Boundary Line Bill Passes House
UPDATE 04/03/14 Today, Governor McAuliffe signed HB652, so it will become law on July 1! Technically, it will be known as 2014 Acts of Assembly Chapter 503.
UPDATE: 02/21/14 HB 652 passed the Senate today (40-Y 0-N). They made a minor change, so the House of Delegates will have to vote on it again, but we're moving forward!
February 6, 2014
Richmond, VA – Delegate Dave LaRock celebrated the passage of House Bill 652, legislation that would protect property owners by making sure they have their say when their land is annexed through a boundary line adjustment. The bill passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 95-0.
“I’m glad to see this bill getting the unanimous support it deserves,” LaRock said. “Our legislature has been quick to come to a consensus in affirming that the fundamental right to property includes the right to know if your local government is trying to tinker around legally in ways that affect your home.”
The legislation would require local governing bodies to provide written notice via certified mail to landowners affected by a proposed boundary line adjustment. It also gives affected landowners standing to intervene in court if at least one-third of those within the proposed boundary file action in court within 90 days of being notified.
“Boundary line adjustment can have huge implications for landowners,” said LaRock. “For example, if your property were to be annexed from one jurisdiction to another, you would start getting a new property tax bill and even could be required to hook up to a new water system under certain circumstances. In some places you could be on the hook for a sewer and water tap fee of $45,000 or more. I want to make sure property owners are protected and informed if this is happening, and to have the right to challenge the proposed boundary change.”
The bill now passes to the Senate, where it will likely be assigned to the Local Government Committee.
About Dave LaRock
Delegate Dave LaRock represents the 33rd House District, including parts of Loudoun, Clarke and Frederick Counties, and the towns of Leesburg (partial), Purcellville, Berryville, Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hamilton and Hillsboro. LaRock serves on the Transportation Committee, the Science and Technology Committee and the Counties, Cities and Towns Committee. Dave and his wife, Joanne, have lived in Loudoun for 28 years, building a successful family-owned general contracting business. The LaRocks reside near Hamilton with Abby and John, the youngest of their seven children.