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2023 SESSION

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23103048D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1510 Offered January 11, 2023 Prefiled January 4, 2023 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 38 of Title 58.1 an article numbered 14, consisting of a section numbered 58.1-3855, relating to local incentives for urban green space. ----------
Patrons-- Adams, D.M., Bagby, Bennett-Parker, Carr, Clark, Guzman, Hope, Jenkins, Kory, Krizek, Maldonado, Mundon King, Plum, Rasoul, Roem, Shin, Simon, Simonds, Subramanyam, Taylor and Willett
---------- Referred to Committee on Finance ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 38 of Title 58.1 an article numbered 14, consisting of a section numbered 58.1-3855, as follows:

Article 14. Local Incentives for Urban Green Space.

§ 58.1-3855. Local incentives for urban green space.

A. For purposes of this section, "urban green space" means urban land, partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, that is located in a densely populated area that has a high concentration of residential or commercial structures. "Urban green space" includes street trees, city parks, sports fields, gardens, and greenways. To qualify as urban green space, the use of such land must make a substantive impact on the reduction of the urban heat effect, the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions, or the mitigation of stormwater. Rural areas and areas of low population density or development shall not be considered urban green space.

B. Any county, city, or town may, by ordinance, establish a program to grant tax incentives or provide regulatory flexibility to encourage the preservation, restoration, or development of urban green space in the locality. Any such incentive or regulatory flexibility provided shall be proportionate to the amount of urban green space that a business or development contains.

C. The tax incentives or regulatory flexibility may include (i) a reduction in permit fees, (ii) a streamlined process for the approval of permits, or (iii) a reduction in any gross receipts tax on urban green space development or on businesses that maintain a certain level of urban green space as defined by the local ordinance.