Land use; refund by localities of certain application fees.
Impact
If enacted, HB2142 will have a significant influence on how localities handle land use applications and their associated fees. It emphasizes accountability for local governments, ensuring that they bear some responsibility in the application processes they oversee. This regulation could encourage better management practices within local planning departments, as they will be compelled to adhere to deadlines to avoid financial repercussions.
Summary
House Bill 2142 proposes amendments to the Code of Virginia, specifically targeting the refund of certain land use application fees by localities. The bill stipulates that local governments must refund application fees or waive fees on new applications if an applicant fails to meet a statutory deadline primarily due to delays caused by the locality. This is aimed at addressing the injustices faced by applicants who may suffer financial loss due to the inefficiencies of local authorities.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of this bill, particularly regarding how localities assess their responsibility in the application process. Critics could argue that this places an unfair burden on already resource-strapped local governments, potentially leading to strict scrutiny over minor delays. Conversely, supporters of the bill might contend that it protects applicants from losing money due to systemic issues within local planning boards, thus promoting fairness in governmental processes.