VirginiaSB8062026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Norfolk, City of; amending charter, conformity with zoning ordinance.

Sponsored By: Angelia Williams Graves (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Charter; City of Norfolk. Amends the charter for the City of Norfolk to require, on any property where there is a substantial negative impact on public health, safety, and welfare, conformity with the city's zoning ordinance within a reasonable time, to be specified by ordinance, but never less than two years. This bill is identical to HB 1477.

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

16 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 3 costs, 8 mixed.

Care for children and seniors

The city provides care and support for children, the sick, the aged, the mentally ill, and poor persons. Local services can help reduce care costs for eligible residents.

City schools and libraries

The city runs public schools and libraries under state education standards. This shapes local K–12 education and library services for families and students.

Public projects and special assessments

The city can build and maintain public buildings and safety facilities and can use eminent domain to get needed land. It can charge special assessments on affected properties to help pay for local improvements, within state constitutional limits.

Zoning fixes and building lines

If a nonconforming property harms public health, safety, or welfare, the city can require you to bring it into zoning compliance. The timeline comes by ordinance but is never less than two years. The city can set building setback lines after at least 10 days’ public notice and a hearing; permits are blocked in the affected strip unless the city buys or starts condemnation within 60 days for objecting owners. You may request voluntary design review; the review fee is capped at the actual cost or $200, whichever is less.

Local taxes, spending, and borrowing

The city council raises local taxes and assessments each year for city needs. City bonds are not taxed. The city can borrow money and issue debt under the Virginia Constitution and its charter. The city can spend funds for any lawful purpose.

City utilities, water, and rates

The city can own or run local utilities and water systems. It can buy up to 30,000 acres in Virginia for water supply and protect watershed lands. The city sets and enforces water and utility rates that appear on your bill. The city can also grant utility franchises under state and charter rules.

Health rules and property cleanup

The city runs or contracts trash and sewage collection and can charge fees. It can order cleanup of nuisances and, if you do not comply, do the work and bill the owner or occupant. The city sets health rules, inspects and condemns unsafe food, and can set quarantine areas to stop disease spread.

Building and fire safety rules

The city can prevent and fight fires and require safe building materials and construction methods. It can remove dangerous or illegal structures and set fire limits. With a four‑fifths council vote, certain waterfront sheds are allowed if covered in fireproof material.

Police powers and local penalties

The city exercises full police powers and runs a police department. It can make and enforce local laws, set suitable penalties, and sue to stop violations. It also holds broad authority to act for general welfare, health, safety, education, peace, and commerce.

Limits on indigent and dangerous entrants

The city can stop people without visible means of support or seen as dangerous from entering. Carriers that bring such persons must return them or post a bond that they will not become a city charge within one year. The city can remove such a person who has been in the city less than 90 days.

Street rules and underground wires

The city manages streets and traffic, including opening, widening, lighting, and cleaning roads. It sets speed and driving rules. Utilities can be required to place wires and cables in underground conduits. The city can also build or help maintain roads and bridges outside the city to improve travel.

City land deals for business

The city can buy, hold, improve, sell, or lease property. It can assemble up to 5,000 acres to support commerce and manufacturing and then sell or lease that land for business uses.

City cemeteries and burial rules

The city can acquire land inside or outside the city for cemeteries. It can set rules to protect and use burial grounds and regulate burial and disposition of the dead.

Accurate scales and meter checks

The city inspects and tests scales, meters, and measures. This helps shoppers get the right amount. Businesses must follow the rules and may face inspections to make sure measurements are accurate.

Port wharves and dock fees

The city can run wharves and docks, dredge harbors, and regulate use. It can charge reasonable wharfage fees to vessels that use these facilities.

City social and detention institutions

The city can provide and maintain charitable, recreational, curative, corrective, detentive, or penal institutions. This supports social services and correctional functions as needed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Angelia Williams Graves

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 206 • No: 7

House vote 2/16/2026

Passed House

Yes: 92 • No: 6

House vote 2/13/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 20 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Reported from Local Government

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0317)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 317 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB806ER)

    2/18/2026Senate
  6. Enrolled

    2/18/2026Senate
  7. Signed by President

    2/18/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    2/18/2026House
  9. Passed House (92-Y 6-N 0-A)

    2/16/2026House
  10. Read third time

    2/16/2026House
  11. Read second time

    2/15/2026House
  12. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (20-Y 1-N)

    2/13/2026House
  13. Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

    2/10/2026House
  14. Read first time

    2/10/2026House
  15. Placed on Calendar

    2/10/2026House
  16. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/5/2026Senate
  17. Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/4/2026Senate
  18. Read second time

    2/4/2026Senate
  19. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/3/2026Senate
  20. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/3/2026Senate
  21. Passed by for the day

    2/3/2026Senate
  22. Rules suspended

    2/3/2026Senate
  23. Reported from Local Government (15-Y 0-N)

    2/2/2026Senate
  24. Unanimous consent to introduce

    1/23/2026Senate
  25. Referred to Committee on Local Government

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation