reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 15.2-4312 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 43 - Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4312. Effects of districts

A. Land lying within a district and used in agricultural or forestal production shall automatically qualify for an agricultural or forestal use-value assessment pursuant to Article 4 (§ 58.1-3229 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1, if the requirements for such assessment contained therein are satisfied. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-4303 shall extend such use-value assessment and taxation to eligible real property within such district whether or not a local ordinance pursuant to § 58.1-3231 has been adopted.B. No local government shall exercise any of its powers to enact local laws or ordinances within a district in a manner which would unreasonably restrict or regulate farm structures or farming and forestry practices in contravention of the purposes of this chapter unless such restrictions or regulations bear a direct relationship to public health and safety. The comprehensive plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances shall be applicable within said districts, to the extent that such ordinances are not in conflict with the conditions to creation or continuation of the district set forth in the ordinance creating or continuing the district or the purposes of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall affect the authority of the locality to regulate the processing or retail sales of agricultural or forestal products, or structures therefor, in accordance with the local comprehensive plan or any local ordinances. Local ordinances, comprehensive plans, land use planning decisions, administrative decisions and procedures affecting parcels of land adjacent to any district shall take into account the existence of such district and the purposes of this chapter.C. It shall be the policy of all agencies of the Commonwealth to encourage the maintenance of farming and forestry in districts and all administrative regulations and procedures of such agencies shall be modified to this end insofar as is consistent with the promotion of public health and safety and with the provisions of any federal statutes, standards, criteria, rules, regulations, or policies, and any other requirements of federal agencies, including provisions applicable only to obtaining federal grants, loans or other funding.D. No special district for sewer, water or electricity or for nonfarm or nonforest drainage may impose benefit assessments or special tax levies on the basis of frontage, acreage or value on land used for primarily agricultural or forestal production within a district, except a lot not exceeding one-half acre surrounding any dwelling or nonfarm structure located on such land. However, such benefit assessment or special ad valorem levies may continue if imposed prior to the formation of the district.1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1512; 1979, c. 377; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4400 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4400. Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act."1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.1; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4401 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4401. Declaration of policy findings and purpose

It is state policy to encourage localities of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect and to encourage the development and improvement of their agricultural and forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestal products. It is also state policy to encourage localities 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, aesthetic quality and other environmental purposes. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide a means by which localities may protect and enhance agricultural and forestal lands of local significance as a viable segment of the local economy and as an important economic and environmental resource.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.2; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4402 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4402. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:"Advisory committee" means the agricultural and forestal 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, but not processing or retail merchandising of crops, livestock or livestock products."Agriculturally and forestally significant land" means land that has historically produced agricultural and forestal products, or land that an advisory committee considers good agricultural and forestal land based upon such factors as soil quality, topography, climate, markets, farm improvements, agricultural and forestry economics and technology, and other relevant factors."Clerk" means the clerk of the local circuit court or the clerk of the local governing body."Forestal products" includes, but is not limited to, lumber, pulpwood, posts, firewood, Christmas trees and other 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."Participating locality" means the Counties of Albemarle, Augusta, Fairfax, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Roanoke, and Rockingham.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.3; 1991, c. 67; 1992, c. 344; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 813; 2012, c. 419.
VA Code § 15.2-4403 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4403. Power of participating localities to enact ordinances; application form and fees

A. Participating localities shall have the authority to enact ordinances and to promulgate forms to effectuate this chapter. The participating locality may charge a reasonable fee for all applications submitted pursuant to this chapter; such fee shall not to exceed fifty dollars or the costs of processing and reviewing an application, whichever is less.B. The participating locality shall prescribe application forms for agricultural and forestal districts that include but are not limited to the following information:1. The general location and boundaries of the district;2. A summary of the acreage in the district including (i) estimated total acreage in the district and (ii) acreage owned by persons proposing the district;3. The name, address, total acreage owned within the proposed district and signature of each landowner proposing the district; and4. The date of application, date of final county action and whether approved, modified or rejected.C. The application form shall be accompanied by maps or aerial photographs, or both, prescribed by the participating locality which clearly show the boundaries of the proposed district, boundaries of properties within the proposed district owned by each applicant, and any other features as prescribed by the participating locality.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.4; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4404 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4404. Agricultural and forestal districts advisory committee

Upon receipt of the first agricultural and forestal district application submitted as permitted under an ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter, the local governing body shall establish an advisory committee as prescribed in § 15.2-4304, which section shall apply mutatis mutandis. If an advisory committee has already been established pursuant to § 15.2-4304, it shall carry out the duties prescribed in Chapter 43 (§ 15.2-4300 et seq.) as well as in this chapter.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.5; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4406 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4406. Provisions of district ordinances for districts of local significance

Any district ordinance adopted by the local governing body in order to create or renew an agricultural, forestal, or agricultural and forestal district shall include the following provisions:1. That no parcel included within the district shall be developed to a more intensive use than its existing use at the time of adoption of the ordinance creating the district for eight years from the date of adoption of such ordinance;2. That no parcel added to an already created district shall be developed to a more intensive use than its existing use at the time of addition to the district for eight years from the date of adoption of the original district ordinance;3. That land used in agricultural and forestal production within the agricultural and forestal district of local significance shall automatically qualify for an agricultural or forestal value assessment on such land pursuant to Article 4 (§ 58.1-3229 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1, if the requirements for such assessment contained therein are satisfied, whether or not a local land-use plan or local ordinance pursuant to § 58.1-3231 has been adopted;4. That the district shall be reviewed by the local governing body at the end of the eight-year period and that it may by ordinance renew the district or modification thereof for another eight-year period; and5. Any other provisions to the mutual agreement of the landowner and the local governing body that further the purposes of this chapter.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.7; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4407 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 44 - Local Agricultural and Forestal Districts Act|§ 15.2-4407. Withdrawal of land from district of local significance

A. At any time after the creation of an agricultural, forestal, or an agricultural and forestal district of local significance within Fairfax County, any owner of land lying in such district may file a written notice of withdrawal with the local governing body which created the district, and upon the filing of such notice, the withdrawal shall be effective. In no way shall this section affect the ability of an owner to withdraw his land from a proposed district as is authorized by subsection C of § 15.2-4405.B. Any person withdrawing land from a district located in the Counties of Albemarle, Augusta, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Roanoke, and Rockingham shall follow the withdrawal procedures required by § 15.2-4314.C. Upon withdrawal of land from a district, the real estate previously included in such district shall be subject to roll-back taxes, as are provided in § 58.1-3237, and also a penalty in the amount equal to two times the taxes determined in the year following the withdrawal from the district on all land previously within the district.D. Upon withdrawal of land from a district no provisions of the ordinance which created the district shall any longer apply to the lands previously in the district which were withdrawn.E. The withdrawal of land from a district shall not itself serve to terminate the existence of the district. Such district shall continue in effect and be subject to review as to whether it should be terminated, modified or continued pursuant to § 15.2-4405.1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.8; 1983, c. 558; 1991, c. 67, § 15.1-1513.9; 1994, c. 193; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 813; 2012, c. 419.
VA Code § 15.2-4600 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4600. Short title; application

This chapter shall be known as the "Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts." No district shall be created under this chapter after June 30, 1993.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4601 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4601. Purpose of chapter

It is the intent of the legislature to encourage the formation of transportation improvement districts in multicounty circumstances in order to facilitate regional transportation initiatives and to gain access to revenues in addition to general state and local taxes for the purpose of accelerating construction of vital transportation improvements.It is the further intent of the legislature to grant to governing bodies of counties in which such transportation improvement districts may be formed the authority to provide long-term zoning and land use protection to properties paying the special taxes that further the purpose of this chapter.It is the further intent of the legislature that all districts created pursuant to this chapter provide such long-term zoning protection where such special taxes have been imposed.It is the further intent of the legislature to declare that the formation of transportation improvement districts and the granting of long-term land use protection in exchange for the payment of special taxes promote the public health, safety, and welfare.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4604 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4604. Commission established

The powers of the local district created in accordance with this chapter shall be exercised by a commission composed of four of the elected members of each of the boards of supervisors of the counties in which it is located, appointed by their respective boards of supervisors. The Chairman of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or his designee, shall be an ex officio member of the commission.The members of the commission shall elect one of their number chairman. The chairman may or may not be the chairman or presiding officer of a board of supervisors. In addition, commission members, with the advice of the district advisory board, shall elect a secretary and treasurer, who may or may not be a member or employee of a board of supervisors or other governmental body represented on the commission. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined. A majority of commission members shall constitute a quorum, and the vote of a majority of the commission membership shall be necessary for any action taken by the commission. No vacancy in the membership of the commission shall impair the right of a majority of the members to form a quorum or to exercise all of its rights, powers, and duties. The 1990 amendments to the provisions of this paragraph shall not be effective for the Route 28 Primary Highway Transportation Improvement District until such time as the special tax revenues from the District exceed the total debt service on the bonds issued pursuant to Chapter 676 of the 1988 Acts of Assembly for three consecutive years.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4607 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4607. Annual special improvements tax; use of revenues

Upon the written request of the district commission made concurrently to both boards of supervisors pursuant to subdivision 8 of § 15.2-4606, each board of supervisors may levy and collect an annual special improvements tax on taxable real estate zoned for commercial or industrial use or used for such purposes and taxable leasehold interests in that portion of the improvement district within its jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4 (§ 58.1-3229 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1, the tax shall be levied upon the assessed fair market value of the taxable real property. The rate of the special improvements tax shall not be more than $0.20 per $100 of the assessed fair market value of any taxable real estate or the assessable value of taxable leasehold property as specified by § 58.1-3203. Such special improvement taxes shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as county taxes are collected, and the proceeds shall be kept in a separate account. The effective date of the initial assessment shall be January 1 of the year following adoption of the resolution creating and establishing the district. All revenues received by each county pursuant to such taxes shall be paid to or at the direction of the district commission for its use pursuant to §§ 15.2-4606 and 15.2-4608.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4609 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4609. Jurisdiction of counties and officers, etc., not affected

Neither the creation of a district nor any other provision in this chapter shall affect the power, jurisdiction, or duties of the respective local governing bodies, sheriffs, treasurers, commissioners of the revenue, circuit, district, or other courts, clerks of any court, magistrates, or any other county or state officer in regard to the area embraced in any district or restrict or prevent any county or town or its governing body from imposing and collecting taxes or assessments for public improvements as permitted by law. Any county that creates a district pursuant to this section may obligate itself with respect to the zoning ordinances, zoning ordinance text, and regulations relating thereto for all commercial and industrial classifications within the district as provided in subsection C of § 15.2-4603 for a term not to exceed 20 years from the date on which such district is created.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4610 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4610. Allocation of funds to local transportation districts

The board of supervisors of any county that has created a local district pursuant to § 15.2-4603 may advance funds, or provide matching funds, from money not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, from whatever source received or generated, including without limitation general revenues, special fees and assessments, state allocations, and contributions from private sources, to a local district to assist the local district to undertake the project for which it was created. The Commonwealth Transportation Board may allocate funds to a district only from the construction district or districts in which such transportation district is located pursuant to the highway allocation formula to assist the district with an approved project as provided by law.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4611 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4611. Reimbursement for advances to local transportation district

The commission shall direct the district treasurer to reimburse the county or town from any funds of the district not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, to the extent that a county or town has made advances.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4612 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4612. Cooperation between districts and other political subdivisions

Any local district created under the provisions of this chapter may enter into agreements with localities and other political subdivisions within the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with the authority contained in § 15.2-1300.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4613 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4613. Tort liability

No pecuniary liability of any kind shall be imposed on the Commonwealth or on any county, town, or landowner therein because of any act, agreement, contract, tort, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance, by or on the part of a district created under this chapter or its agents, servants, or employees.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4614 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4614. Approval by Commonwealth Transportation Board

The district may not construct or improve a mass transit system or public highway without the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and without the approval of each county in which the transportation improvement will be located. At the request of the commission, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner may exercise his powers of condemnation pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 or 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1 or § 33.2-705 for the purpose of acquiring property for transportation improvements within the district. Upon completion of the construction or improvement, the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall take the public highway into the primary system of state highways for purposes of maintenance and subsequent improvement as necessary. Upon acceptance by the Commonwealth of the highway into the primary system of highways, all rights, title, and interest in the right-of-way held by the commission and improvements of such highway shall vest in the Commonwealth. Upon completion of the construction or improvement of a mass transit system, all rights, title, and interest in the right-of-way and improvements of the mass transit system shall vest in the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission or other agency or instrumentality of the Commonwealth.1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-4615 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 46 - Multicounty Transportation Improvement Districts|§ 15.2-4615. Enlargement of local districts

A. The district shall be enlarged by resolutions of the boards of supervisors of the participating counties upon the concurrent joint petitions of the commission and the owners of at least 51 percent of the land area of the district within each county, and of at least 51 percent of the land area located within the territory sought to be added to the district; however, any such territory shall be contiguous to the existing district. Joint petitions shall present the information required by subsection A of § 15.2-4603. Upon receipt of such petitions, each county shall use the standards and procedures described in subsections B and C of § 15.2-4603; however, the residents and owners of both the existing district and the area proposed for the enlargement shall have the right to appear and show cause why any property should not be included in the proposed district.B. If each county board of supervisors finds the enlargement of a local district would be in accordance with the applicable county comprehensive plan for the development of the area, in the best interests of the residents and owners of the property within the proposed district, and in furtherance of the public health, safety, and general welfare, and if each board finds that enlargement of the district does not limit or adversely affect the rights and interests of any party that has contracted with the district, each board shall pass identical resolutions providing for the enlargement of the district.1997, c. 587.