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Board adopts derelict-and-blighted-buildings ordinance after debate on definitions and enforcement
Summary
After extended debate over definitions and enforcement mechanisms, the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance authorizing inspection and abatement of derelict and blighted buildings; supervisors said local refinements may follow to target criminal/drug blight and preserve procedural safeguards.
The board considered a draft ordinance to allow the county to inspect and abate derelict or blighted properties. County counsel explained the draft largely mirrors state code language and that the county code is outdated in places; supervisors debated whether to add local definitions (for example, time-vacant thresholds or the last electric service date) and how the county would make determinations that are defensible in court. Several members said the priority should be properties tied to criminal blight (drug activity or frequent calls for service) rather than long-abandoned structures that have not caused public-safety problems.
After discussion the board voted to adopt the abatement ordinance as presented, with supervisors noting the possibility of future amendments. County staff and the sheriff were directed to continue coordinating on enforcement procedures and potential memoranda of understanding to ensure the ordinance targets properties that threaten public safety.
