{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-5702.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-5702.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-5702.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-5702.html"}],"law_id":80055,"edition_id":1,"section_id":80055,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5702","catch_line":"Creation of authorities","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-714.3; 1950, p. 1244; 1952, c. 401; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-1230; 1975, c. 517; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507.","full_text":"A\n\nA locality may by ordinance or resolution, or two or more localities may by concurrent ordinances or resolutions, signify their intention to create a park authority, under an appropriate name and title, containing the word “authority” which shall be a body politic and corporate.\n\t\t\tWhenever an authority has been incorporated by two or more localities, any one or more of the localities may withdraw therefrom, but no locality shall be permitted to withdraw from any authority that has outstanding obligations unless United States securities have been deposited for their payment or without unanimous consent of all holders of the outstanding obligations.\n\t\t\tOther localities may join the authority as provided in the ordinances or resolutions.B\n\nEach ordinance or resolution shall include articles of incorporation setting forth:1\n\nThe name of the authority and the address of its principal office.2\n\nThe name of each incorporating locality, together with the names, addresses and terms of office of the first members of the board of the authority.3\n\nThe purpose or purposes for which the authority is created.C\n\nEach participating locality shall cause to be published at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in its locality, a copy of the ordinance or resolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain, not less than seven days after publication of the notice, a public hearing will be held on such ordinance or resolution. If at the hearing substantial opposition to the proposed park authority is heard, the members of the participating localities’ governing bodies may in their discretion call for a referendum on the question of establishing such an authority. The request for a referendum shall be initiated by resolution of the governing body and filed with the clerk of the circuit court for the locality. The court shall order the referendum as provided for in § 24.2-681 et seq. Where two or more localities are participating in the formation of an authority the referendum, if any be ordered, shall be held on the same date in all such localities so participating. In any event if ten percent of the registered voters in such locality file a petition with the governing body at the hearing calling for a referendum such governing body shall request a referendum as herein provided.D\n\nHaving specified the initial plan of organization of the authority, and having initiated the program, the localities organizing such authority may, from time to time, by subsequent ordinance or resolution, after public hearing, and with or without referendum, specify further parks to be acquired and maintained by the authority, and no other parks shall be acquired or maintained by the authority than those so specified. However, if the governing bodies of the localities fail to specify any project or projects to be undertaken, and if the governing bodies do not disapprove any project or projects proposed by the authority, then the authority shall be deemed to have all the powers granted by this chapter.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":286683,"text":"A locality may by ordinance or resolution, or two or more localities may by concurrent ordinances or resolutions, signify their intention to create a park authority, under an appropriate name and title, containing the word “authority” which shall be a body politic and corporate.\n\t\t\tWhenever an authority has been incorporated by two or more localities, any one or more of the localities may withdraw therefrom, but no locality shall be permitted to withdraw from any authority that has outstanding obligations unless United States securities have been deposited for their payment or without unanimous consent of all holders of the outstanding obligations.\n\t\t\tOther localities may join the authority as provided in the ordinances or resolutions.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":286684,"text":"Each ordinance or resolution shall include articles of incorporation setting forth:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":286685,"text":"The name of the authority and the address of its principal office.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":286686,"text":"The name of each incorporating locality, together with the names, addresses and terms of office of the first members of the board of the authority.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":286687,"text":"The purpose or purposes for which the authority is created.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":286688,"text":"Each participating locality shall cause to be published at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in its locality, a copy of the ordinance or resolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain, not less than seven days after publication of the notice, a public hearing will be held on such ordinance or resolution. If at the hearing substantial opposition to the proposed park authority is heard, the members of the participating localities’ governing bodies may in their discretion call for a referendum on the question of establishing such an authority. The request for a referendum shall be initiated by resolution of the governing body and filed with the clerk of the circuit court for the locality. The court shall order the referendum as provided for in § 24.2-681 et seq. Where two or more localities are participating in the formation of an authority the referendum, if any be ordered, shall be held on the same date in all such localities so participating. In any event if ten percent of the registered voters in such locality file a petition with the governing body at the hearing calling for a referendum such governing body shall request a referendum as herein provided.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":286689,"text":"Having specified the initial plan of organization of the authority, and having initiated the program, the localities organizing such authority may, from time to time, by subsequent ordinance or resolution, after public hearing, and with or without referendum, specify further parks to be acquired and maintained by the authority, and no other parks shall be acquired or maintained by the authority than those so specified. However, if the governing bodies of the localities fail to specify any project or projects to be undertaken, and if the governing bodies do not disapprove any project or projects proposed by the authority, then the authority shall be deemed to have all the powers granted by this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12924,"edition_id":1,"name":"Park Authorities Act","identifier":"57","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12721,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:02","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:02","permalink":{"id":159647,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12924,"identifier":"57","token":"15.2\/IV\/57","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/57\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12721,"edition_id":1,"name":"Other Governmental Entities","identifier":"IV","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":157897,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12721,"identifier":"IV","token":"15.2\/IV","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/","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":70195,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5700","catch_line":"Short title; application","url":"\/15.2-5700\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5700","metadata":false},{"id":54031,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5701","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-5701\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5701","metadata":false},{"id":80055,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5702","catch_line":"Creation of authorities","url":"\/15.2-5702\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5702","metadata":false},{"id":67524,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5703","catch_line":"Members of authority; appointment, terms, compensation, etc.; officers, quorum","url":"\/15.2-5703\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5703","metadata":false},{"id":54548,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5704","catch_line":"Powers of authority","url":"\/15.2-5704\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5704","metadata":false},{"id":84990,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5704.1","catch_line":"Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority","url":"\/15.2-5704.1\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5704.1","metadata":false},{"id":59567,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5705","catch_line":"Violation of rules and regulations","url":"\/15.2-5705\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5705","metadata":false},{"id":69723,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5706","catch_line":"Appointment of special conservators of the peace","url":"\/15.2-5706\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5706","metadata":false},{"id":67444,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5707","catch_line":"Recordation of conveyances of real estate to park authorities","url":"\/15.2-5707\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5707","metadata":false},{"id":77032,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5708","catch_line":"Exemption from taxation","url":"\/15.2-5708\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5708","metadata":false},{"id":86196,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5709","catch_line":"Rates and charges","url":"\/15.2-5709\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5709","metadata":false},{"id":71256,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5710","catch_line":"Funds","url":"\/15.2-5710\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5710","metadata":false},{"id":54039,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5711","catch_line":"Conveyance or lease of park to authority; contract for park services; when referendum required before certain contracts made","url":"\/15.2-5711\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5711","metadata":false},{"id":65693,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5712","catch_line":"Revenue bonds","url":"\/15.2-5712\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5712","metadata":false},{"id":76660,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5713","catch_line":"Same; for water or sewer systems, etc","url":"\/15.2-5713\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5713","metadata":false},{"id":82291,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5714","catch_line":"Bonds mutilated, lost or destroyed","url":"\/15.2-5714\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5714","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":54031,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5701","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-5701\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5701","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67524,"structure_id":12924,"section_number":"15.2-5703","catch_line":"Members of authority; appointment, terms, compensation, etc.; officers, quorum","url":"\/15.2-5703\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5703","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-5702\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 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 1952, chapter 401; in 1962, chapter 623; in 1975, chapter 517; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 506<\/a> and 507<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":54031,"section_number":"15.2-5701","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-5701\/"},{"id":65245,"section_number":"18.2-140","catch_line":"Destruction of trees, shrubs, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-140\/"},{"id":64493,"section_number":"56-1.2:1","catch_line":"Retail sale of electricity in connection with the provision of electric vehicle charging service","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-1.2_1\/"},{"id":76982,"section_number":"56-232.2:1","catch_line":"Regulation of electric vehicle charging service","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-232.2_1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58078,"section_number":"24.2-681","catch_line":"How special elections superintended and determined","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-681\/"}],"permalink":{"id":159657,"object_type":"law","relational_id":80055,"identifier":"15.2-5702","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5702","url":"\/15.2-5702\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-5702\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/57\/15.2-5702","dublin_core":{"Title":"Creation of authorities","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-5702","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A locality<\/span> may by ordinance<\/span> or resolution, or two or more localities may by concurrent ordinances<\/span> or resolutions, signify their intention to create a park<\/span> authority<\/span>, under an appropriate name and title, containing the word “authority<\/span>” which shall be a body politic and corporate.\n\t\t\tWhenever an authority<\/span> has been incorporated by two or more localities, any one or more of the localities may withdraw therefrom, but no locality<\/span> shall be permitted to withdraw from any authority<\/span> that has outstanding obligations unless United States securities have been deposited for their payment or without unanimous consent of all holders of the outstanding obligations.\n\t\t\tOther localities may join the authority<\/span> as provided in the ordinances<\/span> or resolutions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each ordinance<\/span> or resolution shall include articles of incorporation setting forth: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The name of the authority<\/span> and the address of its principal office. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The name of each incorporating locality<\/span>, together with the names, addresses and terms of office of the first members of the board of the authority<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The purpose or purposes for which the authority<\/span> is created. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Each participating locality<\/span> shall cause to be published at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in its locality<\/span>, a copy of the ordinance<\/span> or resolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain, not less than seven days after publication of the notice, a public hearing<\/span> will be held on such ordinance<\/span> or resolution. If at the hearing<\/span> substantial opposition to the proposed park<\/span> authority<\/span> is heard, the members of the participating localities’ governing bodies may in their discretion call for a referendum<\/span> on the question of establishing such an authority<\/span>. The request for a referendum<\/span> shall be initiated by resolution of the governing body<\/span> and filed with the clerk of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> for the locality<\/span>. The court<\/span> shall order<\/span> the referendum<\/span> as provided for in § 24.2-681<\/a> et seq. Where two or more localities are participating in the formation of an authority<\/span> the referendum<\/span>, if any be ordered, shall be held on the same date in all such localities so participating. In any event if ten percent of the registered voters<\/span> in such locality<\/span> file a petition<\/span> with the governing body<\/span> at the hearing<\/span> calling for a referendum<\/span> such governing body<\/span> shall request a referendum<\/span> as herein provided. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Having specified the initial plan of organization of the authority<\/span>, and having initiated the program, the localities organizing such authority<\/span> may, from time to time, by subsequent ordinance<\/span> or resolution, after public hearing<\/span>, and with or without referendum<\/span>, specify further parks<\/span> to be acquired and maintained by the authority<\/span>, and no other parks<\/span> shall be acquired or maintained by the authority<\/span> than those so specified. However, if the governing bodies of the localities fail to specify any project or projects to be undertaken, and if the governing bodies do not disapprove any project or projects proposed by the authority<\/span>, then the authority<\/span> shall be deemed to have all the powers granted by this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCREATION OF AUTHORITIES (\u00a7 15.2-5702)\n\nA. A locality may by ordinance or resolution, or two or more localities may by\nconcurrent ordinances or resolutions, signify their intention to create a park\nauthority, under an appropriate name and title, containing the word\n“authority” which shall be a body politic and corporate.\n\t\t\tWhenever an authority has been incorporated by two or more localities, any\none or more of the localities may withdraw therefrom, but no locality shall be\npermitted to withdraw from any authority that has outstanding obligations unless\nUnited States securities have been deposited for their payment or without\nunanimous consent of all holders of the outstanding obligations.\n\t\t\tOther localities may join the authority as provided in the ordinances or\nresolutions.\n\nB. Each ordinance or resolution shall include articles of incorporation setting\nforth:\n\n 1. The name of the authority and the address of its principal office.\n\n 2. The name of each incorporating locality, together with the names, addresses\n and terms of office of the first members of the board of the authority.\n\n 3. The purpose or purposes for which the authority is created.\n\nC. Each participating locality shall cause to be published at least one time in\na newspaper of general circulation in its locality, a copy of the ordinance or\nresolution together with a notice stating that on a day certain, not less than\nseven days after publication of the notice, a public hearing will be held on\nsuch ordinance or resolution. If at the hearing substantial opposition to the\nproposed park authority is heard, the members of the participating\nlocalities’ governing bodies may in their discretion call for a referendum\non the question of establishing such an authority. The request for a referendum\nshall be initiated by resolution of the governing body and filed with the clerk\nof the circuit court for the locality. The court shall order the referendum as\nprovided for in § 24.2-681 et seq. Where two or more localities are\nparticipating in the formation of an authority the referendum, if any be\nordered, shall be held on the same date in all such localities so participating.\nIn any event if ten percent of the registered voters in such locality file a\npetition with the governing body at the hearing calling for a referendum such\ngoverning body shall request a referendum as herein provided.\n\nD. Having specified the initial plan of organization of the authority, and\nhaving initiated the program, the localities organizing such authority may, from\ntime to time, by subsequent ordinance or resolution, after public hearing, and\nwith or without referendum, specify further parks to be acquired and maintained\nby the authority, and no other parks shall be acquired or maintained by the\nauthority than those so specified. However, if the governing bodies of the\nlocalities fail to specify any project or projects to be undertaken, and if the\ngoverning bodies do not disapprove any project or projects proposed by the\nauthority, then the authority shall be deemed to have all the powers granted by\nthis chapter.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-714.3; 1950, p. 1244; 1952, c. 401; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7\n15.1-1230; 1975, c. 517; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507.","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}}