{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-906.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-906.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-906.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-906.html"}],"law_id":73739,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73739,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","history":"1968, c. 423, \u00a7 15.1-11.2; 1992, c. 372; 1994, c. 505; 1995, c. 651; 1996, c. 235; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 174; 2003, c. 207; 2004, c. 968; 2006, c. 460; 2013, cc. 734, 770; 2017, cc. 118, 400, 610.","full_text":"Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:\n\n1\n\nThe owners of property therein, shall at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality;2\n\nThe locality through its own agents or employees may remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality, if the owner and lienholder of such property, after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so, has failed to remove, repair, or secure the building, wall or other structure. For purposes of this section, repair may include maintenance work to the exterior of a building to prevent deterioration of the building or adjacent buildings. For purposes of this section, reasonable notice includes a written notice (i) mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the property owner and (ii) published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality. No action shall be taken by the locality to remove, repair, or secure any building, wall, or other structure for at least 30 days following the later of the return of the receipt or newspaper publication, except that the locality may take action to prevent unauthorized access to the building within seven days of such notice if the structure is deemed to pose a significant threat to public safety and such fact is stated in the notice;3\n\nIn the event that the locality, through its own agents or employees, removes, repairs, or secures any building, wall, or any other structure after complying with the notice provisions of this section or as otherwise permitted under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in the event of an emergency, the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected;4\n\nEvery charge authorized by this section or § 15.2-900 with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and that remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens were imposed;5\n\nNotwithstanding the foregoing, with the written consent of the property owner, a locality may, through its agents or employees, demolish or remove a derelict nonresidential building or structure provided that such building or structure is neither located within or determined to be a contributing property within a state or local historic district nor individually designated in the Virginia Landmarks Register. The property owner’s written consent shall identify whether the property is subject to a first lien evidenced by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and, if so, shall document the property owner’s best reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent. The costs of such demolition or removal shall constitute a lien against such property. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is obtained, such lien shall rank on a parity with liens for unpaid local taxes and be enforceable in the same manner as provided in subdivision 4. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is not obtained, such lien shall be subordinate to that first lien but shall otherwise be subject to subdivision 4; and6\n\nA locality may prescribe civil penalties, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for violations of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":265177,"text":"Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":265178,"text":"The owners of property therein, shall at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":265179,"text":"The locality through its own agents or employees may remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality, if the owner and lienholder of such property, after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so, has failed to remove, repair, or secure the building, wall or other structure. For purposes of this section, repair may include maintenance work to the exterior of a building to prevent deterioration of the building or adjacent buildings. For purposes of this section, reasonable notice includes a written notice (i) mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the property owner and (ii) published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality. No action shall be taken by the locality to remove, repair, or secure any building, wall, or other structure for at least 30 days following the later of the return of the receipt or newspaper publication, except that the locality may take action to prevent unauthorized access to the building within seven days of such notice if the structure is deemed to pose a significant threat to public safety and such fact is stated in the notice;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":265180,"text":"In the event that the locality, through its own agents or employees, removes, repairs, or secures any building, wall, or any other structure after complying with the notice provisions of this section or as otherwise permitted under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in the event of an emergency, the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":265181,"text":"Every charge authorized by this section or § 15.2-900 with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and that remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens were imposed;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":265182,"text":"Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the written consent of the property owner, a locality may, through its agents or employees, demolish or remove a derelict nonresidential building or structure provided that such building or structure is neither located within or determined to be a contributing property within a state or local historic district nor individually designated in the Virginia Landmarks Register. The property owner’s written consent shall identify whether the property is subject to a first lien evidenced by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and, if so, shall document the property owner’s best reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent. The costs of such demolition or removal shall constitute a lien against such property. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is obtained, such lien shall rank on a parity with liens for unpaid local taxes and be enforceable in the same manner as provided in subdivision 4. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is not obtained, such lien shall be subordinate to that first lien but shall otherwise be subject to subdivision 4; and","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":265183,"text":"A locality may prescribe civil penalties, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for violations of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13288,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Health and Safety; Nuisances","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13058,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:34","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:34","permalink":{"id":156359,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13288,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13058,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Powers of Local Governments","identifier":"9","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","permalink":{"id":156357,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13058,"identifier":"9","token":"15.2\/II\/9","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","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":81812,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; recovery of costs","url":"\/15.2-900\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-900","metadata":false},{"id":69383,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-901","catch_line":"Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty","url":"\/15.2-901\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901","metadata":false},{"id":84118,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-901.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901.1","metadata":false},{"id":83896,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-902","catch_line":"Authority of locality to control certain noxious weeds","url":"\/15.2-902\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-902","metadata":false},{"id":72183,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-903","catch_line":"Ordinances taxing and regulating \"automobile graveyards,\" \"junkyards,\" and certain vacant and abandoned property","url":"\/15.2-903\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-903","metadata":false},{"id":64391,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-904","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles; penalty","url":"\/15.2-904\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-904","metadata":false},{"id":61931,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-905","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles","url":"\/15.2-905\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-905","metadata":false},{"id":73739,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","url":"\/15.2-906\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","metadata":false},{"id":60153,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/15.2-906.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906.1","metadata":false},{"id":85083,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-907","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring illegal drug use or other criminal activity","url":"\/15.2-907\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907","metadata":false},{"id":62717,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-907.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.1","metadata":false},{"id":82277,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-907.2","catch_line":"Authority of locality or land bank entity to be appointed to act as a receiver to repair derelict and blighted buildings in certain limited circumstances","url":"\/15.2-907.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.2","metadata":false},{"id":78494,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-908","catch_line":"Authority of localities to remove or repair the defacement of buildings, walls, fences and other structures","url":"\/15.2-908\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908","metadata":false},{"id":71776,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-908.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring a bawdy place","url":"\/15.2-908.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908.1","metadata":false},{"id":67539,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-909","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of wharves, piers, pilings, bulkheads, vessels or abandoned, obstructing or hazardous property","url":"\/15.2-909\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-909","metadata":false},{"id":76283,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-910","catch_line":"Ordinance certifying boiler and pressure vessel operators; penalty","url":"\/15.2-910\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-910","metadata":false},{"id":86380,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-911","catch_line":"Regulation of alarm company operators","url":"\/15.2-911\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-911","metadata":false},{"id":69435,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-912","catch_line":"Regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons; definitions; exception","url":"\/15.2-912\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912","metadata":false},{"id":71985,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-912.1","catch_line":"Regulation of martial arts instruction","url":"\/15.2-912.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.1","metadata":false},{"id":75291,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-912.2","catch_line":"Proceeds exempt from local taxation","url":"\/15.2-912.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.2","metadata":false},{"id":75144,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-912.3","catch_line":"Regulation of dance halls by counties, cities, and towns","url":"\/15.2-912.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.3","metadata":false},{"id":86837,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-912.4","catch_line":"Regulation of tobacco and hemp product retail sale locations","url":"\/15.2-912.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.4","metadata":false},{"id":56493,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-913","catch_line":"Ordinances regulating certain vendors","url":"\/15.2-913\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-913","metadata":false},{"id":57565,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-914","catch_line":"Regulation of child-care services and facilities in cities and certain counties","url":"\/15.2-914\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-914","metadata":false},{"id":84864,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915","catch_line":"Control of firearms; applicability to authorities and local governmental agencies","url":"\/15.2-915\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915","metadata":false},{"id":80158,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.1","metadata":false},{"id":67020,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915.2","catch_line":"Regulation of transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun","url":"\/15.2-915.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.2","metadata":false},{"id":62865,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915.3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.3","metadata":false},{"id":79348,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915.4","catch_line":"Counties, cities and towns authorized to regulate use of pneumatic guns","url":"\/15.2-915.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.4","metadata":false},{"id":60687,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-915.5","catch_line":"Disposition of firearms acquired by localities","url":"\/15.2-915.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.5","metadata":false},{"id":80544,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-916","catch_line":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","url":"\/15.2-916\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","metadata":false},{"id":65364,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-917","catch_line":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","url":"\/15.2-917\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","metadata":false},{"id":61226,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-918","catch_line":"Locality may prohibit or regulate use of air cannons","url":"\/15.2-918\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-918","metadata":false},{"id":60285,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-919","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-919\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-919","metadata":false},{"id":83431,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-920","catch_line":"Regulation of outdoor lighting near certain facilities","url":"\/15.2-920\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-920","metadata":false},{"id":62987,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-921","catch_line":"Ordinances requiring fencing of swimming pools","url":"\/15.2-921\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-921","metadata":false},{"id":69895,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-922","catch_line":"Smoke alarms in certain buildings","url":"\/15.2-922\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922","metadata":false},{"id":77237,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-922.1","catch_line":"Regulating or prohibiting the making of fires","url":"\/15.2-922.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.1","metadata":false},{"id":78259,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-922.2","catch_line":"Special fee for emergency services in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-922.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.2","metadata":false},{"id":56155,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-923","catch_line":"Local water-saving ordinances","url":"\/15.2-923\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-923","metadata":false},{"id":59838,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-924","catch_line":"Water supply emergency ordinances","url":"\/15.2-924\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924","metadata":false},{"id":54279,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-924.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-924.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924.1","metadata":false},{"id":84035,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-925","catch_line":"Regulation, etc., of assemblies or movement of persons or vehicles under certain circumstances; 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civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-926.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":61931,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-905","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles","url":"\/15.2-905\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-905","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":60153,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/15.2-906.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-906\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 423 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 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 1992, chapter 372; in 1994, chapter 505<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 651<\/a>; in 1996, chapter 235<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 174<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 207<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 968<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 460<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 734<\/a> and 770<\/a>; in 2017, chapters 118<\/a>, 400<\/a>, and 610<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":87470,"section_number":"15.2-2009.1","catch_line":"Dangerous roadside vegetation","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2009.1\/"},{"id":62717,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-907.1\/"},{"id":66959,"section_number":"53.1-129","catch_line":"Order permitting prisoners to work on state, county, city, town, certain private property or nonprofit organization property; bond of person in charge of prisoners","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-129\/"},{"id":70850,"section_number":"58.1-3965","catch_line":"When land may be sold for delinquent taxes; notice of sale; owner's right of redemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3965\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":81812,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; recovery of costs","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-900\/"},{"id":72311,"section_number":"58.1-3940","catch_line":"Limitation on collection of local taxes","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3940\/"},{"id":70850,"section_number":"58.1-3965","catch_line":"When land may be sold for delinquent taxes; notice of sale; owner's right of redemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3965\/"}],"permalink":{"id":156389,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73739,"identifier":"15.2-906","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","url":"\/15.2-906\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-906\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","dublin_core":{"Title":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-906","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any locality<\/span> may, by ordinance<\/span>, provide that:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The owners of property therein, shall at such time or times as the governing body<\/span> may prescribe, remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The locality<\/span> through its own agents or employees may remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of such locality<\/span>, if the owner and lienholder of such property, after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so, has failed to remove, repair, or secure the building, wall or other structure. For purposes of this section, repair may include maintenance work to the exterior of a building to prevent deterioration of the building or adjacent buildings. For purposes of this section, reasonable notice includes a written notice (i) mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the property owner and (ii) published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality<\/span>. No action shall be taken by the locality<\/span> to remove, repair, or secure any building, wall, or other structure for at least 30 days following the later of the return of the receipt or newspaper publication, except that the locality<\/span> may take action to prevent unauthorized access to the building within seven days of such notice if the structure is deemed to pose a significant threat to public safety and such fact<\/span> is stated in the notice; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> In the event that the locality<\/span>, through its own agents or employees, removes, repairs, or secures any building, wall, or any other structure after complying with the notice provisions of this section or as otherwise permitted under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in the event of an emergency, the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality<\/span> as taxes are collected; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Every charge authorized by this section or § 15.2-900<\/a> with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and that remains unpaid shall constitute a lien<\/span> against such property ranking on a parity with liens<\/span> for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940<\/a> et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality<\/span> may waive<\/span> such liens<\/span> in order<\/span> to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens<\/span> may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens<\/span> shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens<\/span> were imposed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the written consent of the property owner, a locality<\/span> may, through its agents or employees, demolish or remove a derelict nonresidential building or structure provided that such building or structure is neither located within or determined to be a contributing property within a state or local historic district nor individually designated in the Virginia Landmarks Register. The property owner’s written consent shall identify whether the property is subject to a first lien<\/span> evidenced by a recorded deed of trust or mortgage and, if so, shall document the property owner’s best reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent. The costs of such demolition or removal shall constitute a lien<\/span> against such property. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is obtained, such lien<\/span> shall rank on a parity with liens<\/span> for unpaid local taxes and be enforceable in the same manner as provided in subdivision 4. In the event the consent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is not obtained, such lien<\/span> shall be subordinate to that first lien<\/span> but shall otherwise be subject to subdivision 4; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A locality<\/span> may prescribe civil penalties, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for violations of any ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAUTHORITY TO REQUIRE REMOVAL, REPAIR, ETC., OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES\n(\u00a7 15.2-906)\n\nAny locality may, by ordinance, provide that:\n\n1. The owners of property therein, shall at such time or times as the governing\nbody may prescribe, remove, repair or secure any building, wall or any other\nstructure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of\nsuch locality;\n\n2. The locality through its own agents or employees may remove, repair or secure\nany building, wall or any other structure that might endanger the public health\nor safety of other residents of such locality, if the owner and lienholder of\nsuch property, after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so, has\nfailed to remove, repair, or secure the building, wall or other structure. For\npurposes of this section, repair may include maintenance work to the exterior of\na building to prevent deterioration of the building or adjacent buildings. For\npurposes of this section, reasonable notice includes a written notice (i) mailed\nby certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last\nknown address of the property owner and (ii) published once a week for two\nsuccessive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality. No\naction shall be taken by the locality to remove, repair, or secure any building,\nwall, or other structure for at least 30 days following the later of the return\nof the receipt or newspaper publication, except that the locality may take\naction to prevent unauthorized access to the building within seven days of such\nnotice if the structure is deemed to pose a significant threat to public safety\nand such fact is stated in the notice;\n\n3. In the event that the locality, through its own agents or employees, removes,\nrepairs, or secures any building, wall, or any other structure after complying\nwith the notice provisions of this section or as otherwise permitted under the\nVirginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in the event of an emergency, the cost\nor expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such\nproperty and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected;\n\n4. Every charge authorized by this section or § 15.2-900 with which the\nowner of any such property has been assessed and that remains unpaid shall\nconstitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for\nunpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in\nArticles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of\nChapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate\nthe sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is\nunrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association\nwith the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner\nof the property at the time the liens were imposed;\n\n5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the written consent of the property\nowner, a locality may, through its agents or employees, demolish or remove a\nderelict nonresidential building or structure provided that such building or\nstructure is neither located within or determined to be a contributing property\nwithin a state or local historic district nor individually designated in the\nVirginia Landmarks Register. The property owner’s written consent shall\nidentify whether the property is subject to a first lien evidenced by a recorded\ndeed of trust or mortgage and, if so, shall document the property owner’s\nbest reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the first lienholder or the\nfirst lienholder’s authorized agent. The costs of such demolition or\nremoval shall constitute a lien against such property. In the event the consent\nof the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent is\nobtained, such lien shall rank on a parity with liens for unpaid local taxes and\nbe enforceable in the same manner as provided in subdivision 4. In the event the\nconsent of the first lienholder or the first lienholder’s authorized agent\nis not obtained, such lien shall be subordinate to that first lien but shall\notherwise be subject to subdivision 4; and\n\n6. A locality may prescribe civil penalties, not to exceed a total of $1,000,\nfor violations of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 423, \u00a7 15.1-11.2; 1992, c. 372; 1994, c. 505; 1995, c. 651;\n1996, c. 235; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 174; 2003, c. 207; 2004, c. 968; 2006, c.\n460; 2013, cc. 734, 770; 2017, cc. 118, 400, 610.","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}}