Local Action on Siting of Telecommunications Facilities. Amends and reenacts §15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia relating to local planning commissions. As amended, a local planning commission's determinations concerning applications for proposed telecommunications facilities must comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Failure of a commission to act within ninety days of the submission of an application shall be deemed approval of the application unless the locality's governing body has authorized an extension of time or the applicant has agreed to such an extension. A governing body may not grant an extension that is longer than 60 days. If a commission has not acted on an application by the end of the extension, or by the end of a longer period as may be agreed to by an applicant, the application is deemed approved by the commission. (HB 568)
Regional Cooperation. Amends and reenacts §§ 15.2-4203 and 15.2-4207 through 15.2-4210 of the Code of Virginia relating to the Regional Cooperation Act. Under the new provisions of these statutes, planning district commissions may use the name "regional commission" or "regional council." Other additions to the statutes emphasize planning district commissions serve state governments as well as local govenments, clarify that localities are not required to adopt the regional strategic plan, and remove the requirement that a locality act in conformity with any regional strategic plan it adopts. (HB 641)
Group Homes (Special Legislation). Requires Henry County (defined by population) to consider a residential facility in which no more than eight aged, infirm or disabled persons reside, with one or more resident counselors or other staff persons, as residential occupancy by a single family. Similar provisions were also added for the City of Lynchburg (defined by population) with regard to four such residents. (SB 273)
Highway Improvements (Special Legislation). Adds Roanoke County to the list of counties authorized to use general county revenues for highway improvements. (HB 676)