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Emporia City Council adopts spot blight abatement ordinance
Summary
Emporia City Council unanimously adopted a spot blight abatement ordinance adding Article XI (Sections 14‑297 through 14‑299) to the City Code, a measure City staff said is authorized by Virginia Code § 36‑49.1:1 and intended to give the city procedures to address deteriorated properties.
Emporia City Council unanimously adopted a spot blight abatement ordinance on April 21, 2026, adding Article XI (Sections 14‑297 through 14‑299) to Chapter 14 of the city code. Code Official Mike Allen presented the draft ordinance and said it was authorized by Virginia Code § 36‑49.1:1 and would give the city specific procedures to address properties that negatively affect property values, public health and safety, and quality of life.
The ordinance was presented during a public hearing that drew no public comment. Councilman Mark S. Lilly moved to approve and adopt the ordinance; Councilman James C. Saunders seconded the motion, which passed with all members recorded as voting aye.
City staff described the measure as a tool to pursue remediation of deteriorated parcels that pose community risks, but council members recorded no specific amendments at the meeting. The ordinance text establishes the spot blight process (Sections 14‑297 through 14‑299) and references the state statutory authority cited by staff. President Clifton Threat opened and closed the hearing and the council took final action the same evening.
The ordinance now joins Emporia’s code as a locally approved mechanism to begin administrative or enforcement steps against blighted properties; the council did not specify an implementation timetable during the meeting.
