reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191j (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191j. Priorities

 The priority of purchasers of homes shall be in the following order: (1) Residents presently owning and living in superficiary buildings on land or leasing land privately owned or acquired by the Government. (2) Residents presently living in rented homes located in areas acquired by the government or who may have applications pending for a specified area. (3) Persons who have served or are serving in the armed forces of the United States who were either born in the Virgin Islands or inducted from the Virgin Islands and who otherwise qualify under this subchapter. (4) All other residents in accordance with the priority established by date of receipt of the application in proper form. Priority among applications of equal class received on the same day shall be established by drawing lots. (5) Virgin Islanders residing outside the Virgin Islands who are desirous of returning home for employment, when so certified by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority. United States citizens shall in all cases have priority over noncitizens.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191l (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191l. Supplies and services for mutual aid and self-help

 In the construction of any building pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority may make available materials, supplies, technical services, surveys and equipment to such applicants and upon such terms and conditions as may be established from time to time by rules and regulations promulgated by the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and approved by the Governor; Provided, That the value of such materials, supplies and the use of equipment shall be computed and charged to the applicant as a loan.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191m (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191m. Restraints on alienation; repurchase

 (a) Purchasers of allotted land under this subchapter shall not, within a period of 20 years from the date of the deed, lease, sublease, sell or transfer by gift or otherwise the land so allotted without the prior written consent of the Governor. Such restraints on alienation shall not be construed to apply to a devise or other transfers by operation of law brought about by reason of the death of the purchaser. (b) All deeds delivered under this subchapter shall give the Government a first priority option to repurchase the land allotted at the same purchase price plus the value of any improvements made by the owner or his predecessors which increased the value of the real property. The repurchase price shall include the initial payment plus the amount of installments paid on the mortgage, exclusive of interest, plus all taxes paid and less one-third thereof to compensate the Government for administrative expenses. (c) In the event that the owner shall not be satisfied with the valuation of the improvements as determined by the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, he shall give notice in writing thereof to the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority within 15 days of the receipt of such valuation, and the valuation shall be determined thereafter by a majority vote of the three disinterested appraisers appointed by the District Court upon the application of either party, which valuation shall be final and binding on both parties.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191n (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191n. Cost limitations

 (a) No dwelling shall be erected by the Government at a cost of more than $25,000 exclusive of the proportional cost of the land. (b) The minimum selling price for a dwelling shall be a sum at least equal to the Government's acquisition cost plus the cost of any additions and improvements.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191o (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191o. Right of entry

 In the discharge of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, or his representative, after obtaining permission to do so from the owner or holder, or his representatives, may enter any land or premises, for the purpose of making surveys, taking measurements, or conducting investigations with regard to the nature, conditions and price of such lands or premises for the purposes of this subchapter. Should the owner or holder, or his representative, refuse to grant permission to enter the property for the above-mentioned purposes, the judge of the Superior Court shall, upon presentation to him of an affidavit setting forth the intention of the Government to enter such lands or premises for the stated purposes, issue an order authorizing any official or officials, or employee or employees of the Government to enter the property described in the affidavit, for the purposes mentioned in this section.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191p (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191p. Public hearing

 Prior to the acquisition of any lands through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, for the purposes of any moderate income housing project under the provisions of this subchapter, all affected property owners and other interested parties shall be afforded an opportunity, at a public hearing to be called for such purpose by the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, to present their views with respect to such project. Notice of such hearing shall be published at least once a week for not less than two successive weeks immediately prior to the date of hearing, in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the locality in which the project is to be located. Within 10 days after the conclusion of the public hearings the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority shall consider and act upon the proposed moderate income housing project plan and may, by declaration, adopt the same.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 191q (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 1 - Community Development and Renewal; Slum Clearance and Housing|Subchapter IX - Home Ownership and Development|§ 191q. Condemnation

 In all proceedings for the condemnation of real property under this subchapter, the following procedure shall apply: (a) Notice shall be served by the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority on the property owner or his representative which shall include the following: (1) a declaration of the intention of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to acquire such property; (2) a statement that such property is deemed to be necessary for the public convenience and utility; (3) an indication that time is of the essence and an emergency exists; (4) an enumeration of supporting acts and data, if any. Such notice shall be approved by the Governor prior to its being forwarded to the property owner or his representative. In the event of a failure to acquire the real property by contract of purchase and sale between the owner and the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority or their representatives within 60 days from the date of receipt by the property owner or his representative of such notice, the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority or his representative or any authorized employee of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority may enter upon and take possession of said real property in the manner provided in section 420 of Title 28, upon filling of a complaint in condemnation proceedings with the District Court as approved by Rule 71(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (b) Additional testimony to fix compensation for the taking shall be admissible in accordance with the provisions of section 181 of this title.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 221 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 221. Objectives and intent

 The objective of the Zoning Law is to establish standards and policies concerning development of land which may be used in helping to achieve the goals of a General Development Plan for the Virgin Islands. Goals for development of the Islands are expressed in many ways through programs and policies on such matters as land use, taxation, capital improvements, urban renewal, public services and other matters which require public decision. It is intended that standards and policies established by the Zoning Law reflect and express a sense of community value toward its physical environment including the value appearance and congenial arrangement for conduct of trade, industry, residence and other uses of the land necessary to the community's well-being, insofar as such values can be related to the broadest goals of the general community development plan. It is further intended that the zoning districts established by this law shall be implemented in accordance with a comprehensive land use plan and policy whereby the location of each district shall be made with reasonable consideration to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 222 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 222. Purpose and scope

 The purpose of this law is the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community by establishing regulations and conditions governing the erection and use of buildings and other structures and the use of land and water for trade, industry, residence and other specified purposes; to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent overcrowding of land; to avoid undue congestion of population and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements of the community; by dividing the Islands into districts; defining certain terms; designating the kind and classes of trade, industry, residences and other purposes for which buildings and other structures may be permitted to be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, or used in such districts; regulating and limiting lot occupancy and population density; providing minimum size yards and other open spaces; establishing off-street parking and loading requirements; continuing a Board of Zoning, Subdivision and Building Appeals; defining the powers and duties of said Board and appeal procedures; defining the functions of the Virgin Islands Planning Office in relation to zoning amendments and planned developments; and providing a penalty for the violation of this law. It is the further purpose of this law to encourage and facilitate the development of housing affordable to persons of low and moderate income by providing incentives for private persons to produce residential housing developments which include affordable housing units.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 223 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 223. Establishment of zoning districts

 The Virgin Islands, consisting of the Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John and all other islands within the jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands, are divided into eighteen (18) districts (not all of which are found on each of the Islands), as follows: 1. A-1 Agricultural District 2. A-2 Agricultural District 3. R-1 Residence—Low Density 4. R-2 Residence—Low Density 5. R-3 Residence—Medium Density 6. R-4 Residence—Medium Density 7. R-5 Residence—High Density 8. B-1 Business—Central Business District 9. B-2 Business—Secondary 10. B-3 Business—Scattered 11. B-4 Business—Residential Areas 12. C Commercial 13. I-1 Industry—Heavy 14. I-2 Industry—Light 15. W-1 Waterfront—Pleasure 16. W-2 Waterfront—Commercial—Industrial 17. P Public 18. S Special
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 227 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 227. Land use regulations and table of permitted uses

 Land use regulations  No building or structure in any district established by this subchapter shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or structurally altered nor shall any building or structure or land be used, designed or arranged for any purpose other than as permitted in the district in which the building or structure or land is located.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 230a (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 230a. Use of subdivision roadways or streets

 The use of any roadway or street onto, within or through any subdivision of residential development of ten or more dwellings, which roadway or street is open to the use of any other persons as guests, visitors or permittees, other than the actual inhabitants thereof, shall not be denied or restricted directly, indirectly or by subterfuge, to any person, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable in like manner to all persons.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 233 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 233. Accessory uses

 General limitations upon accessory uses  (a) An accessory use shall be located upon the same lot with a principal use, unless otherwise set forth in this subchapter. An accessory use shall be subordinate to the principal use and shall be a use or activity which is customarily incidental to the principal use. An accessory use shall not materially or substantially change or alter the character of activity of the principal use it serves. An accessory use shall include accessory buildings and structures to include memorial chapels. Accessory uses in planned residential districts  (b) In a planned residential development of five (5) acres or more, after receiving a recommendation from the Virgin Islands Planning Office, a limited commercial center may be permitted as an accessory use if it meets the following conditions: 1. The commercial area shall not occupy more than five (5) percent of the total zoning lot area for the planned residential development; 2. It shall be intended primarily for the convenience of the residents of the planned residential development; 3. It shall be so located and designed within the planned residential development as not to interfere with the amenities of the surrounding residential area or to create excessive traffic or parking demands upon the street system; 4. The design of the commercial area shall be in keeping with the general design of the planned residential development. Accessory uses in hotels and multiple residences  (c) In a hotel or apartment house located in the R-3, R-5, and W-1 Districts, limited commercial activities are permitted subject to the following conditions: 1. The commercial activities will occupy the ground floor area of the hotel or apartment house with the exception of a restaurant or snack bar which may be in a separate building; 2. The commercial activities will be those customarily found in hotels including, but not limited to, perfume, liquor, clothes, novelty, jewelry, watches, etc., shops and restaurants; 3. They shall be intended for the convenience of the residents of the hotel or apartment house. Accessory uses in agricultural districts  (d) In Agricultural Districts, in addition to the principal structure, buildings for the housing of tenants or employees are permitted, provided the number of such additional structures shall not exceed one (1) in the A-2 District and three (3) in the A-1 District. One roadside stand for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises shall be permitted.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 238a (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 238a. Variances by the Legislature

 In those cases where an amendment to a zoning map is requested by a property owner for a specific use of property which is not permitted in the zoning district where the property is located, but which use would not substantially conflict with the permitted uses in the zoning district, the Legislature, in lieu of an amendment to the zoning map, may grant a variance for that specific use of the subject property; provided, however, that all other requirements of that zoning district will continue to apply to the subject property.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 239 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 239. Public hearings

 General regulations on public hearings  (a) Public notice of any hearing as required by this subchapter, to be conducted by the Board of Land Use Appeals, or Planning Office, shall be deemed to have been given when the following actions have been completed: 1. A notice setting forth the general purpose of any such hearing and the time and place thereof shall have been published in a newspaper of substantial circulation in the area at least twice at intervals of not less than two (2) days; the first not more than fifteen (15) days nor less than ten (10) days, and the last not less than two (2) days before such hearing; 2. The owner(s) of any/all lot(s) within the area to be changed as well as those within one hundred fifty (150) feet of such area have been notified by certified mail of the general purpose of any such hearing and the time and place thereof at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of such hearing; 3. A notice setting forth the general purpose of any such hearing and the time and place thereof has been posted on the property in question; 4. The Secretary of the body holding the hearing has, prior to the hearing, filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor an official copy of publication of notices published in the newspaper and set forth that certified letters have been sent to ____ (number of) property owners as indicated in 2 above. Transcription of testimony  (b) In the hearing before the Virgin Islands Planning Office or the Board of Land Use Appeals, all testimony, objections thereto and ruling thereon shall be taken down by a reporter employed by the respective Boards for that purpose or recorded by a recording machine set up for that purpose. Appearance of parties  (c) Upon the hearing before either Board, any party may appear in person or be represented by agent or attorney. Decision on matters of public hearing  (d) Decisions on matters before either the Planning Office or the Board of Land Use Appeals shall be rendered within thirty (30) days after the hearing on the matter in question.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 240 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 240. Penalty for violation

 The owner or general agent of a building or premises where a violation of any provision of this subchapter has been committed or shall exist, or the lessee or tenant of an entire building or entire premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist, or the general agent, architect, builder, contractor or any other person who commits, takes part or assists in any such violation, or who maintains any building or premises in which any such violation shall exist, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than ten ($10.00) dollars and not more than one hundred ($100.00) dollars for each and every day that such violation continues; but if the offense be found to be willful on conviction thereof, the punishment shall be a fine of not less than one hundred ($100.00) dollars or more than two hundred fifty ($250.00) dollars for each and every day that such violation shall continue, or by imprisonment for ten (10) days for each and every day such violation shall continue, or by both, in the discretion of the court. Any such person who, having been served with an order to remove any violation, shall fail to comply with said order within fifteen (15) days after such service, or shall continue to violate any provision of this subchapter in the respect named in such order, shall also be subject to a civil penalty of two hundred fifty ($250.00) dollars. The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, or of the owner or occupant of any neighboring property, who is or may be particularly prejudiced by any such violations, may, in addition to the other remedies provided by law, institute injunctions, mandamus, or abatement proceedings, or other appropriate action, to prevent, enjoin, abate, vacate, or remove any building erected or any building or use made or maintained in violation of this subchapter or any regulations hereunder. In any criminal prosecution under this section, the defendant may plead in abatement that such criminal prosecution is based on a zoning law or regulation which is the subject of a civil action wherein one of the issues is the interpretation of such subchapter or regulation and that the issues in the civil action are such that the prosecution would fail if the civil action results in an interpretation different from that claimed by the Government in the criminal prosecution. The court before which such prosecution is pending may order such prosecution abated if it finds that the allegations of the plea are true.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 241 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 3 - Virgin Islands Zoning and Subdivision Law|Subchapter I - Zoning Law|§ 241. Interpretation of regulations

 In the interpretation and application of the provisions of this subchapter, such provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the health, safety, morals or the general welfare of the Virgin Islands. It is not intended by this subchapter to repeal, abrogate, annual or in any way impair or interfere with any provisions of laws or any rules or regulations previously adopted pursuant to law, relating to the use of buildings or land, nor is it intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this subchapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use, erection, alteration or extension of buildings, or use of land, or upon the number of square feet of lot area per family, or where the yard or building line requirements are more restrictive than the requirements imposed by such existing provisions of law, or by such rules or regulations or by such covenants or arrangements, the provisions of this subchapter shall control.