reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 10.1-515 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-515. Composition of governing body

If the Board determines that the operation of the proposed district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable and feasible, and the proposed district is created, then its governing body shall be a board of district directors appointed or elected in the number and manner specified as follows:1. If the district embraces one county or city, or less than one county or city, the board of district directors shall consist of five members, three to be elected by the registered voters of the district and two appointed by the Board.2. If the district embraces more than one county or city, or parts thereof, the board of district directors shall consist of two members elected by the registered voters from each county or city, or parts thereof embraced by the district. Two members-at-large shall be appointed by the Board.Code 1950, § 21-27; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1978, c. 763; 1988, c. 891; 2002, cc. 143, 236.
VA Code § 10.1-518 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-518. Action of Secretary on the application and statement; change of name of district

The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the application and statement and, if he finds that the name proposed for the district is not identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district shall receive and file them and shall record the application in an appropriate book of record in his office. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth finds that the name proposed for the district is identical to that of any other soil and water conservation district, or so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall certify such fact to the Board, which shall submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a new name for the district. Upon receipt of the new name, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall record the application, with the name so modified, in an appropriate book of record in his office. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, as herein provided, the district shall constitute a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall make and issue to the directors a certificate, under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, of the due organization of the district and shall record the certificate with the application and statement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory as determined by the Board, but shall not include any area included within the boundaries of another district, except in those cases otherwise provided for in this article. The name of any district may be changed if a petition for such change is subscribed by twenty-five or more landowners from each county or city comprising the district and adopted by resolution of the district directors at any regular meeting. The district directors shall submit a copy of the resolution to the Board and, if the Board concurs, it shall present the resolution, together with a certified statement that it concurs, to the Secretary of the Commonwealth who shall file the resolution and issue a new or amended certificate of organization.Code 1950, § 21-29; 1954, c. 670; 1958, c. 409; 1960, c. 208; 1962, c. 212; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-518.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-518.1. Secretary to send copies of certificates to State Board of Elections

Whenever the Secretary issues a certificate creating, dissolving, or changing the name or composition of a district, the Secretary shall promptly send a certified copy of such certificate to the State Board of Elections.2001, c. 53.
VA Code § 10.1-519 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-519. Renewal of petition after disapproval or denial

After six months have expired from the date of the disapproval or denial of any petition for a soil and water conservation district, subsequent petitions covering the same or substantially the same territory may be filed with the Board as provided in this chapter.Code 1950, § 21-30; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-520 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-520. Contracts to remain in force; succession to rights and obligations

Upon consummation of any transfer, merger, or division, or any combination thereof, using territory within a previously existing district to form a new district or to add to an existing district, all contracts in effect at the time of the consummation, affecting or relating to the territory transferred, merged, or divided, to which the governing body of the district from which such territory was acquired is a party shall remain in force for the period provided in the contracts. Rights and obligations acquired or assumed by the district from which the territory was acquired shall succeed to the district to which the territory is transferred.1970, c. 480, § 21-31.2; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-521 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-521. Determination of status of district boundaries upon annexation or consolidation

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 10.1-507, the Board may, in its discretion, relocate or redefine district boundaries on its own motion pending or subsequent to any annexation or consolidation.If the Board determines on its own motion to relocate or redefine district boundaries, the Board shall serve written notice of its determination, containing the full terms of the proposed relocation or redefinition, on the governing body of each district, county, city and town affected by the relocation or redefinition of boundaries. If within forty-five days from the date of service of such notice each governing body affected approves the Board's action by resolution of a majority of the members, the Board may then proceed to act on its motion without a public hearing.1970, c. 480, § 21-31.3; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-522 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-522. Certificate of Secretary of Commonwealth as evidence

In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to, any contract, proceeding, or action of the district, the district shall be deemed to have been established, reorganized, or renamed, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter upon proof of the issuance of the certificate by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. A copy of such certificate shall be admissible in evidence in any such suit, action, or proceeding and shall be proof of the issuance and contents thereof.Code 1950, § 21-32; 1954, c. 670; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-523 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-523. Nominating petitions; posting of notice

A. Beginning 30 days after the date of issuance by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of a certificate of organization of a district, but not later than the filing date specified in § 24.2-507 for the November 2003 general election and each fourth year thereafter, nominating petitions, statements of qualifications, and declarations of candidacy shall be filed with the general registrar of the county or city where the candidate resides, pursuant to §§ 24.2-501, 24.2-503, 24.2-505, 24.2-506, and 24.2-507, to nominate candidates for elected directors of such districts. Nominating petitions, statements of qualifications, and declarations of candidacy for elected directors of existing districts shall be filed with the general registrar of the county or city where the candidate resides, pursuant to §§ 24.2-501, 24.2-503, 24.2-505, 24.2-506, and 24.2-507. Notice of the date for filing such petitions and the time of the election shall be posted in a prominent location accessible to the public at each district office at least 30 days before the filing date. In addition, districts may use newsletters, websites, public service announcements, and other notices to advise the public of elections of district directors.B. Registered voters may sign more than one nominating petition to nominate more than one candidate for district director.C. The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board shall notify each district of the requirement (i) to post notice of the dates for filing such petitions and the election and (ii) that the posting shall be in a prominent location accessible to the public at each district office at least 30 days before the filing date.D. Beginning in the year 2003, elections shall be held only at the November general election in 2003 and at the November general election in each fourth year thereafter.Code 1950, §§ 21-33 to 21-36; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 2001, c. 53; 2002, cc. 143, 236; 2009, cc. 370, 629.
VA Code § 10.1-524 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-524. Names of nominees furnished electoral board; how ballots printed, etc.

The names of all nominees shall be furnished to the secretary of the electoral board of the respective county or city and shall be printed upon ballots. The ballots shall be printed, voted, counted and canvassed in conformity with the provisions of general law relating to elections, except as herein otherwise provided.Code 1950, § 21-37; 1960, c. 208; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-525 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-525. Canvassing returns

The result of the election shall be canvassed and certified by the electoral board for the county or city in which the candidate resides pursuant to §§ 24.2-671 through 24.2-678. The State Board of Elections shall, promptly after the meeting required by § 24.2-679, certify to the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation a list of the candidates elected and certified as Directors of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, as reported pursuant to § 24.2-675.Code 1950, § 21-38; 1960, c. 208; 1964, c. 512; 1988, c. 891; 2001, c. 53; 2002, cc. 143, 236.
VA Code § 10.1-526 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-526. Persons eligible to vote

All registered voters residing within each county or city or part thereof shall be eligible to vote in the election for their respective nominees.Code 1950, § 21-39; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-527 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-527. Determination of candidates elected

If the district embraces one county or city, or less than one county or city, the three candidates who receive the largest number of the votes cast in the election shall be elected directors for the district.If the district embraces more than one county or city, or parts thereof, the two candidates from each county or city, or part thereof, receiving the largest number of the votes cast in the election shall be the elected directors for the district.Code 1950, § 21-40; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-528 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-528. Expenses and publication of results

The expenses of such elections shall be paid by the counties or cities concerned. The State Board of Elections shall publish, or have published within the district, the results of the election.Code 1950, § 21-41; 1960, c. 208; 1964, c. 512; 1988, c. 891; 2002, cc. 143, 236.
VA Code § 10.1-529 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-529. District directors constitute governing body; qualifications

The governing body of the district shall consist of five or more district directors, elected and appointed as provided in this article.The two district directors appointed by the Board shall be persons who are by training and experience qualified to perform the specialized skilled services which will be required of them in the performance of their duties. One of the appointed district directors shall be the extension agent of the county or city, or one of the counties or cities constituting the district, or a part thereof. Other appointed and elected district directors shall reside within the boundaries of the district.Code 1950, §§ 21-42, 21-43; 1954, c. 670; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-529.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-529.1. Duties of district directors

In addition to other duties and powers, district directors shall:1. Identify soil and water issues and opportunities within the district or related to the district and establish priorities for addressing these issues;2. Seek a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues that impact soil and water, and assist in resolving the identified issues at the watershed, local, regional, state, and national levels;3. Engage in actions that will improve soil and water stewardship by use of locally led programs;4. Increase understanding among community leaders, including elected officials and others, of their role in soil and water quality protection and improvement;5. Foster discussion and advancement within the community of positions and programs by their district;6. Actively participate in the activities of the district and ensure district resources are used effectively and managed wisely; and7. Support and promote the advancement of districts and their capabilities.2005, c. 73.
VA Code § 10.1-530 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-530. Designation of chairman; terms of office; filling vacancies

A. The district directors shall designate a chairman from the elected members, or from the Board-appointed members, of the district board and may change such designation.B. The term of office of each district director shall be four years. A district director shall hold office until his successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified. The selection of successors to fill a full term shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this article. Beginning in the year 2003, the election of district directors shall be held at the November 2003 general election and each fourth year thereafter. The terms of office of elected district directors shall begin on January 1 following the November general election. The term of office of any district director elected in November 1999 shall be extended to the January 1 following the November 2003 general election. The term of office of any district director elected in November 2000 shall expire on the January 1 following the November 2003 general election. The term of office of any district director elected in November 2001 or 2002 shall be extended to expire on the January 1 following the November general election in 2007. Appointments made by the Board to the at-large position held by an extension agent shall be made to commence January 1, 2005, and each fourth year thereafter. Appointments made by the Board to the other at-large position shall be made to commence January 1, 2007, and each fourth year thereafter. Any appointment made by the Board prior to January 1, 2005, to an at-large position held by an extension agent shall be made to expire January 1, 2005; and any appointment made by the Board prior to January 1, 2007, to the other at-large position shall be made to expire January 1, 2007.C. A vacancy shall exist in the event of the death, resignation or removal of residence from the district of any director or the elimination or detachment from the district of the territory in which a director resides, or by the removal of a director from office by the Board. Any vacancy in an elected or appointed director's position shall be filled by an appointment made by the Board for the unexpired term. In the event of the creation of a new district, the transfer of territory from an existing district to an existing district, or the addition of territory not previously within an existing district to an existing district, the Board may appoint directors to fill the vacancies of elected directors prescribed by § 10.1-515 in the newly created district or in the territory added to an existing district. Such appointed directors shall serve in office until the elected directors prescribed by § 10.1-515 take office after the next general election at which directors for the entire district are selected.Code 1950, §§ 21-44, 21-45; 1954, c. 670; 1956, c. 654; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 2001, c. 54; 2002, cc. 143, 236.
VA Code § 10.1-531 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-531. Quorum and expenses

A majority of the district directors currently in office shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of a majority of those present and voting shall be required for all determinations. A district director shall receive no compensation for his services, but shall be entitled to expenses, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of his duties.Code 1950, § 21-46; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 2003, c. 616.
VA Code § 10.1-532 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-532. Employment of officers, agents and employees

The district directors may employ a secretary-treasurer, whose qualifications shall be approved by the Board, technical experts, and such other officers, agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as they may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties and compensation.Code 1950, § 21-47; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-533 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-533. Delegation of powers

The district directors may delegate to their chairman or to one or more district directors, agents or employees such powers and duties as they may deem proper.Code 1950, § 21-48; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-534 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-534. Information furnished Board

The district directors shall furnish to the Board or Department, upon request, copies of ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, contracts, forms, and other documents that they adopt or employ, and other information concerning their activities as the Board or Department may require in the performance of its duties under this chapter.Code 1950, § 21-49; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-535 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-535. Bonds of officers and employees; records and accounts

The district directors shall (i) provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who shall be entrusted with funds or property; (ii) provide for the keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations, and orders issued or adopted; and (iii) provide for an annual audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements by the Auditor of Public Accounts or a certified public accountant approved by him.Code 1950, § 21-50; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-536 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-536. Removal from office

Any district director may be removed by the Board for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, or may be removed in accordance with the provisions of general law. Upon receipt of a sworn complaint against a director filed by a majority of the directors of that same district, the Board shall (i) notify the district director that a complaint has been filed against him and (ii) hold a hearing to determine whether the district director's conduct constitutes neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.Code 1950, § 21-51; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891; 1996, c. 493.
VA Code § 10.1-537 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-537. Representatives of governing bodies to be invited to consult with directors

The district directors shall invite the legislative body of any locality located near the territory comprised within the district to designate a representative to advise and consult with the directors of the district on all questions of program and policy which may affect the property, water supply, or other interests of such locality.Code 1950, § 21-52; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-538 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-538. District is political subdivision

A soil and water conservation district organized under the provisions of this article shall constitute a political subdivision of this Commonwealth.Code 1950, § 21-53; 1964, c. 512; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-539 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-539. Surveys and dissemination of information

Districts are authorized to (i) conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to soil erosion and floodwater and sediment damages, and to agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed; (ii) publish the results of such surveys, investigations, or research; and (iii) disseminate information concerning preventive and control measures and works of improvement. However, in order to avoid duplication of research activities, no district shall initiate any research program except in cooperation with the government of the Commonwealth or the United States.Code 1950, § 21-54; 1956, c. 654; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-540 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-540. Demonstrational projects

Districts are authorized to conduct demonstrational projects within the district on lands owned or controlled by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, with the consent and cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof, and on any other lands within the district upon obtaining the consent of the owner and occupier of such lands or the necessary rights or interests in such lands. The purpose of such projects is to demonstrate by example the means, methods, and measures by which soil and water resources may be conserved, and soil erosion in the form of soil washing may be prevented and controlled, and works of improvement for flood prevention or agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water may be carried out.Code 1950, § 21-55; 1956, c. 654; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.
VA Code § 10.1-541 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 10.1 - Conservation|Chapter 5 - Soil and Water Conservation|§ 10.1-541. Preventive and control measures

Districts are authorized to carry out preventive and control measures and works of improvement for flood prevention or agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water within the district including, but not limited to, engineering operations, methods of cultivation, the growing of vegetation and changes in use of land on lands owned or controlled by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, with the consent and cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof, and on any other lands within the district upon obtaining the consent of the owner and occupier of such lands or the necessary rights or interests in such lands.Code 1950, § 21-56; 1956, c. 654; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.