25.1-411 - Relocation planning, assistance coordination, and advisory services.
§ 25.1-411. Relocation planning, assistance coordination, and advisoryservices.
A. Programs or projects undertaken by a state agency shall be planned in amanner that (i) recognizes, at an early stage in the planning of suchprograms or projects and before the commencement of any actions that willcause displacements, the problems associated with the displacement ofindividuals, families, businesses, and farm operations, and (ii) provides forthe resolution of such problems in order to minimize adverse impacts ondisplaced persons and to expedite program or project advancement andcompletion.
B. The state agency shall ensure that the relocation assistance advisoryservices described in subsection C are made available to all personsdisplaced by such agency. If the state agency determines that any personoccupying property immediately adjacent to the real property acquired iscaused substantial economic injury because of the acquisition, it may offersuch person relocation advisory services under such program.
C. Each relocation assistance advisory program required by subsections A andB shall include such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary orappropriate in order to:
1. Determine, and make timely recommendations on, the need and preferences,if any, of displaced persons for relocation assistance;
2. Provide current and continuing information on the availability, salesprices, and rental charges of comparable replacement dwellings for displacedhomeowners and tenants and suitable locations for businesses and farmoperations;
3. Assure that a person shall not be required to move from a dwelling unlessthe person has had a reasonable opportunity to relocate to a comparablereplacement dwelling, except in the case of (i) a major disaster declared bythe Governor; (ii) a national emergency declared by the President of theUnited States; or (iii) any other emergency that requires the person to moveimmediately from the dwelling because continued occupancy of such dwelling bysuch person constitutes a substantial danger to the health or safety of suchperson;
4. Assist a person displaced from his business or farm operation in obtainingand becoming established in a suitable replacement location;
5. Supply information concerning federal and state housing programs, disasterloan programs, and other federal or state programs offering assistance todisplaced persons; and
6. Provide other advisory services to displaced persons in order to minimizehardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.
D. The head of a state agency shall coordinate the relocation activitiesperformed by such agency with other project activities and other planned orproposed governmental actions in the community or nearby areas that mayaffect the efficient and effective delivery of relocation assistance andrelated services.
(Code 1950, §§ 33-75.03, 33.1-132.3; 1970, c. 40, § 25-242; 1972, c. 738;1989, c. 714; 2003, c. 940.)