Bill Text: VA SB448 | 2018 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Abandoned schools; creation of revitalization zones.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-29 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0499) [SB448 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SB448-Engrossed.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-941.1 as follows:
§15.2-941.1. Creation of abandoned school revitalization
zones [ in coalfield region ] .
A. Any locality [ located in the
coalfield region of Virginia, as defined in §15.2-6002, ]
may establish by ordinance one or more abandoned school revitalization zones
for the purpose of providing incentives to private entities to purchase or
develop real property or to assemble parcels suitable for economic development
that include an abandoned school site. Each locality establishing an abandoned
school revitalization zone may grant incentives and provide regulatory
flexibility.
B. The incentives provided for in this section may include, but shall not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax or any other type of [ local ] tax as permitted by state law, and (iv) waiver of tax liens to facilitate the sale of property, if deemed appropriate.
C. Incentives established pursuant to this section may extend for a period of up to 10 years from the date of initial establishment of the abandoned school revitalization zone; however, the extent and duration of any incentive shall conform to the requirements of applicable federal and state law.
D. The regulatory flexibility provided in an abandoned school revitalization zone may include (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) the use of a special permit process; (iii) exemption from certain specified ordinances, excluding ordinances or provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.) and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.); and (iv) any other incentives adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.
E. The governing body may establish a service district for the provision of additional public services pursuant to Chapter 24 (§15.2-2400 et seq.).
F. A school located in an abandoned school revitalization zone shall be eligible for participation in the Virginia Shell Building Initiative pursuant to §15.2-941.
G. This section shall not authorize any local government powers that are not expressly granted herein.
H. Prior to adopting or amending any ordinance pursuant to this section, a locality shall provide for notice and public hearing in accordance with subsection A of §15.2-2204.
