Local Government

Question 1

What percentage of the qualified voters of any territory adjacent to a city or town may petition the circuit court to be annexed to the city or town?

Answer 1

51%.

Question 2

True or False: A municipal corporation may not acquire land for public purpose under the power of eminent domain if the land will be turned into a “business park” for private companies in order to create jobs and add to tax revenue for the local government.

Answer 2

TRUE.

Question 3

In Virginia, no city, county, or town may issue general obligation bonds or any other interest-bearing obligations that exceed ________% of the assessed valuation of the real estate subject to taxation, including existing indebtedness, as shown by the preceding assessment roll for taxes.

Question 4

What are the three requirements for an ordinance to be deemed validly adopted by a Virginia locality?

Answer 4

1) Published notice.
2) An adoption by majority vote of the governing body in an open meeting.
3) An ordinance that is reasonably certain in application (not vague).

Question 5

True or False: In Virginia, even though there is binding state law on a topic, a locality can adopt its own ordinance further regulating the same subject matter, so long as citizens could comply with both state and local requirements.

Answer 5

TRUE

Question 6

A landowner who claims that a zoning limitation should not be strictly applied to her parcel of land may seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals by showing:

Answer 6

1) Strict application of the zoning restriction would unreasonably restrict the use of her property; OR
2) Granting the variance would alleviate a restriction

Question 7

True or False: A landowner’s established use of his property, which was permitted when it began, can continue even after adoption of an ordinance that makes the particular use illegal or “nonconforming.”

Answer 7

TRUE

Question 8

What are the factors to be considered for determining whether an ordinary worker for a local government can get the benefit of sovereign immunity from suits for negligence?

Answer 8

1) The governmental nature of the activity the worker was engaged in.
2) Whether the local government has prescribed the means for doing the activity.
3) The amount of discretion the worker was required to exercise in completing her duties.