reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 15.2-3206 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3206. Conflicting petitions for same territory; petition seeking territory lying in two or more counties; procedure

A. When proceedings for the annexation of territory to a city or town are pending and a petition is filed seeking the annexation of the same territory or a portion thereof to another city or town the case shall be heard by the court in which the original proceedings are pending. The court shall consolidate the cases, hear them together, and make such decision as is just, taking into consideration the interests of all parties to each case.B. When the territory sought by a city or town lies in two or more counties, all such counties shall be made parties defendant to the case. The motion or petition shall be addressed to the circuit court for the county in which the larger part of the territory is located. The provisions of this article shall apply, mutatis, mutandis, to any such proceedings.Code 1950, § 15-152.7; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1037; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3207 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3207. Pretrial conference; matters considered

The special court shall, prior to hearing any case under this chapter, direct the attorneys for the parties to appear before it, or in its discretion before a single judge for a conference to consider:1. Simplification of the issues;2. Amendment of pleadings and filing of additional pleadings;3. Stipulations as to facts, documents, records, photographs, plans and like matters, which will dispense with formal proof thereof, including:a. Assessed values and the ratio of assessed values to true values as determined by the State Department of Taxation in the area sought to be annexed, city or town and county, including real property, personal property, machinery and tools, merchants' capital and public service corporation assessment for each year of the five years immediately preceding;b. Tax rate for the five years next preceding in the area sought, including any sanitary district therein, and in the city or town;c. School population and school enrollment in the county, in the area sought, and in the city or town, as shown by the records in the office of the division superintendent of schools; and cost of education per pupil in average daily membership as shown by the last preceding report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction;4. Estimated population of the county, the area sought and the city or town;5. Limitation on the number of expert witnesses; each expert witness who will testify shall file a statement of his qualifications;6. Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the case.The court, or judge as the case may be, shall make an appropriate order which will control the subsequent conduct of the case unless modified before or at the trial or hearing to prevent manifest injustice.Code 1950, § 15-152.10; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1040; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587; 2010, cc. 386, 629.
VA Code § 15.2-3208 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3208. Assistance of state agencies

The special court may, in its discretion, direct any appropriate state agency, in addition to the Commission on Local Government, to gather and present evidence, including statistical data and exhibits, for the guidance of the court. The court shall determine the actual expense of preparing such evidence, other than that secured by the Commission on Local Government, and shall tax such expense as costs in this case; the costs shall be paid by the clerk into the general fund of the state treasury, and credited to the appropriation of the agency furnishing the evidence.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1040.1; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3210 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3210. Boundary line where territory fronts on river, bay, etc.

A. In any proceeding under the provisions of this chapter to annex territory, when such territory fronts on a river or creek, the petition may ask that the boundary line be established along the centerline of such river or creek. If any territory is awarded in such proceeding that borders on a river or creek, the decision may order that the boundary line be the centerline of the river or creek that flows beside such territory.B. If the territory sought to be annexed fronts on a bay, lake or similar type body of water, the boundary line shall be by metes and bounds in such bay, lake or similar type body of water. If a river or creek flows into such bay, lake or similar type body of water and such river or creek fronts all or a portion of the territory sought to be annexed, the metes and bounds shall run only to the point where such river or creek enters the bay, lake or similar type body of water and thereafter the centerline of the river or creek may be the boundary line to the extent applicable.C. For purposes of this article, if any city is bisected by a river or any branch thereof then such river or branch shall lie within the boundaries of such city to the extent that there are portions of such city on both opposite shores of such river or branch.D. For purposes of this article, if any river in the Commonwealth is bordered on both sides by cities of a population of 100,000 or more, according to the 1970 census, to the extent that such cities' borders along the river are in opposition, including the border across any branch as provided in subsection C, the boundaries of such cities shall be the centerline of the river and such cities shall be contiguous one to the other, notwithstanding any judicial decree to the contrary entered prior to 1976. Nothing in this subsection shall apply to that body of water known as Hampton Roads, located between Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk on the south and Newport News and Hampton on the north.1976, c. 662, § 15.1-1041.1; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3212 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3212. Determination of value of public improvements

In determining the value of any public improvement for the purposes set forth in § 15.2-3211 the special court shall take into consideration the original cost thereof less depreciation, reproduction cost at the time of annexation less depreciation, as well as present value.The city or town shall receive credit, upon a basis to be determined by the court, for any sums it may have contributed to such public improvement and may in the discretion of the court be allowed credit for any portion of the cost thereof contributed by any federal, state or other agency and not borne by the county. When such improvements consist of a school financed in part from county funds and in part from a state grant, the city or town shall receive such credit only upon that portion of the cost paid for by the state grant and only then upon the ratio that children residing in the area annexed and enrolled in such school therein bears to the total attendance of school children in the county.The governing body of the county or any town therein, portions of which are proposed to be annexed, shall not between the entry of the decree of annexation and the date when the same becomes effective, make or contract for any permanent public improvements, to be paid for by the city or town seeking annexation, without the consent of the corporate authorities of the city or town and the supervision of the official thereof charged with making similar public improvements within the city or town.Code 1950, § 15-152.13; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1043; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3213 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3213. Declining to accept annexation on terms and conditions imposed by court

In any annexation proceedings instituted by a city or town, the council thereof may, subject to the approval of the special court in which the case is pending, and prior to twenty-one days after entry of an annexation order, or within twenty-one days after denial of a petition for appeal or within twenty-one days after the entry of the mandate in an appeal which has been granted, by ordinance duly adopted decline to accept annexation on the terms and conditions imposed by such court. In such case the court shall enter an order dismissing the motion to annex, and shall direct the payment of the entire costs of the proceedings by the city or town, including reimbursement of the county of costs incurred by it in defending the suit, including such reasonable attorneys' fees, engineering fees, witness fees and other costs as such court shall determine and allow.Code 1950, § 15-152.14; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1044; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3214 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3214. Costs

The costs in annexation proceedings shall be paid by the locality instituting the proceedings and shall be the same as in other civil cases; however, in proceedings instituted by a town, in assessing the costs, the special court shall consider the extent to which county revenues are derived from within the town, the relative financial abilities of the parties and the relative merits of the case. The costs shall include the per diem and expenses of the court reporter, if any, and, in the discretion of the court, a reasonable allowance to the court for secretarial services in connection with the preparation of the written opinion. If the proceedings are instituted otherwise than by a city, town or county, such costs shall be paid as the court directs considering the relative merits of the case.On appeal, the appellate court shall determine by whom the appellate costs shall be paid.Code 1950, § 15-152.15; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1045; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3215 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3215. County reimbursement for town annexation proceedings

In any annexation proceedings in which a town participates, except those in which a town declines to accept an award by the special court, in which case § 15.2-3213 shall apply, the court may direct the county within which the town is located to reimburse the town, as hereinafter provided, for reasonable costs incurred by it in presenting its case. Such costs shall include attorneys' fees, engineering fees, witness fees, and other reasonable costs as the court shall determine and allow. The court shall hear evidence regarding the costs incurred by the town in presenting its annexation case and may order part payment by the county to the town based upon a consideration of the extent to which county revenues are derived from within the town, the relative financial ability of the town and county, and the relative merits of the case.1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1045.1; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3216 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3216. Proceedings not to fail for technical or procedural defects or errors

No proceedings brought under this chapter shall fail because of a defect, imperfection or omission in the annexation ordinance or the pleadings which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties or any other technical or procedural defect, imperfection or error, but the special court shall at any time allow amendment of the ordinance or the pleadings or make any other order necessary to ensure the hearing of the case on its merits.Code 1950, § 15-152.16; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1046; 1979, c. 85; 1980, c. 592; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3217 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3217. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Court granting annexation to exist for ten years

The special court shall not be dissolved after rendering a decision granting any motion or petition for annexation, but shall remain in existence for a period of ten years from the effective date of any annexation order entered, or from the date of any decision of the Supreme Court affirming such an order. Vacancies occurring in the court during such ten-year period shall be filled as provided in § 15.2-3004.The court may be reconvened at any time during the ten-year period on its own motion, or on motion of the governing body of the county, or of the city or town, or on petition of not less than fifty registered voters or property owners in the area annexed; however, if the area annexed contains fewer than 100 registered voters or property owners, a majority of such registered voters or property owners may petition for the reconvening of the court.The court shall have power and it shall be its duty, at any time during such period, to enforce the performance of the terms and conditions under which annexation was granted, and to issue appropriate process to compel such performance. The court may, in its discretion, award attorneys' fees, and court and other reasonable costs to the party or parties on whose motion the court is reconvened.Any such action of the court shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court in the same manner as is provided with respect to the original decision of the court.Code 1950, § 15-152.17; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1047; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3217 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3217. (Effective January 1, 2022) Court granting annexation to exist for 10 years

The special court shall not be dissolved after rendering a decision granting any motion or petition for annexation, but shall remain in existence for a period of ten years from the effective date of any annexation order entered, or from the date of any decision of the Supreme Court affirming such an order. Vacancies occurring in the court during such ten-year period shall be filled as provided in § 15.2-3004.The court may be reconvened at any time during the ten-year period on its own motion, or on motion of the governing body of the county, or of the city or town, or on petition of not less than fifty registered voters or property owners in the area annexed; however, if the area annexed contains fewer than 100 registered voters or property owners, a majority of such registered voters or property owners may petition for the reconvening of the court.The court shall have power and it shall be its duty, at any time during such period, to enforce the performance of the terms and conditions under which annexation was granted, and to issue appropriate process to compel such performance. The court may, in its discretion, award attorneys' fees, and court and other reasonable costs to the party or parties on whose motion the court is reconvened.Any such action of the court shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court in the same manner as is provided with respect to the original decision of the court.Code 1950, § 15-152.17; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1047; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3218 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3218. Continued existence of court under certain conditions

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-3217, if a decision granting any motion or petition for annexation is subjected to collateral attack in any court, state or federal, the special court shall not be dissolved; or, if heretofore or hereafter dissolved at the time such attack is made or is pending, shall be revived. The court shall thereafter continue in existence for one year after all collateral issues have been resolved, and shall have the same powers and duties as set out in § 15.2-3217. In addition, it shall have the power to fully implement any order or decision of any court of competent jurisdiction with respect to such collateral attack.1975, c. 32, § 15.1-1047.2; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3219 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3219. Reduced taxation on real estate in territory added to corporate limits

The council of any city or town to which territory has been added may, by ordinance, allow a lower rate of taxation to be imposed for a period not to exceed ten years after the effective date of the annexation upon the real estate or any portion thus added to its corporate limits, than is imposed on similar property within its limits at the time such territory was added.Such differences in the rate of taxation hereafter shall be established annually and shall bear a reasonable relationship to differences between nonrevenue-producing governmental services giving land urban character which are furnished in the area added as compared to other areas in the city or town.1970, c. 37, § 15.1-1047.1; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 36; 1985, c. 478; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3220 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3220. Mandamus and prohibition

Mandamus and prohibition shall lie from the Supreme Court or any circuit court to compel a city or town to carry out the provisions of this article or to forbid any violation of the same.Code 1950, § 15-152.18; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1048; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3221 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3221. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Appeals; how heard

An appeal may be granted by the Supreme Court, or any justice thereof. The special court shall certify the facts in the case to the Supreme Court, and the evidence shall be considered as on appeal in proceedings under Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1. In any case, by consent of all parties of record, the motion to annex may be dismissed at any time before final judgment on appeal.Code 1950, § 15-152.19; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1049; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 940.
VA Code § 15.2-3221 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3221. (Effective January 1, 2022) Appeals; how heard

An appeal may be granted by the Supreme Court, or any justice thereof. The special court shall certify the facts in the case to the Supreme Court, and the evidence shall be considered as on appeal in proceedings under Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1. In any case, by consent of all parties of record, the motion to annex may be dismissed at any time before final judgment on appeal.Code 1950, § 15-152.19; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1049; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 940.
VA Code § 15.2-3222 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3222. (Effective until January 1, 2022) What order to be entered by Supreme Court

If the judgment of the special court is reversed on appeal, or if the judgment is modified, the Supreme Court shall enter such order as the special court should have entered, and such order shall be final. In the event that the Supreme Court enters such order, a copy of the order shall be certified to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.Code 1950, § 15-152.20; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1050; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3222 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3222. (Effective January 1, 2022) What order to be entered by the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals

If the judgment of the special court is reversed on appeal, or if the judgment is modified, the Supreme Court shall enter such order as the special court should have entered, and such order shall be final. In the event that the Supreme Court enters such order, a copy of the order shall be certified to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.Code 1950, § 15-152.20; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1050; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3223 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3223. What order and proceedings clerk to certify, and where same shall be recorded; fees

The clerk of the court wherein an order is entered for the annexation of territory shall make and certify copies of so much of the order and proceedings as shall show the authorization of the transfer of territory from the county or town to the city or town, as the case may be. He shall transmit one copy, along with a full description of the territory so annexed, to the county clerk of the county whose territory is affected, who shall forthwith record the same in the name of the city or town to which the territory is annexed, and one copy to the clerk of the court of such city in which deeds are recorded, who shall likewise record and index the same. The fees of the clerk for such recordation shall be the same as for recording a deed and such fees, as well as the fees of the clerk for making the copies aforesaid, shall be paid by the city or town.Code 1950, § 15-152.21; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1051; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3224 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3224. Commissioner of revenue for the county to certify list of real estate in annexed territory to commissioner of revenue

The commissioner of the revenue of such county shall forthwith make from the land books and certify to the commissioner of the revenue of the city a list of all real estate within the annexed territory as it appears on such land books, embracing every entry thereon in regard thereto, for which service he shall be paid by such city a reasonable fee.Code 1950, § 15-152.22; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1052; 1994, c. 539; 1997, c. 587.
VA Code § 15.2-3225 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns|Chapter 32 - Boundary Changes of Towns and Cities|§ 15.2-3225. County or district officers resident in annexed territory to remain in office; reelection

If a county or district officer resides in a territory annexed to a city, such officer may continue in office until the end of the term for which he was elected or appointed. The provisions of § 15.2-3823 shall prevail with respect to successive reelections of such officers. Removal of such officer, during his term of office from any such territory, to another part of the city or town to which it is annexed shall not vacate his office, but residence in any part of such city or town shall during his term of office be deemed residence in the county or district.Code 1950, § 15-152.23; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1053; 1964, c. 202; 1997, c. 587.