SECTION 15.2-1904. Possession of property prior to condemnation; authority to utilize expedited acquisition procedure conferred  

A. When a condemnation is authorized by § 15.2-1901 , a locality may enter upon and take possession of property before the conclusion of condemnation proceedings, using the procedures in Chapter 3 (§ 15.2-1901 et seq.) of Title 25.1, for public purposes of (i) streets and roads, (ii) drainage facilities, (iii) water supply and sewage disposal systems, including pipes and lines, (iv) oyster beds and grounds, and for any of the purposes set out in § 15.2-1901 . In such proceedings, the procedure may be the same as is prescribed in Chapter 2 (§ 15.2-1901 et seq.) of Title 25.1 or Chapter 3 of Title 25.1. Property may be condemned after the construction of a project, as well as prior thereto. The provisions of Chapter 3 of Title 25.1 shall be used to identify the fund out of which the judgment of the court in condemnation proceedings shall be paid. However, no property of any public service corporation shall be condemned except in accordance with §§ 15.2-1901 , 15.2-1901 through 15.2-1901 and 15.2-1901 .

B. In all other condemnation proceedings authorized by § 15.2-1901 , property shall be acquired by condemnation proceedings in accordance with the procedure provided in Chapter 2 of Title 25.1.

C. Before entering and taking possession of any property, the locality shall pay into court or to the clerk thereof, for the property owner's benefit, such sum as the governing body estimates to be the fair value of the property taken and damage, if any, done to the residue. Such payment shall not limit the amount to be allowed under proper proceedings.

D. When a locality enters upon and takes possession of property before the conclusion of condemnation proceedings pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 3 of Title 25.1, a certificate in lieu of payment may be issued by the governing body through its authorized designee, which certificate shall be countersigned by the locality's director of finance or authorized agent for availability of funds.

E. As soon as practicable after the date of payment of the purchase price or the date of deposit into court of funds to satisfy the award of compensation in a condemnation proceeding to acquire real property, whichever is earlier, the locality shall reimburse the property owner, or other person legally obligated to pay the real property taxes, for the pro rata portion of real property taxes paid for the period subsequent to the date of title vesting in the locality or the effective date of possession of the real property by the locality, whichever is earlier.

Code 1950, §§ 15-668.1, 15-668.2; 1954, c. 384; 1958, c. 382; 1960, c. 6; 1962, cc. 494, 511, 623, § 15.1-238; 1964, c. 269; 1979, c. 303; 1983, c. 434; 1989, c. 304; 1990, c. 514; 1997, c. 587; 2003, cc. 15.2-1901 , 15.2-1901 .