                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ABATEMENT OF LEVIES ON BUILDINGS RAZED, DESTROYED OR DAMAGED BY FORTUITOUS
HAPPENINGS (§ 58.1-3222)

The governing body of any county or city may provide for the abatement of levies
on buildings which are (i) razed, or (ii) destroyed or damaged by a fortuitous
happening beyond the control of the owner. In any county or city wherein
assessments are made as provided in § 58.1-3292 or § 58.1-3292.1, the
governing body shall so provide. No such abatement, however, shall be allowed if
the destruction or damage to such building shall decrease the value thereof by
less than $500. Also, no such abatement shall be allowed unless the destruction
or damage renders the building unfit for use and occupancy for thirty days or
more during the calendar year. The tax on such razed, destroyed or damaged
building is computed according to the ratio which the portion of the year the
building was fit for use, occupancy and enjoyment bears to the entire year.
Application for such abatement shall be made by or on behalf of the owner of the
building within six months of the date on which the building was razed,
destroyed or damaged.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 58-811.2; 1958, c. 559; 1984, cc. 372, 675; 2000, c. 399.