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Learn about the blight abatement program, including
how to report a blighted property.
What Properties May Fall Under the Blight Abatement Program?
Generally, to be considered for the Blight Abatement Program, a property must meet the definition of “blighted” under the Spot Blight Abatement Statute established under Va. Code Ann. 36-3 (Supp. 2008).
In addition to the above a property must also meet all of the following conditions:
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Vacant and/or boarded for at least one year.
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The subject of complaints.
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No longer being maintained for useful occupancy.
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In a dilapidated condition or lacks normal maintenance or
upkeep.
- Report a Blighted Property Online
How Does It Operate?
After the owner is notified that the property is blighted if the property owner does not remove the blight or present an acceptable plan to cure the blight within a reasonable period of time, under powers granted under the Code of Virginia, the County can declare, by ordinance, any blighted property as a nuisance and then compel the abatement of the nuisance.
If the owner or owners fail to abate the nuisance, the County may do so and charge and collect the cost thereof from the owner of the property in any manner provided by law for the collection of state or local taxes.
What Remedies Are Available Under the Blight Abatement Program?
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Demolish the blighted structure(s) and charge the owner for the
cost thereof.
- Acquire blighted properties by eminent domain and then repair, clear or sell properties with the requirement to eliminate the blight.
How Long Does It Take to Eliminate a Blighted Property?
Through voluntary cooperation of the property owner(s), eliminating blight can be completed in as few as 60 days. Without cooperation of the property owner, enforcement procedures may become a time-consuming, lengthy legal process.
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