                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

RELOCATION PLANNING, ASSISTANCE COORDINATION, AND ADVISORY SERVICES (§
25.1-411)

A. Programs or projects undertaken by a state agency shall be planned in a
manner that (i) recognizes, at an early stage in the planning of such programs
or projects and before the commencement of any actions that will cause
displacements, the problems associated with the displacement of individuals,
families, businesses, and farm operations, and (ii) provides for the resolution
of such problems in order to minimize adverse impacts on displaced persons and
to expedite program or project advancement and completion.

B. The state agency shall ensure that the relocation assistance advisory
services described in subsection C are made available to all persons displaced
by the state agency. If the state agency determines that any person occupying
property immediately adjacent to the real property acquired is caused
substantial economic injury because of the acquisition, it may offer such person
relocation advisory services under such program.

C. Each relocation assistance advisory program required by subsections A and B
shall include such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary or
appropriate in order to:

   1. Determine, and make timely recommendations on, the need and preferences, if
   any, of displaced persons for relocation assistance;

   2. Provide current and continuing information on the availability, sales
   prices, and rental charges of comparable replacement dwellings for displaced
   homeowners and tenants and suitable locations for businesses and farm
   operations;

   3. Assure that a person shall not be required to move from a dwelling unless
   the person has had a reasonable opportunity to relocate to a comparable
   replacement dwelling, except in the case of (i) a major disaster declared by
   the Governor; (ii) a national emergency declared by the President of the
   United States; or (iii) any other emergency that requires the person to move
   immediately from the dwelling because continued occupancy of such dwelling by
   such person constitutes a substantial danger to the health or safety of such
   person;

   4. Assist a person displaced from his business or farm operation in obtaining
   and becoming established in a suitable replacement location;

   5. Supply information concerning federal and state housing programs, disaster
   loan programs, and other federal or state programs offering assistance to
   displaced persons; and

   6. Provide other advisory services to displaced persons in order to minimize
   hardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.

D. The head of a state agency shall coordinate the relocation activities
performed by the state agency with other project activities and other planned or
proposed governmental actions in the community or nearby areas that may affect
the efficient and effective delivery of relocation assistance and related
services.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 33-75.03, 33.1-132.3; 1970, c. 40, § 25-242; 1972, c.
738; 1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940; 2011, cc. 117, 190.