                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 33.2-1000)

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
		&#8220;Certificate&#8221; means an instrument that, when recorded in the
office of the clerk of the circuit court wherein condemnation proceedings are
pending or are to be instituted by the Commissioner of Highways, terminates the
interest or estate of the owner of the property described therein and vests
defeasible title to such property or interest or estate of the owner in the
Commonwealth. &#8220;Certificate&#8221; includes a certificate of deposit and a
certificate of take.
		&#8220;Certificate of deposit&#8221; means a certificate issued by the
Commissioner of Highways and countersigned by the State Treasurer, stating that
any sum or sums designated therein shall be paid pursuant to the order of the
court, and filed by the Commissioner of Highways with the court wherein
condemnation proceedings are pending or are to be instituted in lieu of the
payment of funds into court, as provided in subdivision A 2 of § 33.2-1019.
		&#8220;Certificate of take&#8221; means a certificate recorded by the
Commissioner of Highways with the court wherein condemnation proceedings are
pending or are to be instituted, in connection with which the Commissioner of
Highways has deposited funds with the court as provided in subdivision A 1 of §
33.2-1019.
		&#8220;Owner&#8221; means any person owning land, buildings, structures, or
improvements upon land where such ownership is of record in the land records of
the clerk&#8217;s office of the circuit court of the city or county where the
property is located. &#8220;Owner&#8221; does not include trustees or
beneficiaries under a deed of trust, any person with a security interest in the
property, or any person with a judgment or lien against the property. In
proceedings instituted by the Commissioner of Highways under Title 25.1 or this
title, &#8220;owner&#8221; includes persons owning structures or improvements
for which an outdoor advertising permit has been issued by the Commissioner of
Highways pursuant to § 33.2-1208. This definition of owner shall not alter in
any way the valuation of such land, buildings, structures, or improvements under
existing law.
		&#8220;Public highway&#8221; means a highway, road, or street. When
applicable, &#8220;public highway&#8221; includes a bridge, ferry, causeway,
landing, or wharf.

HISTORY: 2014, c. 805.