The County, Cities and Towns Subcommittee No. 2 voted to report House Bill 2128, a measure to extend existing local authority to require plans and impose civil penalties for derelict commercial and industrial properties.

Delegate Walker, speaking at the hearing, said current law requires owners of derelict residential properties to submit a plan within 90 days of notice and authorizes civil penalties of up to $500 per month (capped at demolition cost) when owners fail to act. "This bill seeks to expand that authority to include commercial properties as well," Walker said, arguing the change would give localities an additional tool to hold property owners accountable and reduce negative effects on surrounding small businesses.

Supporters from the City of Lynchburg said the city has used the existing residential authority to encourage rehabilitation and that expanding the definition could help remove long-condemned commercial structures. No witnesses signed up in opposition in the room or online. The subcommittee moved and the clerk recorded that House Bill 2128 "reports"; the transcript does not list a roll-call tally in the record provided.

The bill clarifies the definition of "derelict" to cover buildings that endanger public health, safety or welfare for a six-month period and describes common conditions (boarded, vacant, disconnected utilities). The sponsor said Lynchburg has approximately 300 abandoned buildings and that the tool has been useful in encouraging rehabilitation.

The measure was reported by the subcommittee and will be forwarded to the full committee for consideration.