{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-3531.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-3531.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-3531.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-3531.html"}],"law_id":66517,"edition_id":1,"section_id":66517,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3531","catch_line":"Voters’ petition requesting consolidation agreement and referendum","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-222; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-1132; 1968, c. 634; 1975, c. 517; 1979, c. 85; 1981, c. 78; 1988, c. 728; 1997, c. 587.","full_text":"The voters of any locality whose governing body has not taken the initiative under \u00a7 15.2-3529, may require it to do so by filing a petition with the governing body. The petition shall be signed by not less than fifteen percent of the voters of the locality registered to vote as of January 1 of the year in which the petition is filed, which number in no case shall be less than 100, and shall ask the governing body in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-3529 to effect a consolidation agreement with the localities named in the petition and to petition the judge for a referendum on the question. All of the signatures on the petition must have been made within twelve months. A copy of the petition of the voters shall also be filed with the judge of each circuit court having jurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court in the city. If the governing body within one year is unable, or for any reason fails, to perfect such consolidation agreement, then the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court of the city shall appoint a committee of five representative citizens of the locality to act for and in lieu of the governing body in perfecting the consolidation agreement and in petitioning for a referendum.\n\t\tWhen a consolidation agreement adopted under the provisions of this section proposes the creation of a consolidated city which will include at least one existing county, the petition shall ask for proceedings pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 15.2-3521 through 15.2-3528 prior to such referendum.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":241410,"text":"The voters of any locality whose governing body has not taken the initiative under \u00a7 15.2-3529, may require it to do so by filing a petition with the governing body. The petition shall be signed by not less than fifteen percent of the voters of the locality registered to vote as of January 1 of the year in which the petition is filed, which number in no case shall be less than 100, and shall ask the governing body in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-3529 to effect a consolidation agreement with the localities named in the petition and to petition the judge for a referendum on the question. All of the signatures on the petition must have been made within twelve months. A copy of the petition of the voters shall also be filed with the judge of each circuit court having jurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court in the city. If the governing body within one year is unable, or for any reason fails, to perfect such consolidation agreement, then the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court of the city shall appoint a committee of five representative citizens of the locality to act for and in lieu of the governing body in perfecting the consolidation agreement and in petitioning for a referendum.\n\t\tWhen a consolidation agreement adopted under the provisions of this section proposes the creation of a consolidated city which will include at least one existing county, the petition shall ask for proceedings pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 15.2-3521 through 15.2-3528 prior to such referendum.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13191,"edition_id":1,"name":"Consolidation of Certain Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13098,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","permalink":{"id":157351,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13191,"identifier":"2","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2","url":"\/15.2\/III\/35\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13098,"edition_id":1,"name":"Consolidation of Localities","identifier":"35","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13062,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","permalink":{"id":157267,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13098,"identifier":"35","token":"15.2\/III\/35","url":"\/15.2\/III\/35\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13062,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boundary Adjustments and Changes of Status of Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","permalink":{"id":156919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13062,"identifier":"III","token":"15.2\/III","url":"\/15.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":62773,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3520","catch_line":"Counties, cities and towns specified; alternative consolidations","url":"\/15.2-3520\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3520","metadata":false},{"id":76869,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3521","catch_line":"Proposed consolidated city; notice of motion; service and publication","url":"\/15.2-3521\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3521","metadata":false},{"id":76330,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3522","catch_line":"Petition; appointment of special court","url":"\/15.2-3522\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3522","metadata":false},{"id":77723,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3523","catch_line":"Parties","url":"\/15.2-3523\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3523","metadata":false},{"id":56869,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3524","catch_line":"Time limit for intervenors","url":"\/15.2-3524\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3524","metadata":false},{"id":63758,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3525","catch_line":"Pretrial conference; matters considered","url":"\/15.2-3525\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3525","metadata":false},{"id":72751,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3526","catch_line":"Hearing and decision by court","url":"\/15.2-3526\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3526","metadata":false},{"id":81937,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3527","catch_line":"Assistance of state agencies","url":"\/15.2-3527\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3527","metadata":false},{"id":74300,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3528","catch_line":"Appeals","url":"\/15.2-3528\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3528","metadata":false},{"id":67012,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3529","catch_line":"Consolidation agreement generally; advisory committee; filing agreement and referendum petition with court","url":"\/15.2-3529\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3529","metadata":false},{"id":57135,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3530","catch_line":"Continuation of services of Department of Transportation after consolidation","url":"\/15.2-3530\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3530","metadata":false},{"id":66517,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3531","catch_line":"Voters' petition requesting consolidation agreement and referendum","url":"\/15.2-3531\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3531","metadata":false},{"id":80311,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3532","catch_line":"Required provisions of consolidation agreement","url":"\/15.2-3532\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3532","metadata":false},{"id":54885,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3533","catch_line":"Transfer of property and indebtedness","url":"\/15.2-3533\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3533","metadata":false},{"id":57984,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3534","catch_line":"Optional provisions of consolidation agreement","url":"\/15.2-3534\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3534","metadata":false},{"id":55792,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3535","catch_line":"Advertising of charter","url":"\/15.2-3535\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3535","metadata":false},{"id":58929,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3536","catch_line":"Charter for consolidated city","url":"\/15.2-3536\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3536","metadata":false},{"id":74992,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3537","catch_line":"Publication of consolidation agreement","url":"\/15.2-3537\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3537","metadata":false},{"id":57289,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3538","catch_line":"Order for election","url":"\/15.2-3538\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3538","metadata":false},{"id":76047,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3539","catch_line":"Conduct of election","url":"\/15.2-3539\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3539","metadata":false},{"id":87413,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3540","catch_line":"Result of elections; determination of form of government","url":"\/15.2-3540\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3540","metadata":false},{"id":85286,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3541","catch_line":"General effect of consolidation; officers","url":"\/15.2-3541\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3541","metadata":false},{"id":84944,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3542","catch_line":"Governing body to be elected and take office before effective date of consolidation in certain cases; powers","url":"\/15.2-3542\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3542","metadata":false},{"id":67281,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3543","catch_line":"Electoral board, general registrar and officers of election","url":"\/15.2-3543\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3543","metadata":false},{"id":54206,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3544","catch_line":"Effect on pending suits","url":"\/15.2-3544\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3544","metadata":false},{"id":66202,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3545","catch_line":"Effect on assembly districts","url":"\/15.2-3545\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3545","metadata":false},{"id":81817,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3546","catch_line":"Effect on jurisdiction of courts","url":"\/15.2-3546\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3546","metadata":false},{"id":60743,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3547","catch_line":"Consolidation of entire county requires no action of town council","url":"\/15.2-3547\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3547","metadata":false},{"id":82967,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3548","catch_line":"Effect on town charter","url":"\/15.2-3548\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3548","metadata":false},{"id":66812,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3549","catch_line":"Powers of a tier-city","url":"\/15.2-3549\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3549","metadata":false},{"id":77012,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3550","catch_line":"Effect of consolidation into single county; exceptions for tier-city","url":"\/15.2-3550\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3550","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":57135,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3530","catch_line":"Continuation of services of Department of Transportation after consolidation","url":"\/15.2-3530\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3530","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":80311,"structure_id":13191,"section_number":"15.2-3532","catch_line":"Required provisions of consolidation agreement","url":"\/15.2-3532\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3532","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-3531\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1962, chapter 623; in 1968, chapter 634; in 1975, chapter 517; in 1979, chapter 85; in 1981, chapter 78; in 1988, chapter 728; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":57984,"section_number":"15.2-3534","catch_line":"Optional provisions of consolidation agreement","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3534\/"},{"id":55792,"section_number":"15.2-3535","catch_line":"Advertising of charter","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3535\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":76869,"section_number":"15.2-3521","catch_line":"Proposed consolidated city; notice of motion; service and publication","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3521\/"},{"id":74300,"section_number":"15.2-3528","catch_line":"Appeals","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3528\/"},{"id":67012,"section_number":"15.2-3529","catch_line":"Consolidation agreement generally; advisory committee; filing agreement and referendum petition with court","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-3529\/"}],"permalink":{"id":157397,"object_type":"law","relational_id":66517,"identifier":"15.2-3531","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3531","url":"\/15.2-3531\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-3531\/","token":"15.2\/III\/35\/2\/15.2-3531","dublin_core":{"Title":"Voters’ petition requesting consolidation agreement and referendum","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-3531","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The voters<\/span> of any locality<\/span> whose governing body<\/span> has not taken the initiative under \u00a7 15.2-3529<\/a>, may require it to do so by filing a petition<\/span> with the governing body<\/span>. The petition<\/span> shall be signed by not less than fifteen percent of the voters<\/span> of the locality<\/span> registered to vote as of January 1 of the year in which the petition<\/span> is filed, which number in no case shall be less than 100, and shall ask the governing body<\/span> in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-3529<\/a> to effect a consolidation<\/span> agreement with the localities named in the petition<\/span> and to petition<\/span> the judge<\/span> for a referendum<\/span> on the question. All of the signatures on the petition<\/span> must have been made within twelve months. A copy of the petition<\/span> of the voters<\/span> shall also be filed with the judge<\/span> of each circuit<\/span> court<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> in the county<\/span> or town<\/span> or the judge<\/span> of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> in the city<\/span>. If the governing body<\/span> within one year is unable, or for any reason fails, to perfect such consolidation<\/span> agreement, then the judge<\/span> of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> in the county<\/span> or town<\/span> or the judge<\/span> of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the city<\/span> shall appoint a committee of five representative citizens of the locality<\/span> to act for and in lieu of the governing body<\/span> in perfecting the consolidation<\/span> agreement and in petitioning for a referendum<\/span>.\n\t\tWhen a consolidation<\/span> agreement adopted under the provisions of this section proposes the creation of a consolidated city<\/span> which will include at least one existing county<\/span>, the petition<\/span> shall ask for proceedings pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 15.2-3521<\/a> through 15.2-3528<\/a> prior to such referendum<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nVOTERS’ PETITION REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENT AND REFERENDUM (\u00a7\n15.2-3531)\n\nThe voters of any locality whose governing body has not taken the initiative\nunder \u00a7 15.2-3529, may require it to do so by filing a petition with the\ngoverning body. The petition shall be signed by not less than fifteen percent of\nthe voters of the locality registered to vote as of January 1 of the year in\nwhich the petition is filed, which number in no case shall be less than 100, and\nshall ask the governing body in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-3529 to effect a\nconsolidation agreement with the localities named in the petition and to\npetition the judge for a referendum on the question. All of the signatures on\nthe petition must have been made within twelve months. A copy of the petition of\nthe voters shall also be filed with the judge of each circuit court having\njurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court in the\ncity. If the governing body within one year is unable, or for any reason fails,\nto perfect such consolidation agreement, then the judge of the circuit court\nhaving jurisdiction in the county or town or the judge of the circuit court of\nthe city shall appoint a committee of five representative citizens of the\nlocality to act for and in lieu of the governing body in perfecting the\nconsolidation agreement and in petitioning for a referendum.\n\t\tWhen a consolidation agreement adopted under the provisions of this section\nproposes the creation of a consolidated city which will include at least one\nexisting county, the petition shall ask for proceedings pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7\n15.2-3521 through 15.2-3528 prior to such referendum.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-222; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-1132; 1968, c. 634; 1975,\nc. 517; 1979, c. 85; 1981, c. 78; 1988, c. 728; 1997, c. 587.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}