reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 879 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention Code|Subchapter XII - General Precautions Against Fire|§ 879. Use of torches or flame-producing devices for removing paint

 Any person using a torch or other flame-producing device for removing paint from any building or structure shall provide one approved fire extinguisher or water hose connected to the water supply on the premises where such burning is done. In all cases, the person doing the burning shall remain on the premises 1 hour after the torch or flame-producing device has been used.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 901 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention Code|Subchapter XIV - Fire Zones|§ 901. Establishment of fire zones

 Fire zones shall be established by regulations of the Commissioner of Public Safety under section 603 of this title.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 902 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention Code|Subchapter XIV - Fire Zones|§ 902. Restrictions in fire zones

 The following restrictions shall apply in any fire zone— (1) no wood frame buildings of any description shall be erected; and (2) all future buildings shall be of either masonry, slow-burning, or fire-resistant construction in accordance with the standards of design and construction set forth in the regulations of the Commissioner of Public Safety under section 603 of this title and the regulations of the Commissioner of Public Works under section 293 of Title 29.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 903 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention Code|Subchapter XIV - Fire Zones|§ 903. Fire restrictions in other areas

 In areas within the towns but outside the fire zones no building or structure of frame construction shall be built nearer than 5 feet to the neighboring property line, so that between two frame buildings there shall be a fire gap of not less than 10 feet. Buildings of masonry or fire-resistant construction may be built closer to such property line in accordance with regulations under section 603 of this title and section 293 of Title 29.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1001 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1001. Short title

 This chapter shall be cited as “The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act of 2009”.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1002 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1002. Purposes

 (a) The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) Reduce vulnerability of the people and communities of this Territory to damage, injury, and loss of life and property resulting from natural or man-made catastrophes; (2) Clarify and strengthen the roles of the governor and territorial agencies in prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies or major disasters resulting from natural or man-made catastrophes; (3) Prepare for prompt and efficient rescue, care and treatment of persons victimized or threatened by emergencies or major disasters; (4) Provide a setting conducive to the rapid and orderly start of recovery, restoration and rehabilitation of persons and property affected by emergencies or major disasters; (5) Authorize and provide for cooperation in the prevention of, preparation for, response to, and recovery from emergencies and major disasters, including the coordination of such activities with those of other jurisdictions; (6) Provide an emergency and major disaster management system; (7) Assist in prevention of emergencies or major disasters caused or aggravated by inadequate planning for the regulation of public and private facilities and land use; (8) Provide an efficient and effective 911 Emergency Communication system designed to meet individual circumstances throughout the Virgin Islands; (9) Prepare and execute a comprehensive plan and program for emergency management in the Virgin Islands; and (10) Assist the Territorial government with respect to coordinating those functions related to homeland security and to establish standards and procedures for addressing threats to homeland security and for protecting life, public health, property and infrastructure in the event of terrorist attacks. (b) It is further declared to be the purpose of this chapter and policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands to ensure and provide clear direction, coordination and support of all agencies directly and indirectly involved in the preparedness and response readiness of the entire Territory, including efficient distribution of all federal assets made available as well as for training personnel in all aspects of emergency management.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1003 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1003. Limitations

 Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to: (1) Interfere with dissemination of news or comment on public affairs; but any communications facility or organization (including but not limited to radio and television stations, wire services, and newspapers) may be required to transmit or print public service messages furnishing information or instructions in connection with an emergency or major disaster; (2) Affect the jurisdiction or responsibilities of police forces, fire fighting forces, units of the armed forces of the United States, or of any personnel thereof, when on active duty; but territorial and jurisdictional emergency or major disaster plans shall rely upon such forces as activated by the Governor for performance of functions related to emergencies or major disasters; (3) Limit, modify, or abridge the authority of the Governor to proclaim martial law or exercise any other powers vested in him under the Constitution of the United States, the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands of 1954, as amended, federal laws made applicable to the Virgin Islands, or the statutes and common law of the Virgin Islands, independent of, or in conjunction with, any provisions of this chapter; or (4) Transcend the authority or jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1008 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1008. Financing

 (a) It is the intent of the Legislature and declared to be the policy of the Territory that funds to meet emergencies or major disasters shall always be available. (b) A Disaster Contingency Fund (“DCF”) is established in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands which shall receive monies appropriated thereto by the Legislature and any federal grants or loans made available to the Virgin Islands in the event of major disaster or emergency. Local monies deposited into the DCF may also be used as matching funds for any federal grants under the Stafford Act. (c) It is the legislative intent that for the purposes stated in this chapter the funds regularly appropriated to territorial agencies shall be utilized prior to the use of monies in the DCF. If the Governor finds that the demands placed upon these funds in coping with the particular emergency or major disaster are unreasonably great, he may make funds available from the Disaster Contingency Fund. If monies available from the Fund are insufficient, and if the Governor finds that other sources of money to cope with the emergency or major disaster are not available or are insufficient, the Governor may transfer and expend monies borrowed for a term not to exceed two years from the Federal Government, bond proceeds, or other Treasury sources. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Governor is authorized to expend from any monies in the Disaster Contingency Fund such sums as he deems necessary to meet the expenses of public agencies directly associated with an emergency or major disaster to meet such expenses for such emergency or major disaster. The Governor shall not exercise any authority under this subsection until and unless he has declared in writing the nature of the emergency or major disaster. Within 60 days after exercising any authority under this subsection, the Governor shall notify the Legislature in writing of all expenses and obligations made pursuant to this subsection. (e) The Governor may accept, on behalf of the Virgin Islands, for emergency management purposes, from the Federal Government or any agency (public or private), services, equipment, supplies, materials or funds by way of gift, loan or grant. Donated funds shall be deposited into the Disaster Contingency Fund. All federal funds received by VITEMA as reimbursement to said agency for expenditures, pursuant to appropriations from the General Fund shall be forwarded by the Director of VITEMA to the Commissioner of Finance for deposit into the General Fund. Funds being reimbursed to the Emergency Response and Management Fund shall be deposited into said fund. (f) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the Governor's authority to apply for, administer and expend grants, gifts, or payments in aid of the prevention of, preparation for, response to, or recovery from emergencies and major disaster.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1009 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1009. Mutual aid agreements

 The Governor may, on behalf of the Virgin Islands, enter into reciprocal aid agreements or compacts with neighboring countries, subject to applicable federal law. Such mutual aid agreements shall be limited to the furnishing or exchange of food, clothing, medicine, and other emergency supplies; engineering services; emergency housing; fire fighting services and equipment, rescue, transportation, and construction services and equipment; personnel necessary to provide or conduct these services; and such other supplies, equipment, facilities, personnel and services as may be needed; the reimbursement of costs and expenses for equipment, supplies, personnel, and similar items for mobile support units, fire fighting, and police units and health units; and on such terms and conditions as deemed necessary.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1010 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1010. Hazard mitigation

 (a) In addition to measures regarding disasters preparedness as included in the Plan, the Governor and the Director shall consider on a continuing basis steps that could be taken to mitigate hazards that cause an emergency or major disaster. At the Governor's direction, and pursuant to any other authority and competence they have, territorial agencies, including but not limited to those charged with responsibilities in connection with flood plain management, stream encroachment and flow regulation, weather, fire prevention and control, air quality, public works, land use and land-use planning, and construction standards, shall make hazard mitigation studies and provide financial resources and manpower to implement hazard mitigation actions. From time to time the Governor shall make recommendations to the Legislature, and other appropriate public and private entities as may facilitate hazard mitigation or risk reduction measures. (b) The Department of Planning and Natural Resources shall advise VITEMA concerning structures and other facilities which are particularly susceptible to severe land shifting, subsidence, flood, or other catastrophic occurrence. The studies under this subsection shall concentrate on means of reducing or avoiding the hazards. (c) If the Director believes on the basis of the studies or other competent evidence that: (1) An area is susceptible to any emergency or major disaster of catastrophic proportions; (2) The existing building standards and land-use controls in that area are inadequate and could add substantially to the magnitude of the disaster; and (3) That changes in zoning regulations, other land-use regulations, or building requirements are essential in order to further the purposes of disaster preparedness planning; he shall specify needed changes to the Governor and those agencies with jurisdiction over the area and subject matter. If the Governor and said agencies upon review of the recommendations find that the changes are necessary, appropriate rules and regulations or executive orders may be promulgated in the manner provided by law to implement those changes. (d) The Governor, at the same time that he makes his recommendations pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, may by executive order suspend the standard of control which are determined to be inadequate to protect the public safety and put in place temporary standards or controls in effect. The temporary standards or controls shall remain in effect until the appropriate rules and regulations or executive orders to be issued under subsection (c) hereof are promulgated according to law, but, in any event, may not be effective for more than 90 days. During the time it is in effect, the temporary standard or control contained therein shall be administered and given full effect by all relevant agencies of the Territory to which it applies.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1011 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1011. Compensation

 (a) Each person within this Territory shall conduct himself and keep and manage his affairs and property in ways that will reasonably assist and will not unreasonably detract from the ability of the Territory and the public successfully to meet emergencies or major disasters. This obligation includes appropriate personal service and use or restriction on the use of property in time of emergency or major disaster. This chapter neither increases nor decreases these obligations but recognizes their existence under the United States Constitution, the Revised Organic Act, and statutes and common law of this Territory. Compensation for services or for the taking or use of property shall be made consistent with the United States Constitution, the Revised Organic Act, and statutes and common law of this Territory. (b) No personal services may be compensated by the Territory or any subdivision or agency thereof, except pursuant to law. (c) Compensation for property shall be paid only if the property was commandeered or otherwise used in coping with an emergency or major disaster and its use or destruction was ordered by the Governor or a member of the emergency or major disaster forces of this Territory. (d) Any person claiming compensation for the use, damage, loss, or destruction of property under this chapter shall file a claim therefore with the appropriate territorial agency in the form and manner the agency provides. (e) Unless the amount of compensation on account of property damaged, lost, or destroyed is agreed between the claimant and the agency, the amount of compensation shall be calculated in the same manner as compensation due for a taking of property pursuant to the condemnation laws of this Territory following insofar as possible the procedures set forth in Chapter 19 of title 28 of this Code. (f) Nothing in this section applies to or authorizes compensation for the destruction or damaging of standing timber or other property in order to provide a fire break, or to the release of water or the breach of impoundments in order to reduce pressure or other danger from actual or threatened flood.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1012 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1012. Communications

 VITEMA shall be responsible for coordinating rapid and efficient communications during emergencies or major disasters. VITEMA shall operate the EOCs wherein federal and territorial departments and agencies, and private sector entities are integrated into a comprehensive territorial emergency communications system or network. In studying the character and feasibility of any system or its several parts VITEMA shall evaluate the possibility of multipurpose use thereof for general territorial purposes. VITEMA shall make recommendations to the Governor as appropriate.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1013 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1013. Temporary housing for victims of an emergency or major disaster and site acquisition and preparation

 (a) Whenever there exists an emergency or major disaster under the laws of this Territory, or the President has declared an emergency or a major disaster, as defined by the Stafford Act to exist in this Territory, the Governor is authorized: (1) To enter into purchase, lease, or other arrangements with any agency of the United States for temporary housing units to be occupied by victims of an emergency or major disaster. (2) To acquire, temporarily or permanently, by purchase, lease, or otherwise, sites necessary for the installation of temporary housing units for victims of an emergency or major disaster, and to do all things required to prepare such site to receive and utilize temporary housing units. For this purpose, the Governor may utilize any funds available from federal funds, appropriations made by the Legislature, or from any other source, and, where necessary, the credit of the Government of the Virgin Islands on such terms as he deems appropriate, having due regard for current debt transactions of the Territory. (3) Under such executive orders as he shall prescribe, to suspend temporarily or modify for not to exceed 60 days any public health, safety, zoning, transportation or other requirement of law or regulation within this Territory when by executive order he deems such suspension or modification essential to provide temporary housing for victims of an emergency or major disaster. Pursuant to this section, the Governor's action is subject to judicial and Legislative review but shall not be subject to temporary stay pending litigation. (b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the Governor's authority to apply for, administer, and expend any grants, gifts, or payments in aid of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, or recovery.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1014 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1014. Disaster loans to the Government of the Virgin Islands

 Whenever the President has declared a “major disaster” as defined by the Stafford Act to exist in the Territory, the Governor is authorized: (a) Upon his determination that the Government of the Virgin Islands will suffer a substantial loss of tax and other revenues from a major disaster and has a need for financial assistance to perform its governmental functions, to apply to the federal government or non-governmental financial institutions, on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, for a loan; and to receive and disburse the proceeds of any approved loan. (b) To determine the amount needed by the Government of the Virgin Islands to restore or resume its governmental functions, and to certify the same to the federal government or non-governmental financial institutions.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1015 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1015. Debris and wreckage removal in emergencies and major disasters

 (a) Whenever there exists an emergency or major disaster under the laws of this Territory, or the President has declared an emergency or major disaster, as defined by the Stafford Act, to exist in this Territory, the Governor is authorized: (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, through the use of the departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the Government of the Virgin Islands, to clear or remove debris and wreckage which may threaten public health or safety from publicly or privately owned land or water. (2) To accept funds from the federal government or private sources and utilize such funds for the purpose of removing debris or wreckage from publicly or privately owned land or water. (b) Whenever the Governor provides for clearance of debris or wreckage pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, employees of the designated departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the Government of the Virgin Islands, or individuals appointed by the Governor of the Virgin Islands, are authorized to enter upon private land or waters and perform any tasks necessary to the removal or clearance operation, and the owner of the boat or other private property shall indemnify the Government of the Virgin Islands against any claim arising from such removal including cost of removal, except where the Government is reimbursed for such claims and costs from other sources. (c) Except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith, any employee or agent of the Government of the Virgin Islands complying with orders of the Governor and performing duties pursuant thereto under this section shall not be liable for death of or injury to persons or damage to property.
V.I. Code tit. 23, § 1016 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order|Chapter 10 - Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Act|Subchapter I - Emergencies and Major Disasters|§ 1016. Territorial financial participation in grants to victims of emergencies and major disasters

 (a) Whenever the President has declared an emergency or major disaster, as defined by the Stafford Act to exist in this Territory, the Governor is authorized: (1) Upon his determination that financial assistance is essential to meet necessary expenses or serious needs to individuals or families adversely affected by such emergency or major disaster, and related thereto, that cannot be otherwise adequately met from other means of assistance, to accept a grant by the federal government to fund such financial assistance, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed upon the grant. (2) To enter into an agreement with the federal government or any officer or agency thereof, pledging the Government of the Virgin Islands to participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized in paragraph (1) of this subsection, in an amount not to exceed 25 percent thereof and, if territorial funds are not otherwise available to the Governor, to accept an advance of the territorial share from the federal government to be repaid when the Government of the Virgin Islands is able to do so. (b) All federal grants received pursuant to this section, and all local matching funds related thereto, shall be deposited in the General Disaster Relief Fund created by title 33, section 3041, Virgin Islands Code, and shall be disbursed therefrom in accordance with that section.