Policy Database
State Policy
Virginia
Enabling local governments to establishing land banks for surplus property
Code of Va., tit. 15.2, subtitle IV, ch. 75, § 15.2-7500 (2016).
Last Visited 3/31/26
Policy Summary
This law enables local governments to establish land banks to acquire, hold, and dispose of surplus property. It states that land banks can create a rank of desirable uses of property, including (i) use for purely public spaces and places; (ii) use for affordable housing; (iii) use for retail, commercial, or industrial activities; (iv) preservation or rehabilitation of historic properties within historic areas or (v) such other uses and in such priority as determined by the participating locality. This gives local governments an opportunity to include urban farms and gardens in the rank of desirable uses of property, allowing greater access to land for urban growers.
State
Virginia
Jurisdiction Name
Virginia
Jurisdiction Type
state
Food System Topics
- Urban Agriculture
- Agricultural Production
- Land Access & Tenure