HB1586: Arts and cultural districts, local; tax incentives.


HOUSE BILL NO. 1586
House Amendments in [ ] -- February 4, 2013
A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-1129.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to arts and cultural districts.
Patron Prior to Engrossment--Delegate Minchew

Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 15.2-1129.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-1129.1. Creation of arts and cultural districts.

A. Any locality may by ordinance establish within its boundaries one or more arts and cultural districts for the purpose of increasing awareness and support for the arts and culture in the locality. The locality may provide incentives for the support and creation of arts and cultural venues in each district. The locality may also grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in each arts and cultural district.

B. The tax incentives for each district may be provided for up to 10 years and may include, but not be limited to: (i) reduction of permit fees; (ii) reduction of user fees; and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax; and (iv) [ reduction or ] rebate of real estate property taxes. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

C. Each locality may also provide for regulatory flexibility in each district that may include, but not be limited to: (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) permit process reform; (iii) exemption from ordinances; and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1586

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 4, 2013
A BILL to amend and reenact 15.2-1129.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to arts and cultural districts.
Patron-- Minchew

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That 15.2-1129.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

15.2-1129.1. Creation of arts and cultural districts.

A. Any locality may by ordinance establish within its boundaries one or more arts and cultural districts for the purpose of increasing awareness and support for the arts and culture in the locality. The locality may provide incentives for the support and creation of arts and cultural venues in each district. The locality may also grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in each arts and cultural district.

B. The tax incentives for each district may be provided for up to 10 years and may include, but not be limited to: (i) reduction of permit fees; (ii) reduction of user fees; and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax; and (iv) reduction or rebate of real estate property taxes. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

C. Each locality may also provide for regulatory flexibility in each district that may include, but not be limited to: (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) permit process reform; (iii) exemption from ordinances; and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.