reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 15.2-4217.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4217.1. Specialized Transportation Incentive Fund

The Specialized Transportation Incentive Fund (the "Fund") is established and shall be used to assist participating planning districts in the development of coordinated specialized transportation plans and projects. In order to be eligible to receive monies from the Fund, a planning district commission or single locality shall establish, in consultation with its metropolitan planning organization if one exists, an advisory transportation coordination committee and shall submit to the Disability Commission a plan for cost-effective coordination of specialized transportation services in the planning district or in localities within the planning district. Single localities may appoint an advisory transportation coordinating committee independent of the planning district commission and receive specialized transportation incentive funds if the locality is located in a regional planning district in which all other localities are recipients of the federal funds and subject to the provisions of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Public Law 101-336 (42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.). The advisory transportation coordination committee shall guide planning for the coordination and administration of specialized transportation with human service agencies, participating public transportation systems and, where appropriate, with private for-profit and nonprofit transportation providers. Advisory transportation coordination committees shall be composed of, but not limited to, elderly and disabled persons, providers of specialized transportation systems, participating public transportation systems, and local private for-profit and nonprofit transportation providers. Localities and public transportation systems subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Public Law 101-336 (42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.), shall not be required to participate in coordinated specialized transportation plans, but may participate at their option.2003, c. 454.
VA Code § 15.2-4218 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4218. Local governing bodies authorized to appropriate or lend funds

The governing bodies of the localities within a planning district are authorized to appropriate or lend funds to the planning district commission.1968, c. 224, § 15.1-1413; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4219 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4219. Exemption of commission from taxation

The planning district commission shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or upon any property acquired or used by it or upon the income therefrom. For purposes of subdivision 4 of § 58.1-609.1, a planning district commission is deemed a "political subdivision of this Commonwealth" as the term is used in that section.1968, c. 224, § 15.1-1415; 1993, c. 310; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4220 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4220. Dual membership authorized

Any locality which is a member of a planning district commission may become a member of an additional planning district commission upon such terms and conditions as mutually agreed to by the locality and the additional planning district commission. The locality shall notify the Department of Housing and Community Development of its membership status in the additional planning district commission within thirty days of becoming a member. Whenever a state-directed activity is conducted by all the planning district commissions, the planning district boundaries identified by the Department of Housing and Community Development shall be used, unless alternative boundaries are agreed to by the localities and the planning district commissions affected. No additional state financial support shall be paid due to a locality becoming a member of an additional planning district commission.1985, c. 109, § 15.1-1416; 1988, c. 263; 1991, c. 35; 1993, c. 797; 1994, c. 650; 1995, cc. 732, 796; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4221 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4221. Merger of two planning district commissions

The commissions of any two planning districts and a majority of the governing bodies of the localities comprising each district, upon finding that the community of interest, ease of communications and transportation, and geographic factors and natural boundaries among the localities of the two districts are such that the best interest of the localities would be served, may by resolutions concurrently adopted vote to merge into one district and request the Department of Housing and Community Development to declare the districts so merged. Upon such declaration, the commissions of the two districts shall be merged into one commission. The commission of the new district thereupon shall organize as provided in § 15.2-4203; however, nothing shall prevent the commissions of the two districts which are to be merged from agreeing to the terms of such organization prior to their vote to merge.1990, c. 722, § 15.1-1416.1; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4222 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 42 - Regional Cooperation Act|§ 15.2-4222. Inconsistent laws inapplicable

All other general or special laws inconsistent with any provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be inapplicable to the provisions of this chapter.1968, c. 224, § 15.1-1452; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4300 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4300. Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act."1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1506; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4301 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4301. Declaration of policy findings and purpose

It is the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect and to encourage the development and improvement of the Commonwealth's agricultural and forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestal products. It is also the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect agricultural and forestal lands as valued natural and ecological resources which provide essential open spaces for clean air sheds, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, as well as for aesthetic purposes. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide a means for a mutual undertaking by landowners and localities to protect and enhance agricultural and forestal land as a viable segment of the Commonwealth's economy and as an economic and environmental resource of major importance.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1507; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4302 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4302. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:"Advisory committee" means the agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee."Agricultural products" means crops, livestock and livestock products, including but not limited to: field crops, fruits, vegetables, horticultural specialties, cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, horses, poultry, furbearing animals, milk, eggs and furs."Agricultural production" means the production for commercial purposes of crops, livestock and livestock products, and includes the processing or retail sales by the producer of crops, livestock or livestock products which are produced on the parcel or in the district."Agriculturally and forestally significant land" means land that has recently or historically produced agricultural and forestal products, is suitable for agricultural or forestal production or is considered appropriate to be retained for agricultural and forestal production as determined by such factors as soil quality, topography, climate, markets, farm structures, and other relevant factors."Application" means the set of items a landowner or landowners must submit to the local governing body when applying for the creation of a district or an addition to an existing district."District" means an agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal district."Forestal production" means the production for commercial purposes of forestal products and includes the processing or retail sales, by the producer, of forestal products which are produced on the parcel or in the district. "Forestal products" includes, but is not limited to, saw timber, pulpwood, posts, firewood, Christmas trees and other tree and wood products for sale or for farm use."Landowner" or "owner of land" means any person holding a fee simple interest in property but does not mean the holder of an easement."Program administrator" means the local governing body or local official appointed by the local governing body to administer the agricultural and forestal districts program.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1508; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 54; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4303 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4303. Power of localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees; maps; sample form

A. Each locality shall have the authority to promulgate forms and to enact ordinances to effectuate this chapter. The locality may charge a reasonable fee for each application submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not exceed $500 or the costs of processing and reviewing an application, whichever is less.B. The locality shall prescribe application forms for districts that include but need not be limited to the following information:1. The general location of the district;2. The total acreage in the district or acreage to be added to an existing district;3. The name, address, and signature of each landowner applying for creation of a district or an addition to an existing district and the acreage each owner owns within the district or addition;4. The conditions proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309;5. The period before first review proposed by the applicant pursuant to § 15.2-4309; and6. The date of application, date of final action by the local governing body and whether approved, modified or rejected.C. The application form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or both, prescribed by the locality that clearly show the boundaries of the proposed district and each addition and boundaries of properties owned by each applicant, and any other features as prescribed by the locality.D. For each notice required by this chapter to be sent to a landowner, notice shall be sent by first-class mail to the last known address of such owner as shown on the application hereunder or on the current real estate tax assessment books or maps. A representative of the local planning commission or local governing body shall make affidavit that such mailing has been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the case.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1509; 1978, c. 604; 1979, c. 377; 1984, c. 20; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 667; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4304 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4304. Agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee

A. Upon receipt of the first agricultural and forestal districts application, the local governing body shall establish an advisory committee which shall consist of four landowners who are engaged in agricultural or forestal production, four other landowners of the locality, the commissioner of revenue or the local government's chief property assessment officer, and a member of the local governing body. The members of the committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the local governing body. The advisory committee shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman and elect or appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the committee. The advisory committee shall serve without pay but the locality may reimburse each member for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his duties. Any expenditures of the committee shall be within the amounts appropriated for such purpose by the local governing body. The committee shall advise the local planning commission and the local governing body and assist in creating, reviewing, modifying, continuing or terminating districts within the locality. In particular, the committee shall render expert advice as to the nature of farming and forestry and agricultural and forestal resources within the district and their relation to the entire locality.B. The local governing body may designate the planning commission to act for and in lieu of an agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee if the membership of the planning commission includes at least four landowners who are engaged in agricultural or forestal production.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1510; 1987, c. 552; 1989, c. 52; 1997, c. 587; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4305 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4305. Application for creation of district in one or more localities; size and location of parcels

On or before November 1 of each year or any other annual date selected by the locality, any owner or owners of land may submit an application to the locality for the creation of a district or addition of land to an existing district within the locality. Each district shall have a core of no less than 200 acres in one parcel or in contiguous parcels. A parcel not part of the core may be included in a district (i) if the nearest boundary of the parcel is within one mile of the boundary of the core, (ii) if it is contiguous to a parcel in the district the nearest boundary of which is within one mile of the boundary of the core, or (iii) if the local governing body finds, in consultation with the advisory committee or planning commission, that the parcel not part of the core or within one mile of the boundary of the core contains agriculturally and forestally significant land. No land shall be included in any district without the signature on the application, or the written approval of all owners thereof. A district may be located in more than one locality, provided that (i) separate application is made to each locality involved, (ii) each local governing body approves the district, and (iii) the district meets the size requirements of this section. In the event that one of the local governing bodies disapproves the creation of a district within its boundaries, the creation of the district within the adjacent localities' boundaries shall not be affected, provided that the district otherwise meets the requirements set out in this chapter. In no event shall the act of creating a single district located in two localities pursuant to this subsection be construed to create two districts.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 833; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4306 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4306. Criteria for evaluating application

Land being considered for inclusion in a district may be evaluated by the advisory committee and the planning commission through the Virginia Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System or, if one has been developed, a local LESA System. The following factors should be considered by the local planning commission and the advisory committee, and at any public hearing at which an application that has been filed pursuant to § 15.2-4303 is being considered:1. The agricultural and forestal significance of land within the district or addition and in areas adjacent thereto;2. The presence of any significant agricultural lands or significant forestal lands within the district and in areas adjacent thereto that are not now in active agricultural or forestal production;3. The nature and extent of land uses other than active farming or forestry within the district and in areas adjacent thereto;4. Local developmental patterns and needs;5. The comprehensive plan and, if applicable, the zoning regulations;6. The environmental benefits of retaining the lands in the district for agricultural and forestal uses; and7. Any other matter which may be relevant.In judging the agricultural and forestal significance of land, any relevant agricultural or forestal maps may be considered, as well as soil, climate, topography, other natural factors, markets for agricultural and forestal products, the extent and nature of farm structures, the present status of agriculture and forestry, anticipated trends in agricultural economic conditions and such other factors as may be relevant.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4307 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4307. Review of application; notice; hearing

Upon the receipt of an application for a district or for an addition to an existing district, the program administrator shall refer such application to the advisory committee.The advisory committee shall review and make recommendations concerning the application or modification thereof to the local planning commission, which shall:1. Notify, by first-class mail, adjacent property owners, as shown on the maps of the locality used for tax assessment purposes, and where applicable, any political subdivision whose territory encompasses or is part of the district, of the application. The notice shall contain (i) a statement that an application for a district has been filed with the program administrator pursuant to this chapter; (ii) a statement that the application will be on file open to public inspection in the office of the clerk of the local governing body; (iii) where applicable a statement that any political subdivision whose territory encompasses or is part of the district may propose a modification which must be filed with the local planning commission within thirty days of the date of the notice; (iv) a statement that any owner of additional qualifying land may join the application within thirty days from the date of the notice or, with the consent of the local governing body, at any time before the public hearing the local governing body must hold on the application; (v) a statement that any owner who joined in the application may withdraw his land, in whole or in part, by written notice filed with the local governing body, at any time before the local governing body acts pursuant to § 15.2-4309; and (vi) a statement that additional qualifying lands may be added to an already created district at any time upon separate application pursuant to this chapter;2. Hold a public hearing as prescribed by law; and3. Report its recommendations to the local governing body including but not limited to the potential effect of the district and proposed modifications upon the locality's planning policies and objectives.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 833; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4310 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4310. Additions to a district

Additional parcels of land may be added to an existing district at any time by following the process and application deadlines prescribed for the creation of a new district.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587; 2011, cc. 344, 355.
VA Code § 15.2-4311 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4311. Review of districts

The local governing body may complete a review of any district created under this section, together with additions to such district, no less than four years but no more than ten years after the date of its creation and every four to ten years thereafter. If the local governing body determines that a review is necessary, it shall begin such review at least ninety days before the expiration date of the period established when the district was created. In conducting such review, the local governing body shall ask for the recommendations of the local advisory committee and the planning commission in order to determine whether to terminate, modify or continue the district. When each district is reviewed, land within the district may be withdrawn at the owner's discretion by filing a written notice with the local governing body at any time before it acts to continue, modify or terminate the district. The local planning commission or the advisory committee shall schedule as part of the review a public meeting with the owners of land within the district, and shall send by first-class mail a written notice of the meeting and review to all such owners. The notice shall state the time and place for the meeting; that the district is being reviewed by the local governing body; that the local governing body may continue, modify, or terminate the district; and that land may be withdrawn from the district at the owner's discretion by filing a written notice with the local governing body at any time before it acts to continue, modify or terminate the district. The local governing body shall hold a public hearing as provided by law. The governing body may stipulate conditions to continuation of the district and may establish a period before the next review of the district, which may be different from the conditions or period established when the district was created. Any such different conditions or period shall be described in a notice sent by first-class mail to all owners of land within the district and published in a newspaper having a general circulation within the district at least two weeks prior to adoption of the ordinance continuing the district. Unless the district is modified or terminated by the local governing body, the district shall continue as originally constituted, with the same conditions and period before the next review as that established when the district was created.If the local governing body determines that a review is unnecessary, it shall set the year in which the next review shall occur.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1511; 1979, c. 377; 1981, c. 546; 1984, c. 20; 1985, c. 13; 1987, c. 552; 1993, cc. 745, 761; 1997, c. 587.