{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-3.html"}],"law_id":56393,"edition_id":1,"section_id":56393,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-3","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1938, p. 447; Michie Code 1942, \u00a7 3145(3); 1966, c. 129; 2006, c. 784; 2009, cc. 181, 551.","full_text":"The following terms, when used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:\n\t\t“Area of operation” means an area that (i) in the case of a housing authority of a city, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the city; (ii) in the case of a housing authority of a county, shall include all of the county, except that portion which lies within the territorial boundaries of (a) any city, and (b) any town that has created a housing authority pursuant to this chapter; (iii) in the case of a housing authority of a town, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the town as herein defined.\n\t\t“Authority” or “housing authority” means any of the political subdivisions created by \u00a7 36-4.\n\t\t“Blighted area” means any area that endangers the public health, safety or welfare; or any area that is detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare because commercial, industrial, or residential structures or improvements are dilapidated, or deteriorated or because such structures or improvements violate minimum health and safety standards. This definition includes, without limitation, areas previously designated as blighted areas pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 (\u00a7 36-1 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted pursuant to \u00a7 36-49.1:1, under the process for determination of “spot blight.”\n\t\t“Bonds” means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures, or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“City” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Clerk” means the clerk or secretary of the city or the clerk of the county, as the case may be, or the officer charged with the duties customarily imposed on such clerk.\n\t\t“Conservation area” means an area, designated by an authority that is in a state of deterioration and in the early stages of becoming a blighted area, as defined in this section, or any area previously designated as a conservation area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“County” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Derelict building” means the same as that term as defined in \u00a7 15.2-907.1 or in \u00a7 36-152.\n\t\t“Farm structure” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 36-97.\n\t\t“Farmers of low income” means persons of low income who derive their principal income from operating or working on a farm.\n\t\t“Federal government” means the United States of America, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.\n\t\t“Governing body” means, in the case of a city or town, the council (including both branches where there are two), and in the case of a county, the board of supervisors or other governing body.\n\t\t“Housing project,” means any work or undertaking: (i) to demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area; such work or undertaking may embrace the adoption of such area to public purposes, including parks or other recreational or community purposes; or (ii) to provide decent, safe and sanitary urban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of low and moderate income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes; or (iii) to accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term “housing project” also may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures or improvements, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith.\n\t\t“Locality” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Obligee of the authority” or “obligee” means any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the authority property used in connection with a project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal government when it is a party to any contract with the authority.\n\t\t“Persons of low income” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income which is necessary to enable them to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings.\n\t\t“Persons of moderate income” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income necessary to obtain affordable housing.\n\t\t“Real property” means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens.\n\t\t“Redevelopment area” means an area (including slum areas), designated by an authority, that is in a state of blight that meets the criteria of a blighted area as defined in this section; or any area previously designated as a redevelopment area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“Slum” means any area where dwellings predominate that, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, is detrimental to safety, health, or morals.\n\t\t“Spot blight” means a structure or improvement that is a blighted property as defined in this section.\n\t\t“Spot blight abatement plan” means the written plan prepared by the owner or owners of record of the real property to address spot blight. If the owner or owners of record of the real property fail to respond as provided in \u00a7 36-49.1:1, the locality or the authority can prepare a spot blight abatement plan to address the spot blight with respect to an individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement, but may only implement such plan in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 36-49.1:1.\n\t\t“Town” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":206483,"text":"The following terms, when used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:\n\t\t“Area of operation” means an area that (i) in the case of a housing authority of a city, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the city; (ii) in the case of a housing authority of a county, shall include all of the county, except that portion which lies within the territorial boundaries of (a) any city, and (b) any town that has created a housing authority pursuant to this chapter; (iii) in the case of a housing authority of a town, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the town as herein defined.\n\t\t“Authority” or “housing authority” means any of the political subdivisions created by \u00a7 36-4.\n\t\t“Blighted area” means any area that endangers the public health, safety or welfare; or any area that is detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare because commercial, industrial, or residential structures or improvements are dilapidated, or deteriorated or because such structures or improvements violate minimum health and safety standards. This definition includes, without limitation, areas previously designated as blighted areas pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 (\u00a7 36-1 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted pursuant to \u00a7 36-49.1:1, under the process for determination of “spot blight.”\n\t\t“Bonds” means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures, or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“City” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Clerk” means the clerk or secretary of the city or the clerk of the county, as the case may be, or the officer charged with the duties customarily imposed on such clerk.\n\t\t“Conservation area” means an area, designated by an authority that is in a state of deterioration and in the early stages of becoming a blighted area, as defined in this section, or any area previously designated as a conservation area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“County” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Derelict building” means the same as that term as defined in \u00a7 15.2-907.1 or in \u00a7 36-152.\n\t\t“Farm structure” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 36-97.\n\t\t“Farmers of low income” means persons of low income who derive their principal income from operating or working on a farm.\n\t\t“Federal government” means the United States of America, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.\n\t\t“Governing body” means, in the case of a city or town, the council (including both branches where there are two), and in the case of a county, the board of supervisors or other governing body.\n\t\t“Housing project,” means any work or undertaking: (i) to demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area; such work or undertaking may embrace the adoption of such area to public purposes, including parks or other recreational or community purposes; or (ii) to provide decent, safe and sanitary urban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of low and moderate income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes; or (iii) to accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term “housing project” also may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures or improvements, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith.\n\t\t“Locality” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Obligee of the authority” or “obligee” means any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the authority property used in connection with a project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal government when it is a party to any contract with the authority.\n\t\t“Persons of low income” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income which is necessary to enable them to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings.\n\t\t“Persons of moderate income” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income necessary to obtain affordable housing.\n\t\t“Real property” means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens.\n\t\t“Redevelopment area” means an area (including slum areas), designated by an authority, that is in a state of blight that meets the criteria of a blighted area as defined in this section; or any area previously designated as a redevelopment area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“Slum” means any area where dwellings predominate that, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, is detrimental to safety, health, or morals.\n\t\t“Spot blight” means a structure or improvement that is a blighted property as defined in this section.\n\t\t“Spot blight abatement plan” means the written plan prepared by the owner or owners of record of the real property to address spot blight. If the owner or owners of record of the real property fail to respond as provided in \u00a7 36-49.1:1, the locality or the authority can prepare a spot blight abatement plan to address the spot blight with respect to an individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement, but may only implement such plan in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 36-49.1:1.\n\t\t“Town” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13780,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13338,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:51","permalink":{"id":208261,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13780,"identifier":"1","token":"36\/1\/1","url":"\/36\/1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13338,"edition_id":1,"name":"Housing Authorities Law","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12779,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","permalink":{"id":208259,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13338,"identifier":"1","token":"36\/1","url":"\/36\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12779,"edition_id":1,"name":"Housing","identifier":"36","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":208257,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12779,"identifier":"36","token":"36","url":"\/36\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77650,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-1","catch_line":"Title of chapter","url":"\/36-1\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-1","metadata":false},{"id":63095,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-10","catch_line":"Validation of establishment and organization of housing authorities and their contracts, undertakings, etc","url":"\/36-10\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-10","metadata":false},{"id":74968,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-2","catch_line":"Findings and declaration of necessity","url":"\/36-2\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-2","metadata":false},{"id":56393,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-3","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/36-3\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-3","metadata":false},{"id":75876,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-4","catch_line":"Creation of redevelopment and housing authorities","url":"\/36-4\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-4","metadata":false},{"id":62127,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-4.1","catch_line":"Holding of referendum; effect","url":"\/36-4.1\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-4.1","metadata":false},{"id":85638,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-5","catch_line":"Reports","url":"\/36-5\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-5","metadata":false},{"id":82565,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-6","catch_line":"Cooperation in undertaking housing projects","url":"\/36-6\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-6","metadata":false},{"id":86483,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-7","catch_line":"Loans and donations to housing authority","url":"\/36-7\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-7","metadata":false},{"id":66644,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-7.1","catch_line":"Liquidation of housing project","url":"\/36-7.1\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-7.1","metadata":false},{"id":85490,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-7.2","catch_line":"Notice of intent to demolish, liquidate, or otherwise dispose of housing projects","url":"\/36-7.2\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-7.2","metadata":false},{"id":54789,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-8","catch_line":"Supplemental nature of chapter","url":"\/36-8\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-8","metadata":false},{"id":68299,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-9","catch_line":"Chapter controlling","url":"\/36-9\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-9","metadata":false},{"id":65275,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-9.1","catch_line":"Exemptions from applicability of this chapter; conflicts in provisions of law","url":"\/36-9.1\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-9.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":74968,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-2","catch_line":"Findings and declaration of necessity","url":"\/36-2\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":75876,"structure_id":13780,"section_number":"36-4","catch_line":"Creation of redevelopment and housing authorities","url":"\/36-4\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-4","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-3\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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 1966, chapter 129; in 2006, chapter 784<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 181<\/a> and 551<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":83284,"section_number":"36-48","catch_line":"Creation of Redevelopment Areas","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-48\/"},{"id":58361,"section_number":"36-48.1","catch_line":"Creation of Conservation Areas","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-48.1\/"},{"id":67710,"section_number":"36-49","catch_line":"Adoption of Redevelopment Plans","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-49\/"},{"id":79608,"section_number":"36-49.1:1","catch_line":"Spot blight abatement authorized; procedure","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-49.1_1\/"},{"id":65275,"section_number":"36-9.1","catch_line":"Exemptions from applicability of this chapter; conflicts in provisions of law","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-9.1\/"},{"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":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\/"},{"id":71554,"section_number":"58.1-439.18","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-439.18\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":76134,"section_number":"15.2-102","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-102\/"},{"id":62717,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-907.1\/"},{"id":77650,"section_number":"36-1","catch_line":"Title of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-1\/"},{"id":65389,"section_number":"36-152","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-152\/"},{"id":75876,"section_number":"36-4","catch_line":"Creation of redevelopment and housing authorities","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-4\/"},{"id":79608,"section_number":"36-49.1:1","catch_line":"Spot blight abatement authorized; procedure","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-49.1_1\/"},{"id":78167,"section_number":"36-97","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-97\/"}],"permalink":{"id":208275,"object_type":"law","relational_id":56393,"identifier":"36-3","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-3","url":"\/36-3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-3\/","token":"36\/1\/1\/36-3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The following terms, when used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:\n\t\t“Area of operation<\/span>” means an area that (i) in the case of a housing authority<\/span> of a city<\/span>, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the city<\/span>; (ii) in the case of a housing authority<\/span> of a county<\/span>, shall include all of the county<\/span>, except that portion which lies within the territorial boundaries of (a) any city<\/span>, and (b) any town<\/span> that has created a housing authority<\/span> pursuant to this chapter; (iii) in the case of a housing authority<\/span> of a town<\/span>, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the town<\/span> as herein defined.\n\t\t“Authority” or “housing authority<\/span>” means any of the political subdivisions created by \u00a7 36-4<\/a>.\n\t\t“Blighted area<\/span>” means any area that endangers the public health, safety or welfare; or any area that is detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare because commercial, industrial, or residential structures or improvements are dilapidated, or deteriorated or because such structures or improvements violate minimum health and safety standards. This definition includes, without limitation, areas previously designated as blighted areas<\/span> pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 (\u00a7 36-1<\/a> et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Blighted property<\/span>” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted pursuant to \u00a7 36-49.1:1<\/a>, under the process for determination of “spot blight.”\n\t\t“Bonds<\/span><\/span>” means any bonds<\/span><\/span>, notes, interim certificates, debentures, or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“City<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102<\/a>.\n\t\t“Clerk<\/span>” means the clerk<\/span> or secretary of the city<\/span> or the clerk<\/span> of the county<\/span>, as the case may be, or the officer charged with the duties customarily imposed on such clerk<\/span>.\n\t\t“Conservation area<\/span>” means an area, designated by an authority that is in a state of deterioration and in the early stages of becoming a blighted area<\/span>, as defined in this section, or any area previously designated as a conservation area<\/span> pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“County<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102<\/a>.\n\t\t“Derelict building<\/span>” means the same as that term as defined in \u00a7 15.2-907.1<\/a> or in \u00a7 36-152<\/a>.\n\t\t“Farm structure<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 36-97<\/a>.\n\t\t“Farmers of low income<\/span>” means persons of low income<\/span> who derive their principal income from operating or working on a farm.\n\t\t“Federal government<\/span>” means the United States of America, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.\n\t\t“Governing body” means, in the case of a city<\/span> or town<\/span>, the council (including both branches where there are two), and in the case of a county<\/span>, the board of supervisors or other governing body.\n\t\t“Housing project<\/span>,” means any work or undertaking: (i) to demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum<\/span> area; such work or undertaking may embrace the adoption of such area to public purposes, including parks or other recreational or community purposes; or (ii) to provide decent, safe and sanitary urban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of low and moderate income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes; or (iii) to accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term “housing project<\/span>” also may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures or improvements, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith.\n\t\t“Locality<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102<\/a>.\n\t\t“Obligee of the authority<\/span>” or “obligee” means any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the authority property used in connection with a project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal government<\/span> when it is a party<\/span> to any contract<\/span> with the authority.\n\t\t“Persons of low income<\/span>” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income which is necessary to enable them to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings.\n\t\t“Persons of moderate income<\/span>” means persons or families determined by the authority to lack the amount of income necessary to obtain affordable housing.\n\t\t“Real property<\/span>” means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable<\/span>, therein, including terms for years and liens<\/span> by way of judgment<\/span>, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens<\/span>.\n\t\t“Redevelopment area<\/span>” means an area (including slum<\/span> areas), designated by an authority, that is in a state of blight that meets the criteria of a blighted area<\/span> as defined in this section; or any area previously designated as a redevelopment area<\/span> pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“Slum<\/span>” means any area where dwellings predominate that, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, is detrimental to safety, health, or morals.\n\t\t“Spot blight” means a structure or improvement that is a blighted property<\/span> as defined in this section.\n\t\t“Spot blight abatement plan<\/span>” means the written plan prepared by the owner or owners of record of the real property<\/span> to address spot blight. If the owner or owners of record of the real property<\/span> fail to respond as provided in \u00a7 36-49.1:1<\/a>, the locality<\/span> or the authority can prepare a spot blight abatement plan<\/span> to address the spot blight with respect to an individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement, but may only implement such plan in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 36-49.1:1<\/a>.\n\t\t“Town<\/span>” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102<\/a>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 36-3)\n\nThe following terms, when used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the\nfollowing respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from\nthe context:\n\t\t“Area of operation” means an area that (i) in the case of a\nhousing authority of a city, shall be coextensive with the territorial\nboundaries of the city; (ii) in the case of a housing authority of a county,\nshall include all of the county, except that portion which lies within the\nterritorial boundaries of (a) any city, and (b) any town that has created a\nhousing authority pursuant to this chapter; (iii) in the case of a housing\nauthority of a town, shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the\ntown as herein defined.\n\t\t“Authority” or “housing authority” means any of the\npolitical subdivisions created by \u00a7 36-4.\n\t\t“Blighted area” means any area that endangers the public health,\nsafety or welfare; or any area that is detrimental to the public health, safety,\nor welfare because commercial, industrial, or residential structures or\nimprovements are dilapidated, or deteriorated or because such structures or\nimprovements violate minimum health and safety standards. This definition\nincludes, without limitation, areas previously designated as blighted areas\npursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 (\u00a7 36-1 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial,\nor residential structure or improvement that endangers the public’s\nhealth, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the\nproperty is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety\nstandards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted\npursuant to \u00a7 36-49.1:1, under the process for determination of “spot\nblight.”\n\t\t“Bonds” means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures,\nor other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“City” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Clerk” means the clerk or secretary of the city or the clerk of\nthe county, as the case may be, or the officer charged with the duties\ncustomarily imposed on such clerk.\n\t\t“Conservation area” means an area, designated by an authority that\nis in a state of deterioration and in the early stages of becoming a blighted\narea, as defined in this section, or any area previously designated as a\nconservation area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“County” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Derelict building” means the same as that term as defined in \u00a7\n15.2-907.1 or in \u00a7 36-152.\n\t\t“Farm structure” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7\n36-97.\n\t\t“Farmers of low income” means persons of low income who derive\ntheir principal income from operating or working on a farm.\n\t\t“Federal government” means the United States of America, the\nUnited States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any other agency\nor instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.\n\t\t“Governing body” means, in the case of a city or town, the council\n(including both branches where there are two), and in the case of a county, the\nboard of supervisors or other governing body.\n\t\t“Housing project,” means any work or undertaking: (i) to demolish,\nclear or remove buildings from any slum area; such work or undertaking may\nembrace the adoption of such area to public purposes, including parks or other\nrecreational or community purposes; or (ii) to provide decent, safe and sanitary\nurban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons\nof low and moderate income; such work or undertaking may include buildings,\nland, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary,\nconvenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, parks,\nsite preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational,\nwelfare or other purposes; or (iii) to accomplish a combination of the\nforegoing. The term “housing project” also may be applied to the\nplanning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the\ndemolition of existing structures or improvements, the construction,\nreconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in\nconnection therewith.\n\t\t“Locality” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\t\t“Obligee of the authority” or “obligee” means any\nbondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the\nauthority property used in connection with a project, or any assignee or\nassignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal\ngovernment when it is a party to any contract with the authority.\n\t\t“Persons of low income” means persons or families determined by\nthe authority to lack the amount of income which is necessary to enable them to\nlive in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings.\n\t\t“Persons of moderate income” means persons or families determined\nby the authority to lack the amount of income necessary to obtain affordable\nhousing.\n\t\t“Real property” means all lands, including improvements and\nfixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in\nconnection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable,\ntherein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or\notherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens.\n\t\t“Redevelopment area” means an area (including slum areas),\ndesignated by an authority, that is in a state of blight that meets the criteria\nof a blighted area as defined in this section; or any area previously designated\nas a redevelopment area pursuant to this chapter.\n\t\t“Slum” means any area where dwellings predominate that, by reason\nof dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary\nfacilities, or any combination of these factors, is detrimental to safety,\nhealth, or morals.\n\t\t“Spot blight” means a structure or improvement that is a blighted\nproperty as defined in this section.\n\t\t“Spot blight abatement plan” means the written plan prepared by\nthe owner or owners of record of the real property to address spot blight. If\nthe owner or owners of record of the real property fail to respond as provided\nin \u00a7 36-49.1:1, the locality or the authority can prepare a spot blight\nabatement plan to address the spot blight with respect to an individual\ncommercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement, but may only\nimplement such plan in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 36-49.1:1.\n\t\t“Town” means the same as that term is defined in \u00a7 15.2-102.\n\nHISTORY: 1938, p. 447; Michie Code 1942, \u00a7 3145(3); 1966, c. 129; 2006, c. 784;\n2009, cc. 181, 551.","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}}