                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

CREATION OF LOCAL GREEN DEVELOPMENT ZONES (§ 58.1-3854)

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:
			&#8220;Energy-efficient building&#8221; means a building that (i) exceeds the
energy efficiency standards prescribed in the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code by at least 30 percent as determined by any qualified architect,
professional engineer, or licensed contractor who is not related to the taxpayer
and who shall certify to the taxpayer that he has qualifications to provide the
certification; (ii) is certified to meet or exceed performance standards of the
Green Globes Green Building Rating System of the Green Building Initiative;
(iii) is certified to meet or exceed performance standards of the Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the U.S.
Green Building Council; or (iv) is certified to meet or exceed performance
standards or guidelines under the EarthCraft House Program. Energy-efficient
building certification for purposes of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) shall be
determined by (a) the granting of a certification under one of the programs in
clauses (i) through (iv) that certifies that the building meets or exceeds the
performance standards or guidelines of the program or (b) a qualified architect
or professional engineer designated by the county, city, or town, who shall
determine whether the building meets or exceeds the performance standards or
guidelines under any program described in clauses (i) through (iv).
			&#8220;Green development business&#8221; means a business engaged primarily
in the design, development, or production of materials, components, or equipment
used to reduce negative impact on the environment.

B. Any county, city, or town may establish, by ordinance, one or more green
development zones. Each locality may grant tax incentives and provide certain
regulatory flexibility to green development businesses located in a green
development zone or to businesses operating in an energy-efficient building
located in a green development zone.

C. The tax incentives may be provided for up to 10 years and may include, but
not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees,
and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. The extent and duration
of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the United
States Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.

D. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such green
technology zone, which may include, but not be limited to, (i) special zoning
for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances,
and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon
the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

E. Each locality establishing a green development zone pursuant to this section
may also adopt a local enterprise zone development taxation program for the
green development zone as provided in &#xA7; 58.1-3245.12.

F. The establishment of a green development zone shall not preclude the area
from also being designated as an enterprise zone.

HISTORY: 2017, c. 27.