{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-908.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-908.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-908.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-908.1.html"}],"law_id":71776,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"1997, c. 498, \u00a7 15.1-11.2:3; 2017, cc. 118, 610.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Affidavit” means the affidavit prepared by a locality in accordance with subdivision B 1 a hereof.\n\t\t\t“Bawdy place” means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-347.\n\t\t\t“Corrective action” means the taking of steps which are reasonably expected to be effective to abate a bawdy place on real property, such as removal, repair or securing of any building, wall or other structure.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the record owner of real property.\n\t\t\t“Property” means real property.B\n\nThe governing body of any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:1\n\nThe locality may undertake corrective action with respect to property in accordance with the procedures described herein:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality shall execute an affidavit, citing this section, to the effect that (i) a bawdy place exists on the property and in the manner described therein; (ii) the locality has used diligence without effect to abate the bawdy place; and (iii) the bawdy place constitutes a present threat to the public’s health, safety or welfare.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality shall then send a notice to the owner of the property, to be sent by regular mail to the last address listed for the owner on the locality’s assessment records for the property, together with a copy of such affidavit, advising that (i) the owner has up to thirty days from the date thereof to undertake corrective action to abate the bawdy place described in such affidavit and (ii) the locality will, if requested to do so, assist the owner in determining and coordinating the appropriate corrective action to abate the bawdy place described in such affidavit.\n\t\t\t\tc. If no corrective action is undertaken during such thirty-day period, the locality shall send by regular mail an additional notice to the owner of the property, at the address stated in the preceding subdivision, stating the date on which the locality may commence corrective action to abate the bawdy place on the property, which date shall be no earlier than fifteen days after the date of mailing of the notice. Such additional notice shall also reasonably describe the corrective action contemplated to be taken by the locality. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall have a right, upon reasonable notice to the locality, to seek equitable relief, and the locality shall initiate no corrective action while a proper petition for relief is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.2\n\nIf the locality undertakes corrective action with respect to the property after complying with the provisions of subdivision B 1, the costs and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes and levies are collected.3\n\nEvery charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property with the same priority as 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.C\n\nIf the owner of such property takes timely corrective action pursuant to such ordinance, the locality shall deem the bawdy place abated, shall close the proceeding without any charge or cost to the owner and shall promptly provide written notice to the owner that the proceeding has been terminated satisfactorily. The closing of a proceeding shall not bar the locality from initiating a subsequent proceeding if the bawdy place recurs.D\n\nNothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or waive any rights or remedies of an owner of property at law or in equity.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":258591,"text":"As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Affidavit” means the affidavit prepared by a locality in accordance with subdivision B 1 a hereof.\n\t\t\t“Bawdy place” means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-347.\n\t\t\t“Corrective action” means the taking of steps which are reasonably expected to be effective to abate a bawdy place on real property, such as removal, repair or securing of any building, wall or other structure.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the record owner of real property.\n\t\t\t“Property” means real property.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":258592,"text":"The governing body of any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":258593,"text":"The locality may undertake corrective action with respect to property in accordance with the procedures described herein:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality shall execute an affidavit, citing this section, to the effect that (i) a bawdy place exists on the property and in the manner described therein; (ii) the locality has used diligence without effect to abate the bawdy place; and (iii) the bawdy place constitutes a present threat to the public’s health, safety or welfare.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality shall then send a notice to the owner of the property, to be sent by regular mail to the last address listed for the owner on the locality’s assessment records for the property, together with a copy of such affidavit, advising that (i) the owner has up to thirty days from the date thereof to undertake corrective action to abate the bawdy place described in such affidavit and (ii) the locality will, if requested to do so, assist the owner in determining and coordinating the appropriate corrective action to abate the bawdy place described in such affidavit.\n\t\t\t\tc. If no corrective action is undertaken during such thirty-day period, the locality shall send by regular mail an additional notice to the owner of the property, at the address stated in the preceding subdivision, stating the date on which the locality may commence corrective action to abate the bawdy place on the property, which date shall be no earlier than fifteen days after the date of mailing of the notice. Such additional notice shall also reasonably describe the corrective action contemplated to be taken by the locality. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall have a right, upon reasonable notice to the locality, to seek equitable relief, and the locality shall initiate no corrective action while a proper petition for relief is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":258594,"text":"If the locality undertakes corrective action with respect to the property after complying with the provisions of subdivision B 1, the costs and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes and levies are collected.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":258595,"text":"Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property has been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property with the same priority as 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.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":258596,"text":"If the owner of such property takes timely corrective action pursuant to such ordinance, the locality shall deem the bawdy place abated, shall close the proceeding without any charge or cost to the owner and shall promptly provide written notice to the owner that the proceeding has been terminated satisfactorily. The closing of a proceeding shall not bar the locality from initiating a subsequent proceeding if the bawdy place recurs.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":258597,"text":"Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or waive any rights or remedies of an owner of property at law or in equity.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"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; 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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-908.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1997. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 498<\/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 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2017, chapters 118<\/a> and 610<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"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":85705,"section_number":"18.2-347","catch_line":"Keeping, residing in, or frequenting a bawdy place; \"bawdy place\" defined; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-347\/"},{"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":156413,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71776,"identifier":"15.2-908.1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908.1","url":"\/15.2-908.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-908.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring a bawdy place","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-908.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Affidavit<\/span>” means the affidavit<\/span> prepared by a locality<\/span> in accordance with subdivision B 1 a hereof.\n\t\t\t“Bawdy place<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-347<\/a>.\n\t\t\t“Corrective action<\/span>” means the taking of steps which are reasonably expected to be effective to abate a bawdy place<\/span> on real property<\/span>, such as removal, repair or securing of any building, wall or other structure.\n\t\t\t“Owner<\/span>” means the record owner<\/span> of real property<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Property<\/span>” means real property<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The governing body<\/span> of any locality<\/span> may, by ordinance<\/span>, provide that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The locality<\/span> may undertake corrective action<\/span> with respect to property<\/span> in accordance with the procedures described herein:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality<\/span> shall execute an affidavit<\/span>, citing this section, to the effect that (i) a bawdy place<\/span> exists on the property<\/span> and in the manner described therein; (ii) the locality<\/span> has used diligence without effect to abate the bawdy place<\/span>; and (iii) the bawdy place<\/span> constitutes a present threat to the public’s health, safety or welfare.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality<\/span> shall then send a notice to the owner<\/span> of the property<\/span>, to be sent by regular mail to the last address listed for the owner<\/span> on the locality<\/span>’s assessment records for the property<\/span>, together with a copy of such affidavit<\/span>, advising that (i) the owner<\/span> has up to thirty days from the date thereof to undertake corrective action<\/span> to abate the bawdy place<\/span> described in such affidavit<\/span> and (ii) the locality<\/span> will, if requested to do so, assist the owner<\/span> in determining and coordinating the appropriate corrective action<\/span> to abate the bawdy place<\/span> described in such affidavit<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tc. If no corrective action<\/span> is undertaken during such thirty-day period, the locality<\/span> shall send by regular mail an additional notice to the owner<\/span> of the property<\/span>, at the address stated in the preceding subdivision, stating the date on which the locality<\/span> may commence corrective action<\/span> to abate the bawdy place<\/span> on the property<\/span>, which date shall be no earlier than fifteen days after the date of mailing of the notice. Such additional notice shall also reasonably describe the corrective action<\/span> contemplated to be taken by the locality<\/span>. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner<\/span> shall have a right, upon reasonable notice to the locality<\/span>, to seek equitable<\/span> relief, and the locality<\/span> shall initiate no corrective action<\/span> while a proper petition<\/span> for relief is pending before a court<\/span> of competent jurisdiction<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If the locality<\/span> undertakes corrective action<\/span> with respect to the property<\/span> after complying with the provisions of subdivision B 1, the costs and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner<\/span> of such property<\/span> and may be collected by the locality<\/span> as taxes and levies are collected. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner<\/span> of any such property<\/span> has been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien<\/span> against such property<\/span> with the same priority as 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. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If the owner<\/span> of such property<\/span> takes timely corrective action<\/span> pursuant to such ordinance<\/span>, the locality<\/span> shall deem the bawdy place<\/span> abated, shall close the proceeding without any charge or cost to the owner<\/span> and shall promptly provide written notice to the owner<\/span> that the proceeding has been terminated satisfactorily. The closing of a proceeding shall not bar the locality<\/span> from initiating a subsequent proceeding if the bawdy place<\/span> recurs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or waive<\/span> any rights or remedies of an owner<\/span> of property<\/span> at law<\/span> or in equity<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAUTHORITY TO REQUIRE REMOVAL, REPAIR, ETC., OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES\nHARBORING A BAWDY PLACE (\u00a7 15.2-908.1)\n\nA. As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Affidavit” means the affidavit prepared by a locality in\naccordance with subdivision B 1 a hereof.\n\t\t\t“Bawdy place” means the same as that term is defined in §\n18.2-347.\n\t\t\t“Corrective action” means the taking of steps which are\nreasonably expected to be effective to abate a bawdy place on real property,\nsuch as removal, repair or securing of any building, wall or other structure.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the record owner of real property.\n\t\t\t“Property” means real property.\n\nB. The governing body of any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:\n\n 1. The locality may undertake corrective action with respect to property in\n accordance with the procedures described herein:\n \t\t\t\ta. The locality shall execute an affidavit, citing this section, to the\n effect that (i) a bawdy place exists on the property and in the manner\n described therein; (ii) the locality has used diligence without effect to\n abate the bawdy place; and (iii) the bawdy place constitutes a present threat\n to the public’s health, safety or welfare.\n \t\t\t\tb. The locality shall then send a notice to the owner of the property, to\n be sent by regular mail to the last address listed for the owner on the\n locality’s assessment records for the property, together with a copy of\n such affidavit, advising that (i) the owner has up to thirty days from the\n date thereof to undertake corrective action to abate the bawdy place described\n in such affidavit and (ii) the locality will, if requested to do so, assist\n the owner in determining and coordinating the appropriate corrective action to\n abate the bawdy place described in such affidavit.\n \t\t\t\tc. If no corrective action is undertaken during such thirty-day period,\n the locality shall send by regular mail an additional notice to the owner of\n the property, at the address stated in the preceding subdivision, stating the\n date on which the locality may commence corrective action to abate the bawdy\n place on the property, which date shall be no earlier than fifteen days after\n the date of mailing of the notice. Such additional notice shall also\n reasonably describe the corrective action contemplated to be taken by the\n locality. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall have a right, upon\n reasonable notice to the locality, to seek equitable relief, and the locality\n shall initiate no corrective action while a proper petition for relief is\n pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.\n\n 2. If the locality undertakes corrective action with respect to the property\n after complying with the provisions of subdivision B 1, the costs and expenses\n thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may\n be collected by the locality as taxes and levies are collected.\n\n 3. Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such\n property has been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien\n against such property with the same priority as liens for unpaid local real\n estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3\n (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of\n Title 58.1.\n\nC. If the owner of such property takes timely corrective action pursuant to such\nordinance, the locality shall deem the bawdy place abated, shall close the\nproceeding without any charge or cost to the owner and shall promptly provide\nwritten notice to the owner that the proceeding has been terminated\nsatisfactorily. The closing of a proceeding shall not bar the locality from\ninitiating a subsequent proceeding if the bawdy place recurs.\n\nD. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or waive any rights or\nremedies of an owner of property at law or in equity.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 498, \u00a7 15.1-11.2:3; 2017, cc. 118, 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}}