locality deems necessary to aid in the implementation of the provisions of this article.
D. The ordinance may provide for the allowance for residential density to be converted to an increase in the square feet of a commercial, industrial or other use on the receiving property.
E. Development rights made transferable pursuant to this article shall be interests in real property and shall be considered as such for purposes of conveyance and taxation. Once an application has been approved and a deed of transferable development rights created pursuant to this article has been sold, conveyed, or otherwise transferred by the owner of the sending property, the transfer of development rights shall vest in the grantee and may be transferred to a successor in interest. Any transfer of the development rights to a different property in a receiving area shall be subject to review pursuant to the provisions of the ordinance adopted pursuant to provision 11 of subsection C.
F. For the purposes of ad valorem real property taxation, the value of a transferable development right shall be deemed appurtenant to the sending property until the transferable development right is recorded as a distinct interest in real property with the appropriate tax assessor or the transferable development right is used at a receiving property and becomes appurtenant thereto.
G. Approved transfers of development rights shall become effective upon the recording of the conveyance and the filing of a certified copy of such recording with the local governing body of the locality.
H. Localities shall incorporate the map identified in provision 6 of subsection C into the comprehensive plan.
I. No amendment to the zoning map, nor any amendments to the text of the zoning ordinance with respect to the zoning district applicable thereto initiated by the governing body, which eliminate, or materially restrict, reduce, or modify the uses, or the density of use permitted in the zoning district applicable to any property to which development rights have been transferred, shall be effective with respect to such property unless there has been mistake, fraud, or a change in circumstances substantially affecting the public health, safety, or welfare.
J. A county adopting an ordinance pursuant to this article may designate eligible receiving areas in any incorporated town within such county, if the governing body of the town has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county.
K. Any county and an adjacent city may enter voluntarily into an agreement to permit the county to designate eligible receiving areas in the city if the governing body of the city has also amended its zoning ordinance to designate the same areas as eligible to receive density being transferred from sending areas in the county. The city council shall designate areas it deems suitable as receiving areas and shall designate the maximum increases in density in each such receiving area. However, if any such agreement contains any provision addressing any issue provided for in Chapter 32 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (§ 15.2-3300 et seq.), 36 (§ 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (§ 15.2-3800 et seq.), 39 (§ 15.2-3900 et seq.), or 41 (§ 15.2-4100 et seq.), the agreement shall be subject to the review and implementation process established by Chapter 34 (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.).
1. The terms and conditions of the density transfer agreement as provided in this subsection shall be determined by the affected localities and shall be approved by the governing body of each locality participating in the agreement, provided the governing body of each such locality first holds a public hearing, which shall be advertised once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality. If either locality involved in the density transfer agreement has a population of at least 100,000, such locality may in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation provide for notice of the public hearing on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the notice is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks.
Any locality seeking to create a service district shall have a public hearing prior to the creation of the service district. Notice of such hearing shall be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the locality, and the hearing shall be held no sooner than ten 10 days after the date the second notice appears in the newspaper. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation provide for notice of the hearing to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held no sooner than 10 days after the date the final notice is published on the website or is advertised on the radio or television channel.
§ 15.2-2401. Creation of service districts by court order in consolidated cities.
In any city which results from the consolidation of two or more localities, service districts may, in addition to the method prescribed in § 15.2-2400, be created by order of the circuit court for the city upon the petition of fifty voters of the proposed district, which order shall prescribe the metes and bounds of the district.
Upon the filing of a petition the court shall fix a date for a hearing on the question of the proposed service district, which hearing shall embrace a consideration of whether the property embraced within the proposed district will be benefited by the establishment thereof. Notice of such hearing shall be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the city, and the hearing shall not be held sooner than ten 10 days after the last publication. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation provide for notice of the hearing to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held no sooner than 10 days after the date the final notice is published on the website or is advertised on the radio or television channel. Any person interested may answer the petition and make defense thereto. If upon such hearing the court is of opinion that any property embraced within the limits of such proposed district will not be benefited by the establishment thereof, then such property shall not be embraced therein.
Upon the petition of the city council and of not less than 50 voters of the territory proposed to be added, or if such territory contains less than 100 voters, of fifty percent of the voters of such territory, after notice and hearing as provided above, any service district may be extended and enlarged by order of the circuit court for the city which order shall prescribe the metes and bounds of the territory so added.
A brief synopsis of the budget which, except in the case of the school division budget, shall be for informative and fiscal planning purposes only, shall be published once in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality affected, and notice given of one or more public hearings, at least seven days prior to the date set for hearing, at which any citizen of the locality shall have the right to attend and state his views thereon. Any locality not having a newspaper of general circulation may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice by written or printed handbills, posted at such places as it may direct. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held no sooner than seven days after the date the final notice is published on the website or is advertised on the radio or television channel. The hearing shall be held at least seven days prior to the approval of the budget as prescribed in § 15.2-2503. With respect to the school division budget, such hearing shall be held at least seven days prior to the approval of that budget as prescribed in § 22.1-93. The governing body may adjourn such hearing from time to time. The fact of such notice and hearing shall be entered of record in the minute book.
A. Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504. However, any such amendment which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the currently adopted budget must be accomplished by publishing a notice of a meeting and a public hearing once in a newspaper having general circulation in that locality at least seven days prior to the meeting date. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may, in lieu of publishing the notice in a newspaper, provide for notice of the meeting and public hearing on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, with the last airing being at least seven days prior to the meeting date. The notice shall state the governing body's intent to amend the budget and include a brief synopsis of the proposed budget amendment. Any local governing body may adopt such amendment at the advertised meeting, after first providing a public hearing during such meeting on the proposed budget amendments.
A. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, but subject to subsection B of this section, before the final authorization of the issuance of any bonds by a locality, the governing body of the locality shall hold a public hearing on the proposed bond issue. Notice of the hearing shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality. The notice shall state the general purpose or purposes and the estimated maximum amount of the bonds proposed to be issued and shall specify the time and place of the hearing at which persons may appear and present their views. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice of the hearing on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. The hearing shall not be held less than six nor more than twenty-one days after the date the second final notice appears in the newspaper, on the website, or is aired on radio or television.
B. No notice or public hearing shall be required for (i) bonds which have been approved by a majority of the voters of the issuing locality voting on the issuance of such bonds or (ii) obligations issued pursuant to §§ 15.2-2629, 15.2-2630 or § 15.2-2643.
§ 15.2-3107. Publication of agreed boundary line.
Before adopting an agreement pursuant to § 15.2-3106, each governing body shall advertise its intention to approve such an agreement at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in its locality, and such notice shall include a descriptive summary of the proposed agreement. The summary shall describe the new boundary, but need not include a metes and bounds description. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the clerk of the governing body which is considering the proposed agreement.
To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing advertisement, advertise its intention to approve such an agreement on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. The notice shall include a descriptive summary of the proposed agreement. The summary shall describe the new boundary, but need not include a metes and bounds description. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the clerk of the governing body which is considering the proposed agreement. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks.
A joint publication of the proposed agreement by the localities which otherwise meets the requirements of this section shall satisfy this requirement. If joint publication is used, the publication costs shall be apportioned between the participating localities in the manner agreed upon by them. After providing the notice required by this section, each locality shall hold at least one public hearing on the agreement prior to its adoption.
To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing advertisement, advertise its intention to approve such agreement, or modified agreement on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. The advertisement shall include a descriptive summary of the agreement or modified agreement. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the agreement, or modified agreement, is on file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court for each of the affected jurisdictions. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks.
§ 15.2-3537. Publication of consolidation agreement.
Each locality which is a party to a consolidation agreement shall cause a copy of the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the agreement and a reference to the place in the locality where a copy of the agreement may be examined, to be published in its locality at least once a week for four successive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the locality.
To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 which is a party to a consolidation agreement may in lieu of the foregoing publication cause a copy of the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the agreement and a reference to the place in the locality where a copy of the agreement may be examined, to be posted on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks.
§ 15.2-3913. Public hearing on charter; notice and publication; adoption of charter by governing body.
Upon the completion of the proposed charter the governing body shall hold a public hearing at which the citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard with respect thereto. Notice of the time and place of such hearing and the text of the charter, or an informative summary thereof, shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once a week for two successive weeks. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks. The hearing shall not be held sooner than thirty 30 days subsequent to the first publication or notice on the public access radio or television channel. Such hearing may be adjourned from time to time, but shall be completed not less than thirty 30 days before the election. Upon completion of the hearing the governing body shall adopt the charter with such revisions as it may accept.
§ 15.2-4528. Procedures.
A. To assure that the planning process specified in § 15.2-4527 is effectively and efficiently utilized, the commission shall conform to the following procedures and may prescribe such additional procedures as it deems advisable:
b. Its members, technical and other committees, members of the governing bodies of the component governments and consultants, presenting and analyzing studies and data on matters affecting the making of policies and decisions on a transportation plan and the implementation thereof.
3. The objective of the procedures herein specified is to develop agreement, based on the best available information, among the district commission, the governing bodies of the component governments, the Commonwealth Transportation Board and an interstate agency with respect to the various factors which affect the making of policies and decisions relating to a transportation plan and the implementation thereof. If any material disagreements occur in the planning process with respect to objectives and goals, the evaluation of basic data or the selection of criteria and standards to be applied in the planning process, the commission shall exert its best efforts to bring about agreement and understanding on such matters. The commission, in its discretion, may hold hearings in an effort to resolve any such basic controversies.
4. Before a transportation plan is adopted, altered, revised or amended by the commission or by an agency on which it is represented, the commission shall transmit such proposed plan, alteration, revision or amendment to the governing bodies of the component governments, to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and to its technical committees and shall release to the public information with respect thereto. A copy of the proposed transportation plan, amendment or revision, shall be kept at the commission office and shall be available for public inspection. Upon thirty 30 days' notice, published once a week for two successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the transportation district, a public hearing shall be held on the proposed plan, alteration, revision or amendment. Any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing publication provide for at least 30 days' notice of the meeting to be posted on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks.
The thirty 30 days' notice period shall begin to run on the first day the notice appears in any such newspaper or website, or is advertised on any such radio or television channel. The commission shall consider the evidence submitted and statements and comments made at such hearings and, if objections in writing to the whole or any part of the plan are made by the governing body of any component government, or by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or if the commission considers any written objection made by any other person, group or organization to be sufficiently significant, the commission shall reconsider the plan, alteration, revision or amendment. If, upon reconsideration, the commission agrees with the objection, then the commission shall make appropriate changes to the proposed plan, alteration, revision or amendment, and may adopt them without further hearing. If, upon reconsideration, the commission disagrees with the objection, the commission may adopt the plan, alteration, revision or amendment. No facilities shall be located in and no service rendered, however, within any county or city which does not execute an appropriate agreement with the commission or with an interstate agency as provided in § 15.2-4521; but in such case, the commission shall determine whether the absence of such an agreement so materially and adversely affects the feasibility of the transportation plan as to require its modification or abandonment.
The governing body of each participating locality shall cause to be advertised at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in such locality a copy of the ordinance, agreement or resolution creating an authority, or a descriptive summary of the ordinance, agreement or resolution and a reference to the place within the locality where a copy of the ordinance, agreement or resolution can be obtained, and notice of the day, not less than thirty 30 days after publication of the advertisement, on which a public hearing will be held on the ordinance, agreement or resolution. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than 30 days after the notice begins airing.
§ 15.2-5403. Creation of electric authority; referendum.
The governing body of a governmental unit may by ordinance, or the governing bodies of two or more governmental units may by concurrent ordinances or agreement authorized by ordinance of each of the respective governmental units, create an electric authority, under any appropriate name and title containing the words "electric authority." Upon compliance with the provisions of this section and §§ 15.2-5404 and 15.2-5405, the authority shall be a political subdivision of the Commonwealth and a body politic and corporate. Any such ordinance shall be adopted in accordance with applicable general or special laws or charter provisions providing for the adoption of ordinances of the particular governmental unit, and shall be published once a week for two successive weeks prior to adoption in a newspaper of general circulation within the governmental unit. The second publication shall not be sooner than one calendar week after the first publication. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks prior to adoption.
No governmental unit shall participate as a member of such an authority unless and until such participation is authorized by a majority of the voters voting in a referendum held in the governmental unit on the question of whether or not the governmental unit should participate in the authority. The referendum shall be held as provided in §§ 24.2-682 and 24.2-684. The foregoing referendum requirement shall not apply to the Town of Elkton if the Town creates an authority by an ordinance that includes articles of incorporation which comply with the provisions of § 15.2-5404 and also set forth a statement that such authority shall have only the Town as its sole member throughout its life.
The governing body of the locality shall cause to be advertised at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in such locality a copy of the resolution creating the authority, or a descriptive summary of the resolution and a reference to the place within the locality where a copy of the resolution can be obtained, and notice of the day, not less than 30 days after publication of the advertisement, on which a public hearing will be held on the resolution. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for a copy of the resolution creating the authority, or a descriptive summary of the resolution and a reference to the place within the locality where a copy of the resolution can be obtained, and notice of the day on which a public hearing will be held on the resolution on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than 30 days after the final day of publication of the advertisement.
A. A locality may by ordinance or resolution, or two or more localities, may by concurrent ordinances or resolutions, signify their intention to create an authority under an appropriate name and title containing the word "authority." Each participating locality shall hold a public hearing, notice of which shall be given by publication at least once, not less than ten days prior to the date fixed for the hearing, in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice to be given on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than ten days after the final day of airing.
The notice shall contain a brief statement of the substance of the proposed authority, shall set forth the proposed articles of incorporation of the authority and shall state the time and place of the public hearing. The locality, by resolution, may call for a referendum on the question of the creation of an authority, which shall be held as provided by § 24.2-681 et seq. When a referendum is to be held in more than one locality, the referendum shall be held on the same date in all of such localities.
C. Each participating locality shall cause to be published at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in its locality, a copy of the ordinance or resolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain, not less than ten 10 days after publication of the notice, a public hearing will be held on such ordinance or resolution. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any participating locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for a copy of the ordinance or resolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain a public hearing will be held on such ordinance or resolution to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the hearing shall be held not less than 10 days after the final day of notice.
If at the hearing substantial opposition to the proposed park authority is heard, the members of the participating localities' governing bodies may in their discretion call for a referendum on the question of establishing such an authority. The request for a referendum shall be initiated by resolution of the governing body and filed with the clerk of the circuit court for the locality. The court shall order the referendum as provided for in § 24.2-681 et seq. Where two or more localities are participating in the formation of an authority the referendum, if any be ordered, shall be held on the same date in all such localities so participating. In any event if ten percent of the registered voters in such locality file a petition with the governing body at the hearing calling for a referendum such governing body shall request a referendum as herein provided.
In the event that a locality shall desire to contract with an authority under this subdivision, such governing body shall adopt a resolution stating in brief and general terms the substance of the proposed contract for park services and requesting the circuit court for the locality to order an election upon the question of entering into such contract. A copy of such resolution, certified by the clerk of the governing body, shall be filed with the judge of the circuit court who shall thereupon enter an order in accordance with § 24.2-681 et seq. Notice of such election entered and paid for by the locality shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality at least ten 10 days before the election. To ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed, any locality with a population of at least 100,000 may in lieu of the foregoing notice provide for notice of the election to be published on the locality's website or advertised on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality. Notice given on any public access radio or television channel shall be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day. If the information is provided on the locality's website or on any public access radio or television channel operated by the locality, the information shall be aired daily for at least two weeks, and the election shall be held not less than 10 days after the final day of notice.
For a plain English description of this bill, comments, voting, tagging, etc., return to the main page for HB1879.