{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-907.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-907.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-907.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-907.1.html"}],"law_id":62717,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"2009, cc. 181, 551; 2020, c. 9; 2025, c. 61.","full_text":"Any locality that has a real estate tax abatement program in accordance with this section 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 submit a plan to demolish or renovate any building that has been declared a “derelict building.” For purposes of this section, “derelict building” means a residential or nonresidential building or structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous period in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in accordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider.2\n\nIf a building qualifies as a derelict building pursuant to the ordinance, the locality shall notify the owner of the derelict building that the owner is required to submit to the locality a plan, within 90 days, to demolish or renovate the building to address the items that endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare as listed in a written notification provided by the locality. Such plan may be on a form developed by the locality and shall include a proposed time within which the plan will be commenced and completed. The plan may include one or more adjacent properties of the owner, whether or not all of such properties may have been declared derelict buildings. The plan shall be subject to approval by the locality. The locality shall deliver the written notice to the address listed on the real estate tax assessment records of the locality. Written notice sent by first-class mail, with the locality obtaining a U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing shall constitute delivery pursuant to this section.3\n\nIf a locality delivers written notice and the owner of the derelict building has not submitted a plan to the locality within 90 days as provided in subdivision 2, the locality may exercise such remedies as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law. Such remedy may include imposition of a civil penalty not exceeding $500 per month until such time as the owner has submitted a plan in accordance with this section; however, the total civil penalty imposed shall not exceed the cost to demolish the derelict building. Any such civil penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the locality.4\n\nThe owner of a building may apply to the locality and request that such building be declared a derelict building for purposes of this section.5\n\nThe locality, upon receipt of the plan to demolish or renovate the building, at the owner’s request, shall meet with the owner submitting the plan and provide information to the owner on the land use and permitting requirements for demolition or renovation.6\n\nIf the property owner’s plan is to demolish the derelict building, the building permit application of such owner shall be expedited. If the owner has completed the demolition within 90 days of the date of the building permit issuance, the locality shall refund any building and demolition permit fees. This section shall not supersede any ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2306 relative to historic districts.7\n\nIf the property owner’s plan is to renovate the derelict building, and no rezoning is required for the owner’s intended use of the property, the site plan or subdivision application and the building permit, as applicable, shall be expedited. The site plan or subdivision fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the site plan or subdivision fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for site plan or subdivision applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property. The building permit fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the building permit fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for building permit applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property.8\n\nPrior to commencement of a plan to demolish or renovate the derelict building, at the request of the property owner, the real estate assessor shall make an assessment of the property in its current derelict condition. On the building permit application, the owner shall declare the costs of demolition, or the costs of materials and labor to complete the renovation. At the request of the property owner, after demolition or renovation of the derelict building, the real estate assessor shall reflect the fair market value of the demolition costs or the fair market value of the renovation improvements, and reflect such value in the real estate tax assessment records. The real estate tax on an amount equal to the costs of demolition or an amount equal to the increase in the fair market value of the renovations shall be abated for a period of not less than 15 years, and is transferable with the property. The abatement of taxes for demolition shall not apply if the structure demolished is a registered Virginia landmark or is determined by the Department of Historic Resources to contribute to the significance of a registered historic district. However, if the locality has an existing tax abatement program for less than 15 years, as of July 1, 2009, the locality may provide for a tax abatement period of not less than five years.9\n\nNotwithstanding the provisions of this section, the locality may proceed to make repairs and secure the building under § 15.2-906, or the locality may proceed to abate or remove a nuisance under § 15.2-900. In addition, the locality may exercise such remedies as may exist under the Uniform Statewide Building Code and may exercise such other remedies available under general and special law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":228671,"text":"Any locality that has a real estate tax abatement program in accordance with this section may, by ordinance, provide that:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":228672,"text":"The owners of property therein shall at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe submit a plan to demolish or renovate any building that has been declared a “derelict building.” For purposes of this section, “derelict building” means a residential or nonresidential building or structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous period in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in accordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":228673,"text":"If a building qualifies as a derelict building pursuant to the ordinance, the locality shall notify the owner of the derelict building that the owner is required to submit to the locality a plan, within 90 days, to demolish or renovate the building to address the items that endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare as listed in a written notification provided by the locality. Such plan may be on a form developed by the locality and shall include a proposed time within which the plan will be commenced and completed. The plan may include one or more adjacent properties of the owner, whether or not all of such properties may have been declared derelict buildings. The plan shall be subject to approval by the locality. The locality shall deliver the written notice to the address listed on the real estate tax assessment records of the locality. Written notice sent by first-class mail, with the locality obtaining a U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing shall constitute delivery pursuant to this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":228674,"text":"If a locality delivers written notice and the owner of the derelict building has not submitted a plan to the locality within 90 days as provided in subdivision 2, the locality may exercise such remedies as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law. Such remedy may include imposition of a civil penalty not exceeding $500 per month until such time as the owner has submitted a plan in accordance with this section; however, the total civil penalty imposed shall not exceed the cost to demolish the derelict building. Any such civil penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":228675,"text":"The owner of a building may apply to the locality and request that such building be declared a derelict building for purposes of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":228676,"text":"The locality, upon receipt of the plan to demolish or renovate the building, at the owner’s request, shall meet with the owner submitting the plan and provide information to the owner on the land use and permitting requirements for demolition or renovation.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":228677,"text":"If the property owner’s plan is to demolish the derelict building, the building permit application of such owner shall be expedited. If the owner has completed the demolition within 90 days of the date of the building permit issuance, the locality shall refund any building and demolition permit fees. This section shall not supersede any ordinance adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2306 relative to historic districts.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":228678,"text":"If the property owner’s plan is to renovate the derelict building, and no rezoning is required for the owner’s intended use of the property, the site plan or subdivision application and the building permit, as applicable, shall be expedited. The site plan or subdivision fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the site plan or subdivision fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for site plan or subdivision applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property. The building permit fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the building permit fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for building permit applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":228679,"text":"Prior to commencement of a plan to demolish or renovate the derelict building, at the request of the property owner, the real estate assessor shall make an assessment of the property in its current derelict condition. On the building permit application, the owner shall declare the costs of demolition, or the costs of materials and labor to complete the renovation. At the request of the property owner, after demolition or renovation of the derelict building, the real estate assessor shall reflect the fair market value of the demolition costs or the fair market value of the renovation improvements, and reflect such value in the real estate tax assessment records. The real estate tax on an amount equal to the costs of demolition or an amount equal to the increase in the fair market value of the renovations shall be abated for a period of not less than 15 years, and is transferable with the property. The abatement of taxes for demolition shall not apply if the structure demolished is a registered Virginia landmark or is determined by the Department of Historic Resources to contribute to the significance of a registered historic district. However, if the locality has an existing tax abatement program for less than 15 years, as of July 1, 2009, the locality may provide for a tax abatement period of not less than five years.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":228680,"text":"Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the locality may proceed to make repairs and secure the building under § 15.2-906, or the locality may proceed to abate or remove a nuisance under § 15.2-900. In addition, the locality may exercise such remedies as may exist under the Uniform Statewide Building Code and may exercise such other remedies available under general and special law.","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8"}},"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; 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curfew; penalty","url":"\/15.2-925\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925","metadata":false},{"id":55521,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-925.1","catch_line":"Local notifications","url":"\/15.2-925.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925.1","metadata":false},{"id":81894,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926","catch_line":"Prohibiting loitering; frequenting amusements and curfew for minors; penalty","url":"\/15.2-926\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926","metadata":false},{"id":57829,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.1","catch_line":"Bounties for coyotes","url":"\/15.2-926.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.1","metadata":false},{"id":64538,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.2","catch_line":"Adoption of ordinances prohibiting obscenity","url":"\/15.2-926.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.2","metadata":false},{"id":78125,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.3","catch_line":"Local regulation of certain aircraft","url":"\/15.2-926.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.3","metadata":false},{"id":69443,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.4","catch_line":"Regulation of smoking in outdoor amphitheater or concert venue; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-926.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-907.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2009. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 181<\/a> and 551<\/a> 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. It has been modified 2 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 2020, chapter 9<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 61<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":83910,"section_number":"15.2-1127","catch_line":"Vacant building registration; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1127\/"},{"id":75499,"section_number":"15.2-1717.1","catch_line":"Designation of police to enforce trespass violations","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1717.1\/"},{"id":82277,"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","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-907.2\/"},{"id":56393,"section_number":"36-3","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-3\/"},{"id":54565,"section_number":"58.1-3221.6","catch_line":"Classification of blighted and derelict properties in certain localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3221.6\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":56926,"section_number":"58.1-3970.1","catch_line":"Appointment of special commissioner to execute title to certain real estate with delinquent taxes or liens to localities","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3970.1\/"},{"id":61813,"section_number":"58.1-3970.2","catch_line":"When delinquent taxes may be deemed paid in full","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3970.2\/"},{"id":76585,"section_number":"58.1-3975","catch_line":"Nonjudicial sale of tax delinquent real properties of minimal size and value","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3975\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":73526,"section_number":"15.2-2306","catch_line":"Preservation of historical sites and architectural areas; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2306\/"},{"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":73739,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-906\/"}],"permalink":{"id":156401,"object_type":"law","relational_id":62717,"identifier":"15.2-907.1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.1","url":"\/15.2-907.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-907.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-907.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any locality<\/span> that has a real estate tax abatement program in accordance with this section 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 submit a plan to demolish or renovate any building that has been declared a “derelict building<\/span>.” For purposes of this section, “derelict building<\/span>” means a residential or nonresidential building or structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous period in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in accordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If a building qualifies as a derelict building<\/span> pursuant to the ordinance<\/span>, the locality<\/span> shall notify the owner of the derelict building<\/span> that the owner is required to submit to the locality<\/span> a plan, within 90 days, to demolish or renovate the building to address the items that endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare as listed in a written notification provided by the locality<\/span>. Such plan may be on a form developed by the locality<\/span> and shall include a proposed time within which the plan will be commenced and completed. The plan may include one or more adjacent properties of the owner, whether or not all of such properties may have been declared derelict buildings<\/span>. The plan shall be subject to approval by the locality<\/span>. The locality<\/span> shall deliver the written notice to the address listed on the real estate tax assessment records of the locality<\/span>. Written notice sent by first-class mail, with the locality<\/span> obtaining a U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing shall constitute delivery pursuant to this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> If a locality<\/span> delivers written notice and the owner of the derelict building<\/span> has not submitted a plan to the locality<\/span> within 90 days as provided in subdivision 2, the locality<\/span> may exercise such remedies as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law<\/span>. Such remedy may include imposition of a civil penalty<\/span> not exceeding $500 per month until such time as the owner has submitted a plan in accordance with this section; however, the total civil penalty<\/span> imposed shall not exceed the cost to demolish the derelict building<\/span>. Any such civil penalty<\/span> shall be paid into the treasury of the locality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The owner of a building may apply to the locality<\/span> and request that such building be declared a derelict building<\/span> for purposes of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The locality<\/span>, upon receipt of the plan to demolish or renovate the building, at the owner’s request, shall meet with the owner submitting the plan and provide information to the owner on the land use and permitting requirements for demolition or renovation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> If the property owner’s plan is to demolish the derelict building<\/span>, the building permit application of such owner shall be expedited. If the owner has completed the demolition within 90 days of the date of the building permit issuance, the locality<\/span> shall refund any building and demolition permit fees. This section shall not supersede any ordinance<\/span> adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2306<\/a> relative to historic districts. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> If the property owner’s plan is to renovate the derelict building<\/span>, and no rezoning is required for the owner’s intended use of the property, the site plan or subdivision application and the building permit, as applicable, shall be expedited. The site plan or subdivision fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the site plan or subdivision fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance<\/span> for site plan or subdivision applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property. The building permit fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no event shall the building permit fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance<\/span> for building permit applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Prior to commencement of a plan to demolish or renovate the derelict building<\/span>, at the request of the property owner, the real estate assessor shall make an assessment of the property in its current derelict condition. On the building permit application, the owner shall declare the costs of demolition, or the costs of materials<\/span> and labor to complete the renovation. At the request of the property owner, after demolition or renovation of the derelict building<\/span>, the real estate assessor shall reflect the fair market value of the demolition costs or the fair market value of the renovation improvements, and reflect such value in the real estate tax assessment records. The real estate tax on an amount equal to the costs of demolition or an amount equal to the increase in the fair market value of the renovations shall be abated for a period of not less than 15 years, and is transferable with the property. The abatement of taxes for demolition shall not apply if the structure demolished is a registered Virginia landmark or is determined by the Department of Historic Resources to contribute to the significance of a registered historic district. However, if the locality<\/span> has an existing tax abatement program for less than 15 years, as of July 1, 2009, the locality<\/span> may provide for a tax abatement period of not less than five years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the locality<\/span> may proceed to make repairs and secure the building under § 15.2-906<\/a>, or the locality<\/span> may proceed to abate or remove a nuisance under § 15.2-900<\/a>. In addition, the locality<\/span> may exercise such remedies as may exist under the Uniform Statewide Building Code and may exercise such other remedies available under general and special law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAUTHORITY TO REQUIRE REMOVAL, REPAIR, ETC., OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE DECLARED TO BE\nDERELICT; CIVIL PENALTY (\u00a7 15.2-907.1)\n\nAny locality that has a real estate tax abatement program in accordance with\nthis section may, by ordinance, provide that:\n\n1. The owners of property therein shall at such time or times as the governing\nbody may prescribe submit a plan to demolish or renovate any building that has\nbeen declared a “derelict building.” For purposes of this section,\n“derelict building” means a residential or nonresidential building\nor structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might\nendanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous\nperiod in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in\naccordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric\nservice from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any\nrequired water or sewer service from a utility service provider.\n\n2. If a building qualifies as a derelict building pursuant to the ordinance, the\nlocality shall notify the owner of the derelict building that the owner is\nrequired to submit to the locality a plan, within 90 days, to demolish or\nrenovate the building to address the items that endanger the public’s\nhealth, safety, or welfare as listed in a written notification provided by the\nlocality. Such plan may be on a form developed by the locality and shall include\na proposed time within which the plan will be commenced and completed. The plan\nmay include one or more adjacent properties of the owner, whether or not all of\nsuch properties may have been declared derelict buildings. The plan shall be\nsubject to approval by the locality. The locality shall deliver the written\nnotice to the address listed on the real estate tax assessment records of the\nlocality. Written notice sent by first-class mail, with the locality obtaining a\nU.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing shall constitute delivery pursuant to\nthis section.\n\n3. If a locality delivers written notice and the owner of the derelict building\nhas not submitted a plan to the locality within 90 days as provided in\nsubdivision 2, the locality may exercise such remedies as provided in this\nsection or as otherwise provided by law. Such remedy may include imposition of a\ncivil penalty not exceeding $500 per month until such time as the owner has\nsubmitted a plan in accordance with this section; however, the total civil\npenalty imposed shall not exceed the cost to demolish the derelict building. Any\nsuch civil penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the locality.\n\n4. The owner of a building may apply to the locality and request that such\nbuilding be declared a derelict building for purposes of this section.\n\n5. The locality, upon receipt of the plan to demolish or renovate the building,\nat the owner’s request, shall meet with the owner submitting the plan and\nprovide information to the owner on the land use and permitting requirements for\ndemolition or renovation.\n\n6. If the property owner’s plan is to demolish the derelict building, the\nbuilding permit application of such owner shall be expedited. If the owner has\ncompleted the demolition within 90 days of the date of the building permit\nissuance, the locality shall refund any building and demolition permit fees.\nThis section shall not supersede any ordinance adopted pursuant to §\n15.2-2306 relative to historic districts.\n\n7. If the property owner’s plan is to renovate the derelict building, and\nno rezoning is required for the owner’s intended use of the property, the\nsite plan or subdivision application and the building permit, as applicable,\nshall be expedited. The site plan or subdivision fees may be refunded, all or in\npart, but in no event shall the site plan or subdivision fees exceed the lesser\nof 50 percent of the standard fees established by the ordinance for site plan or\nsubdivision applications for the proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per\nproperty. The building permit fees may be refunded, all or in part, but in no\nevent shall the building permit fees exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the\nstandard fees established by the ordinance for building permit applications for\nthe proposed use of the property, or $5,000 per property.\n\n8. Prior to commencement of a plan to demolish or renovate the derelict\nbuilding, at the request of the property owner, the real estate assessor shall\nmake an assessment of the property in its current derelict condition. On the\nbuilding permit application, the owner shall declare the costs of demolition, or\nthe costs of materials and labor to complete the renovation. At the request of\nthe property owner, after demolition or renovation of the derelict building, the\nreal estate assessor shall reflect the fair market value of the demolition costs\nor the fair market value of the renovation improvements, and reflect such value\nin the real estate tax assessment records. The real estate tax on an amount\nequal to the costs of demolition or an amount equal to the increase in the fair\nmarket value of the renovations shall be abated for a period of not less than 15\nyears, and is transferable with the property. The abatement of taxes for\ndemolition shall not apply if the structure demolished is a registered Virginia\nlandmark or is determined by the Department of Historic Resources to contribute\nto the significance of a registered historic district. However, if the locality\nhas an existing tax abatement program for less than 15 years, as of July 1,\n2009, the locality may provide for a tax abatement period of not less than five\nyears.\n\n9. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the locality may proceed to\nmake repairs and secure the building under § 15.2-906, or the locality may\nproceed to abate or remove a nuisance under § 15.2-900. In addition, the\nlocality may exercise such remedies as may exist under the Uniform Statewide\nBuilding Code and may exercise such other remedies available under general and\nspecial law.\n\nHISTORY: 2009, cc. 181, 551; 2020, c. 9; 2025, c. 61.","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}}