reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 15.2-3507 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3507. Result of election

The ballots shall be counted, returns made and canvassed as in other elections and the results certified by the electoral boards to the judge or judges of the circuit courts for the localities. If it appears by the report of the electoral boards that a majority of the voters of each locality proposing to consolidate voting on the question submitted are in favor of the consolidation, the judge or judges shall enter of record such fact and shall notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth of such fact.Code 1950, § 15-168; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1077; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3508 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3508. Election or appointment of county officers

At the next regular November election held at least sixty days after the election at which the consolidation is approved by the voters, all county officers provided for by general law shall be elected for the consolidated county. Their terms shall begin on January 1 next succeeding their election, at which time they shall replace all elective county officers of the consolidated counties whose terms shall terminate on such day. The terms of the new officers shall expire on January 1 next succeeding the regular election of county officers in the Commonwealth.All appointive county officers shall be appointed by the person, board or authority upon whom the power to appoint such officers in other counties is conferred. The terms of such officers shall commence on January 1 next succeeding the first election of officers for the consolidated county and shall continue, unless otherwise removed, until their successors have been appointed and qualified.The successors of all such officers whose first election or appointment is herein provided for shall thereafter be elected or appointed at the time, in the manner and for the terms provided by general law.Code 1950, § 15-169; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1078; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3509 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3509. Election or appointment of city or town officers

At the next regular May election held at least sixty days after the adoption of the consolidation ordinance by the governing bodies or, if applicable, the election at which the consolidation is approved by the voters, such officers as are provided for by general or special law shall be elected for the consolidated city or town. Their terms shall begin on July 1 next succeeding their election, at which time they shall replace all elective city or town officers of the consolidated cities or towns whose terms shall terminate on such day. The terms of the new officers shall expire on January 1 for constitutional officers next succeeding the regular election of city constitutional officers in the Commonwealth and July 1 next succeeding the regular election of all other city and town officers.All appointive city and town officers shall be appointed by the person, board or authority upon whom the power to appoint such officers in other cities and towns is conferred. The terms of such officers shall commence on January 1 next succeeding the first election of officers for the consolidated city or town and shall continue, unless otherwise removed, until their successors have been appointed and qualified.The successors of all such officers whose first election or appointment is herein provided for shall thereafter be elected or appointed at the time, in the manner and for the terms provided by general or special law.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3510 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3510. General effect of consolidation

Upon the first day of office following the first election of county, city or town officers for the consolidated localities, the several localities shall be thereafter for all purposes treated and considered as one county, city or town, as the case may be, under the name and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the consolidation agreement and in accordance with the provisions of this article. All the rights, privileges and franchises of each of the several localities and all property, real and personal, and all debts due on whatever account, as well as other things in action, belonging to each of such localities shall be deemed as transferred to and vested in the consolidated locality without further act or deed. All property, all rights-of-way and all other interests shall be as effectually the property of the consolidated locality as they were of the several localities prior to their consolidation. The title to real estate, either by deed or otherwise, under the laws of this Commonwealth vested in any of the localities shall not be deemed to revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the consolidation. The rights of creditors and all liens upon the property of any of the localities shall be preserved unimpaired; the respective localities shall be deemed to continue in existence to preserve such rights and liens, and all debts, liabilities and duties of any of the localities shall thenceforth attach to the consolidated locality and be enforced against it to the same extent as if such debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.Such consolidated locality shall in all respects, except as otherwise provided herein, be subject to all the obligations and liabilities imposed and shall possess all the rights, powers, and privileges vested by law in other localities.Code 1950, § 15-170; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1079; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3511 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3511. Liabilities

All valid and lawful charges and liabilities existing against a consolidated locality, or which may thereafter arise or accrue against such locality, which, but for such consolidation would be valid, and lawful charges or liabilities against them, or either of them, shall be deemed and taken to be like charges against or liabilities of the consolidated locality and shall accordingly be defrayed and answered to by it to the same extent, and no further than, the several localities would have been bound if no consolidation had taken place. All bonds, contracts and obligations of the localities which exist as legal obligations shall be deemed like obligations of the consolidated locality, and all such obligations as are authorized or required to be issued or entered into shall be issued or entered into by and in the name of such consolidated jurisdictions.Code 1950, § 15-213; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1123; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3512 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3512. Suits and prosecutions

From and after the date when consolidation becomes effective, all indictments and prosecutions for crimes committed or ordinances violated and all suits or causes of action arising within the territory of the consolidated locality may be instituted in the county, city or town with the same force and effect as if consolidation had always been effective.Suits may be brought and maintained against a consolidated locality in any of the courts of this Commonwealth in the same manner as against any other locality.Any action or proceeding pending by or against any of the consolidating localities may be prosecuted to judgment as if such consolidation had not taken place, or the consolidated locality may be substituted in its place.Code 1950, §§ 15-171, 15-216; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-1080, 15.1-1126; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3513 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3513. Magisterial, school and election districts, etc.

The magisterial districts in a county, and the school districts, election districts and voting places in the consolidated county, city or town shall continue as in the several counties, cities or towns prior to consolidation, unless and until changed in accordance with law.Code 1950, § 15-172; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1081; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3514 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3514. Courts and judicial circuits

Until changed by law, the same judicial circuits shall continue, though this may result in the consolidated county or city being a part of two or more circuits. All such courts shall, however, be held at the place designated as the seat of the consolidated county or administrative offices of the city, and each such court shall continue to have and exercise the same jurisdiction as it had and exercised before such consolidation. If two or more judges have jurisdiction in any consolidated county or city, they or a majority of them shall exercise the power to appoint officers and fill vacancies as is vested in judges of circuit courts of other counties and cities.Code 1950, § 15-173; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1082; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3515 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3515. Congressional and assembly districts

For the purpose of representation in Congress and in the General Assembly, the existing congressional, senatorial and house districts shall continue until changed in accordance with law.Code 1950, § 15-174; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1083; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3516 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3516. Registration of voters

No new registration shall be necessary in case of consolidation, but all voter registrations of the localities shall be transferred to the proper registration books of the consolidated locality, and new registrations shall be made as provided by law just as if no consolidation had taken place.Code 1950, § 15-187; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1096; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3517 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3517. Existing ordinances

The ordinances in force in the localities at the time of consolidation, insofar as they are not in conflict with the consolidation agreement, shall be continued in force and effect within the limits of the consolidated localities, subject to repeal or amendment by the governing bodies of the consolidated localities; however, in case of a conflict between the ordinances of localities when the charter of one of them has been retained, the ordinances of the one whose charter has been surrendered shall to the extent of such conflict be void and of no effect. Localities may also provide in the consolidation agreement for an alternative procedure for resolving conflicts between ordinances.Code 1950, § 15-188; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1097; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3518 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3518. Determination of rights

If any right, title, interest, claim or case arises out of any consolidation or by reason thereof which is not determinable by reference to the provisions of this article or by the Constitution and other laws of the Commonwealth, the governing body of the consolidated locality may by ordinance provide therefor in a manner conforming to law.Code 1950, § 15-189; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1098; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3519 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3519. Repeal of certain charters

At the session of the General Assembly that follows the elections provided for in either § 15.2-3508 or § 15.2-3509, the governing body of the resulting consolidated county, city or town shall request its delegate or senator in the General Assembly to introduce a bill to repeal all obsolete charters of the local governments that have been consolidated.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3520 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3520. Counties, cities and towns specified; alternative consolidations

By complying with the requirements specified in this article, any one or more counties or cities having a common boundary, or any county and all incorporated towns located entirely therein, may consolidate into a single county or city; however, no consolidation instituted under the provisions of this article shall result in the creation of consolidated cities, unless such proposed consolidation is reviewed by the Commission on Local Government and a special court established pursuant to § 15.2-3522 and they meet the criteria set out in subsection A of § 15.2-3526.The term "incorporated towns" as used in this article means only those incorporated towns which have held municipal elections in the ten years preceding the date of the filing of a petition for a referendum pursuant to § 15.2-3529.If two or more like units of local government propose to consolidate into a consolidated like unit of local government, they shall do so in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter.This article applies to the (i) consolidation of unlike units of local governments such as a county and a city joining to form either a county or city; (ii) consolidation of like units of local governments into an unlike unit of local government such as a county and a county joining to form a city; or (iii) other combinations provided for herein.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.1; 1983, c. 4; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3521 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3521. Proposed consolidated city; notice of motion; service and publication

At least thirty days before instituting a proceeding under the provisions of this article for the creation of a consolidated city, the counties and cities proposing to consolidate shall serve notice on the attorney for the Commonwealth or the attorney for the city or county, and on the chairman of the governing body or mayor of each county and city having a common boundary that they will, on a given day, petition the circuit court for a determination of whether the proposed consolidated city is eligible for city status. The notice served on each official shall include a certified copy of the consolidation agreement. A copy of the notice and the consolidation agreement, or a descriptive summary of the notice and agreement and a reference to the place within the city or town where copies of the notice and agreement may be examined, shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks in some newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the localities which are parties to the agreement. The notice and consolidation agreement shall be returned after service to the clerk of the circuit court. Certification of the owner, editor or manager of the newspaper publishing the notice and agreement shall be proof of publication.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.2; 1986, c. 312; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3522 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3522. Petition; appointment of special court

When a consolidation agreement proposing the creation of a consolidated city in accordance with § 15.2-3529 has been adopted, the original of the consolidation agreement, a petition on behalf of the several governing bodies, signed by the chairman, the mayor and the clerk of each such body, and certificates of publication as provided for in § 15.2-3521 shall be presented to a circuit court having jurisdiction over one or more of the localities. Upon receipt of the consolidation agreement, the petition, and the certificates of publication, the chief judge of the circuit court shall request the Supreme Court to appoint pursuant to Chapter 30 (§ 15.2-3000 et seq.) of this title the special court which shall determine whether the proposed consolidation is eligible for city status.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.3; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3523 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3523. Parties

In any proceedings instituted under the provisions of this article for the creation of a consolidated city, any voter, person having an interest or property owner of any locality which is a party to the consolidation agreement may by petition become party to the proceedings. Any locality having a common boundary, or other person affected by the proceedings may appear and shall be made party to the case.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.4; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3524 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3524. Time limit for intervenors

The court shall by order fix a time within which a voter, property owner, other person or political subdivision not served may become a party to proceedings instituted under this article for the creation of a consolidated city and thereafter no such petition shall be received, except for good cause shown. A copy of the order shall be published at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the localities proposing to consolidate and in the counties and cities contiguous thereto.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.5; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3525 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3525. Pretrial conference; matters considered

The special court shall, prior to hearing any case under this article for the establishment of a consolidated city, direct the attorneys for the parties to appear before it, or, in its discretion, before a single judge for a conference to consider:1. Simplification of the issues;2. Amendment of pleadings and filing of additional pleadings;3. Stipulations as to facts, documents, records, photographs, plans and like matters, which will dispense with formal proof thereof, including:a. The assessed values and the ratio of assessed values to true values as determined by the State Department of Taxation in the counties, cities and towns proposing to consolidate, including real property, personal property, machinery and tools, merchants' capital and public service corporation assessments for each year of the five years immediately preceding;b. The school population and school enrollment in the area proposing to consolidate, as shown by the records in the office of the division superintendent of schools; and the cost of education per pupil in average daily membership as shown by the last preceding report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; andc. The population and the density of population of the area proposing to consolidate;4. The method of taking any population census requested by the petitioner;5. Limitation on the number of expert witnesses, as well as requiring each expert witness who will testify to file a statement of his qualifications;6. Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the case.The court, or the judge as the case may be, shall make an appropriate order which will control the subsequent conduct of the case unless modified before or at the trial or hearing to prevent manifest injustice.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.7; 1997, c. 587; 2010, cc. 386, 629.
VA Code § 15.2-3526 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3526. Hearing and decision by court

A. The court shall order an election to be held as provided in § 15.2-3538 if, after hearing the evidence, it finds that:1. The proposed consolidation has a minimum population of 20,000 persons and a density of at least 300 persons per square mile, or a minimum population of 50,000 persons and a population density of at least 140 persons per square mile, based on the latest United States census, or on the latest population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, or on a special census conducted under court supervision; however, where the proposed consolidation includes an existing city, the population and density requirements set forth in this subdivision shall not apply;2. The proposed consolidation has the fiscal capacity to function as an independent city and is able to provide appropriate services; and3. After a consideration of the best interests of the parties, the interest of the Commonwealth in the compliance with and the promotion of applicable state policies with respect to environmental protection, public planning, education, public transportation, housing and other state service policies declared by the General Assembly, and the interest of the Commonwealth in promoting strong and viable units of government in the area, the proposed consolidation is eligible for city status.B. The court shall be limited in its decision to granting or denying eligibility for city status and shall have no authority to impose terms or conditions with respect to a proposed consolidation.C. If a majority of the court is of the opinion that the criteria set out in subsection A herein have not been met, then eligibility for city status shall be denied.D. The court shall render a written opinion in every case brought under the provisions of this article.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.8; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3527 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3527. Assistance of state agencies

The court may, in its discretion, direct any appropriate state agency, in addition to the Commission on Local Government, to gather and present evidence, including statistical data and exhibits, for the court, to be subject to the usual rules of evidence. The court shall determine the actual expense of preparing such evidence, and shall tax such expense as costs in the case; the costs shall be paid by the clerk into the general fund of the state treasury and credited to the agency furnishing the evidence.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.9; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3528 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3528. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Appeals

Appeals may be granted by the Supreme Court of Virginia as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222, which shall apply mutatis mutandis.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.10; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3528 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 35 - Consolidation of Localities|§ 15.2-3528. (Effective January 1, 2022) Appeals

Appeals may be granted by the Supreme Court of Virginia as provided in §§ 15.2-3221 and 15.2-3222, which shall apply mutatis mutandis.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1130.10; 1997, c. 587.