{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-958.1_1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-958.1_1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-958.1_1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-958.1_1.html"}],"law_id":83582,"edition_id":1,"section_id":83582,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.1:1","catch_line":"Sale of certain vacant and blighted or derelict property","history":"2025, c. 449.","full_text":"A\n\nAny locality where property is located that (i) has been vacant for at least five years, (ii) has been declared a blighted property or derelict building as defined in § 58.1-3221.6, and (iii) is tax delinquent may petition the circuit court to appoint a special commissioner to execute the necessary deed or deeds to convey the real estate, in lieu of a sale at public auction, to the locality, to the locality’s land bank entity, or to an existing nonprofit entity designated by the locality to carry out the functions of a land bank entity pursuant to § 15.2-7512. The conveyance of real estate may include all parcels of property owned by the entity in the locality if, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, all the parcels are deemed necessary to effectuate a proper sale of the property to an interested developer.\n\t\t\tAfter notice as required in Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1 and service of process, and upon answer filed by the owner or other parties in interest to the bill in equity, the court shall allow the parties to present evidence and arguments, ore tenus, prior to the appointment of the special commissioner. Any surplusage accruing to a locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity as a result of the sale of the parcel or parcels after the receipt of the deed shall be payable to the beneficiaries of any liens against the property and to the former owner or his heirs or assigns in accordance with § 58.1-3967. No deficiency shall be charged against the owner after conveyance to the locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity.B\n\nIf the locality sells a property acquired under subsection A, the locality shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the property into compliance with the local building code within a period not to exceed two years of the purchase. The locality may include any additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intent of this section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable codes.C\n\nThe locality may sell the property for the nominal amount of one dollar, assuming there are no outstanding mortgages, loans, or other liens not associated with the locality to a qualified developer who properly responds to a request for proposal and submits a plan for the highest and best use of the property. The local governing body shall review the responses to the request for proposal and choose the developer who has the financial wherewithal to develop the property as proposed.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":299536,"text":"Any locality where property is located that (i) has been vacant for at least five years, (ii) has been declared a blighted property or derelict building as defined in § 58.1-3221.6, and (iii) is tax delinquent may petition the circuit court to appoint a special commissioner to execute the necessary deed or deeds to convey the real estate, in lieu of a sale at public auction, to the locality, to the locality’s land bank entity, or to an existing nonprofit entity designated by the locality to carry out the functions of a land bank entity pursuant to § 15.2-7512. The conveyance of real estate may include all parcels of property owned by the entity in the locality if, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, all the parcels are deemed necessary to effectuate a proper sale of the property to an interested developer.\n\t\t\tAfter notice as required in Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1 and service of process, and upon answer filed by the owner or other parties in interest to the bill in equity, the court shall allow the parties to present evidence and arguments, ore tenus, prior to the appointment of the special commissioner. Any surplusage accruing to a locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity as a result of the sale of the parcel or parcels after the receipt of the deed shall be payable to the beneficiaries of any liens against the property and to the former owner or his heirs or assigns in accordance with § 58.1-3967. No deficiency shall be charged against the owner after conveyance to the locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":299537,"text":"If the locality sells a property acquired under subsection A, the locality shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the property into compliance with the local building code within a period not to exceed two years of the purchase. The locality may include any additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intent of this section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable codes.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":299538,"text":"The locality may sell the property for the nominal amount of one dollar, assuming there are no outstanding mortgages, loans, or other liens not associated with the locality to a qualified developer who properly responds to a request for proposal and submits a plan for the highest and best use of the property. The local governing body shall review the responses to the request for proposal and choose the developer who has the financial wherewithal to develop the property as proposed.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13545,"edition_id":1,"name":"Additional Powers","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13058,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:10","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:10","permalink":{"id":156673,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13545,"identifier":"5","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/5\/","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":59834,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-950","catch_line":"Appropriations","url":"\/15.2-950\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-950","metadata":false},{"id":82496,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-951","catch_line":"Acquisition, disposition and use of personal property by localities generally","url":"\/15.2-951\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-951","metadata":false},{"id":80950,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-952","catch_line":"Political subdivisions may acquire property from United States","url":"\/15.2-952\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-952","metadata":false},{"id":56590,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-953","catch_line":"Donations to charitable institutions and associations, volunteer and nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, etc","url":"\/15.2-953\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-953","metadata":false},{"id":72872,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-954","catch_line":"Loans to volunteer firefighting and rescue organizations","url":"\/15.2-954\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-954","metadata":false},{"id":69377,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-954.1","catch_line":"Volunteer firefighter or volunteer emergency medical services personnel tuition reimbursement","url":"\/15.2-954.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-954.1","metadata":false},{"id":69752,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-955","catch_line":"Approval by local governing body for the establishment of volunteer emergency medical services agencies and firefighting organizations","url":"\/15.2-955\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-955","metadata":false},{"id":65390,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-956","catch_line":"Participation in certain federal development programs","url":"\/15.2-956\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-956","metadata":false},{"id":87224,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-957","catch_line":"Participation by localities in certain leasing programs","url":"\/15.2-957\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-957","metadata":false},{"id":63172,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958","catch_line":"Local funding for repair or production of low and moderate income rental property or repair of residential property; other housing experiments","url":"\/15.2-958\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958","metadata":false},{"id":57528,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.1","catch_line":"Sale of certain property in certain cities","url":"\/15.2-958.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.1","metadata":false},{"id":83582,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.1:1","catch_line":"Sale of certain vacant and blighted or derelict property","url":"\/15.2-958.1_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":73990,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.2","catch_line":"Grants for homeownership; workforce housing","url":"\/15.2-958.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.2","metadata":false},{"id":55802,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.2:01","catch_line":"Grants for certain corporations and pass-through entities","url":"\/15.2-958.2_01\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.2_01","metadata":false},{"id":79079,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.3","catch_line":"Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing programs","url":"\/15.2-958.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.3","metadata":false},{"id":72340,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.3:1","catch_line":"Local green banks","url":"\/15.2-958.3_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":57737,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.4","catch_line":"Waiver of certain fees for affordable housing","url":"\/15.2-958.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.4","metadata":false},{"id":61887,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.5","catch_line":"Local funding for community revitalization","url":"\/15.2-958.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.5","metadata":false},{"id":70528,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.6","catch_line":"Financing the repair of failed septic systems","url":"\/15.2-958.6\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.6","metadata":false},{"id":68666,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-958.7","catch_line":"Local Foundation and Soil Management Fund; grant moneys","url":"\/15.2-958.7\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.7","metadata":false},{"id":78251,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-959","catch_line":"Housing research","url":"\/15.2-959\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-959","metadata":false},{"id":54832,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-960","catch_line":"Planting of trees destroyed during construction","url":"\/15.2-960\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-960","metadata":false},{"id":68912,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-961","catch_line":"Replacement of trees during development process in certain localities","url":"\/15.2-961\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-961","metadata":false},{"id":79501,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-961.1","catch_line":"Conservation of trees during land development process in localities belonging to a nonattainment area for air quality standards","url":"\/15.2-961.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-961.1","metadata":false},{"id":54509,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-961.2","catch_line":"Conservation of trees; notice of infill lot grading plan","url":"\/15.2-961.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-961.2","metadata":false},{"id":72159,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-961.3","catch_line":"Replacement of trees during development process in localities","url":"\/15.2-961.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-961.3","metadata":false},{"id":68089,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-962","catch_line":"Authority to require a unified geographic information system for a locality","url":"\/15.2-962\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-962","metadata":false},{"id":87100,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-963","catch_line":"Local offices of consumer affairs; establishment; powers and duties","url":"\/15.2-963\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-963","metadata":false},{"id":73282,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-964","catch_line":"Organization of local human services activities; authorization of reorganization by Governor","url":"\/15.2-964\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-964","metadata":false},{"id":71567,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-965","catch_line":"Human rights ordinances and commissions","url":"\/15.2-965\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-965","metadata":false},{"id":71511,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-965.1","catch_line":"Participation of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses","url":"\/15.2-965.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-965.1","metadata":false},{"id":58003,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-965.2","catch_line":"Enhancement of micro-business participation in local procurement","url":"\/15.2-965.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-965.2","metadata":false},{"id":74384,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-966","catch_line":"Establishment and operation of educational television stations","url":"\/15.2-966\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-966","metadata":false},{"id":70768,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-966.1","catch_line":"Establishment of primary health care facility for employees of locality","url":"\/15.2-966.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-966.1","metadata":false},{"id":66216,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-967","catch_line":"Parking facilities","url":"\/15.2-967\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-967","metadata":false},{"id":70652,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-967.1","catch_line":"Regulation of certain transportation services","url":"\/15.2-967.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-967.1","metadata":false},{"id":61876,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-967.2","catch_line":"Electric vehicle charging stations","url":"\/15.2-967.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-967.2","metadata":false},{"id":57039,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-968","catch_line":"Regulation of parking of vehicles within boundaries of state-supported institutions","url":"\/15.2-968\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-968","metadata":false},{"id":77767,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-968.01","catch_line":"Parking in certain residential areas","url":"\/15.2-968.01\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-968.01","metadata":false},{"id":66068,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-968.1","catch_line":"(For contingent effective date, see Acts 2023, c. 738, cl. 2) Use of violation monitoring systems to enforce traffic light signals and certain traffic control devices","url":"\/15.2-968.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-968.1","metadata":false},{"id":83573,"structure_id":13545,"section_number":"15.2-969","catch_line":"Ordinances prohibiting resale of tickets to certain public events; 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This law was first created in 2025. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 449<\/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.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":62244,"section_number":"15.2-7512","catch_line":"Designation of planning district commission or existing nonprofit entities to carry out the functions of a land bank entity","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-7512\/"},{"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":62535,"section_number":"58.1-3967","catch_line":"How proceedings instituted; parties; procedure generally; title acquired; disposition of surplus proceeds of sale","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3967\/"}],"permalink":{"id":156719,"object_type":"law","relational_id":83582,"identifier":"15.2-958.1:1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.1_1","url":"\/15.2-958.1_1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-958.1_1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/5\/15.2-958.1_1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Sale of certain vacant and blighted or derelict property","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-958.1:1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any locality<\/span> where property is located that (i) has been vacant for at least five years, (ii) has been declared a blighted property or derelict building as defined in § 58.1-3221.6<\/a>, and (iii) is tax delinquent may petition<\/span> the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> to appoint a special commissioner to execute the necessary deed or deeds to convey the real estate, in lieu of a sale at public auction, to the locality<\/span>, to the locality<\/span>’s land bank entity, or to an existing nonprofit entity designated by the locality<\/span> to carry out the functions of a land bank entity pursuant to § 15.2-7512<\/a>. The conveyance of real estate may include all parcels of property owned by the entity in the locality<\/span> if, upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence<\/span>, all the parcels are deemed necessary to effectuate a proper sale of the property to an interested developer.\n\t\t\tAfter notice as required in Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1 and service of process<\/span>, and upon answer filed by the owner or other parties in interest to the bill in equity<\/span>, the court<\/span> shall allow the parties to present evidence and arguments, ore tenus<\/span>, prior to the appointment of the special commissioner. Any surplusage accruing to a locality<\/span>, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity as a result of the sale of the parcel or parcels after the receipt of the deed shall be payable to the beneficiaries of any liens<\/span> against the property and to the former owner or his heirs or assigns in accordance with § 58.1-3967<\/a>. No deficiency shall be charged against the owner after conveyance to the locality<\/span>, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit entity. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If the locality<\/span> sells a property acquired under subsection A, the locality<\/span> shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the property into compliance with the local building code within a period not to exceed two years of the purchase. The locality<\/span> may include any additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order<\/span> to carry out the intent<\/span> of this section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable codes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The locality<\/span> may sell the property for the nominal amount of one dollar, assuming there are no outstanding mortgages, loans, or other liens<\/span> not associated with the locality<\/span> to a qualified developer who properly responds to a request for proposal and submits a plan for the highest and best use of the property. The local governing body<\/span> shall review the responses to the request for proposal and choose the developer who has the financial wherewithal to develop the property as proposed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSALE OF CERTAIN VACANT AND BLIGHTED OR DERELICT PROPERTY (\u00a7 15.2-958.1:1)\n\nA. Any locality where property is located that (i) has been vacant for at least\nfive years, (ii) has been declared a blighted property or derelict building as\ndefined in § 58.1-3221.6, and (iii) is tax delinquent may petition the\ncircuit court to appoint a special commissioner to execute the necessary deed or\ndeeds to convey the real estate, in lieu of a sale at public auction, to the\nlocality, to the locality’s land bank entity, or to an existing nonprofit\nentity designated by the locality to carry out the functions of a land bank\nentity pursuant to § 15.2-7512. The conveyance of real estate may include\nall parcels of property owned by the entity in the locality if, upon a showing\nby a preponderance of the evidence, all the parcels are deemed necessary to\neffectuate a proper sale of the property to an interested developer.\n\t\t\tAfter notice as required in Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter\n39 of Title 58.1 and service of process, and upon answer filed by the owner or\nother parties in interest to the bill in equity, the court shall allow the\nparties to present evidence and arguments, ore tenus, prior to the appointment\nof the special commissioner. Any surplusage accruing to a locality, land bank\nentity, or existing nonprofit entity as a result of the sale of the parcel or\nparcels after the receipt of the deed shall be payable to the beneficiaries of\nany liens against the property and to the former owner or his heirs or assigns\nin accordance with § 58.1-3967. No deficiency shall be charged against the\nowner after conveyance to the locality, land bank entity, or existing nonprofit\nentity.\n\nB. If the locality sells a property acquired under subsection A, the locality\nshall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security\ninstrument to (i) begin repair or renovation of the property within six months\nof purchase and (ii) complete all repairs or renovations necessary to bring the\nproperty into compliance with the local building code within a period not to\nexceed two years of the purchase. The locality may include any additional\nreasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intent of\nthis section and assure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance\nwith applicable codes.\n\nC. The locality may sell the property for the nominal amount of one dollar,\nassuming there are no outstanding mortgages, loans, or other liens not\nassociated with the locality to a qualified developer who properly responds to a\nrequest for proposal and submits a plan for the highest and best use of the\nproperty. The local governing body shall review the responses to the request for\nproposal and choose the developer who has the financial wherewithal to develop\nthe property as proposed.\n\nHISTORY: 2025, c. 449.","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}}