33.1-444 - Enlargement of local districts. - Virginia Statutes

§ 33.1-444. Enlargement of local districts.

The district shall be enlarged by resolution of the governing body upon thepetitions of the district commission and the owners of at least fifty-onepercent of either the land area or the assessed value of real property of thedistrict, and of at least fifty-one percent of either the land area orassessed value of real property located within the territory sought to beadded to the district. However, any such territory shall be contiguous to theexisting district. The petition shall present the information required by §33.1-431. Upon receipt of such a petition, the county shall use the standardsand procedures provided in § 33.1-431, except that the residents and ownersof both the existing district and the area proposed for the enlargement shallhave the right to appear and show cause why any property should not beincluded in the proposed district. If the proposed enlargement of thedistrict encompasses any portion of a town, then such standards andprocedures shall include the requirement to obtain a resolution from the towncouncil in the manner set forth in § 33.1-431, which shall have the sameeffect as set forth in that section.

If the governing body finds the enlargement of a local district would be inaccordance with the applicable comprehensive plan for the development of thearea, in the best interests of the residents and owners of the propertywithin the proposed district, and in furtherance of the public health,safety, and general welfare, and if the governing body finds that enlargementof the district does not limit or adversely affect the rights and interestsof any party that has contracted with the district, the governing body maypass a resolution providing for the enlargement of the district.

(2001, c. 611.)