Part II. Relocation Planning and Public Information
24VAC30-41-100. Relocation planning at conceptual stage.
A. A project will be considered to be in the conceptual stage from the time preliminary plans are issued by the location and design division showing alternate roadway location alignments, until the final location is approved.
B. Upon receipt of location study plans, the district office will perform a review to compile right of way and relocation costs and estimates for each proposed alignment. The information will be secured from visual observations and secondary sources and compiled into a Relocation Assistance Report. Potential displacees will normally not be contacted at this time.
The Relocation Assistance Report will contain the following information:
1. An estimate of households to be displaced, including the family characteristics (e.g., minorities, approximate income levels, tenure, elderly, large families).
2. Divisive or disruptive effect on the community such as separation of residences from community facilities or separation of neighborhoods.
3. Impact of displacement on housing availability where relocation is likely to take place.
4. The number of businesses, nonprofit organizations and farms that would be acquired and the estimated number of employees affected.
5. An assessment of the effect the nonresidential displacements will have on the economy and stability of the community.
6. Major businesses being displaced that will require advance coordination and planning are to be contacted and advised of the studies being made by VDOT and of the opportunities for their input through public hearings and meetings.
7. A description of available housing in the area that is appropriate to provide housing for the types of families to be displaced. Contact should be made with local real estate firms, listing services, newspapers, housing agencies, local community organizations, etc.
8. A description of special relocation advisory services that will be necessary for identified unusual conditions, such as a concentration of elderly displacees.
9. A description of the actions proposed to remedy insufficient relocation housing, including, if necessary, housing of last resort. In the event it is found that there is an insufficient supply of housing, inquiries should be made of real estate developers, construction firms, public officials and interested parties to determine their willingness to assist in providing the necessary replacement housing and the conditions under which they would be willing to render this service.
10. Outcome of consultation with local officials, service agencies and community groups regarding the impact on the community affected.
11. An estimate of relocation costs, separated as follows:
a. Cost of moving personal property for residential units, businesses, farm operations and nonprofit organizations;
b. Cost of replacement housing payments for displaced individuals and families, including typical mortgage interest differentials and closing costs incident to the purchase of replacement facilities;
c. Cost potentially incurred by businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations in searching for replacement facilities; and
d. Reestablishment costs for small businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations.
Statutory Authority
§ 25.1-402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 4601 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 3, eff. November 21, 2001.
24VAC30-41-110. Relocation planning at acquisition stage.
A. Prior to the initiation of negotiations the district relocation section will conduct a preacquisition survey of the project. The preacquisition survey is primarily a data gathering function to provide an inventory of relevant characteristics, circumstances and relocation needs of all residential and nonresidential displacees. It should also include a survey of available comparable replacement housing and replacement sites.
B. The district relocation staff will conduct interviews with individuals, families, businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations within the proposed right of way. It is important that accurate and detailed information be obtained that fully reflects the housing needs of each potential displacee.
When the relocation agent visits the potential displacee, the agent should explain that VDOT is conducting a data-gathering survey and that the visit in no way should be construed as a notice to move, or qualification for any relocation benefits. The following points should be explained to the occupant at the time this contact is made:
1. The persons involved must be in occupancy of the subject property when VDOT makes the written offer for the parcel (unless a notice of Intent to Acquire is issued) to qualify for relocation payments; and
2. The potential displacee should not make any financial commitments concerning replacement housing at this time. The property has not yet been acquired and a premature move could result in disqualification for benefits they would otherwise receive.
C. The survey should include the following information for each displacement unit:
1. The name, home address, home and work telephone numbers of the displacee and the best time to call.
2. The number of people residing in the dwelling, indicating each person's gender, age, and social security numbers for all adults (an adult is anyone age 18 or older).
3. A description of all buildings on the property and a list of all rooms in the dwelling unit. If a mobile home is situated on the parcel, state the exterior dimensions.
4. Any disabilities of the occupants which could affect relocation needs.
5. A statement as to whether or not the dwelling meets decent, safe and sanitary standards. If the dwelling does not meet standards, an explanation should be included.
6. The type of displacee, (owner or tenant) and identification of the type of dwelling unit now occupied, (house, apartment, room or mobile home). If the displacee is a tenant, determine if the unit is furnished or unfurnished.
7. The gross family income from all sources including wages, interest, social security, welfare (excluding food stamps), disability payments and other untaxed income.
8. The date the family occupied the dwelling. Care should be exercised in completing this item as it establishes eligibility for various relocation benefits. For tenants, an outside source, owners' rental records, etc., should verify the date of occupancy. Conflicting information about occupancy status must be resolved if they affect eligibility. Rent paid and the cost and type of utilities included in the rent should be secured. Also, determine if a special tenant-landlord relationship exists (son-father, etc.) and determine if the tenant performs any services in lieu of rent.
9. If an owner-displacee has an outstanding mortgage, the monthly payment, interest rate, original amount, term, and the unpaid balance should be secured.
10. The displacee's replacement housing intentions and preferences (specific school district, location, etc.).
Statutory Authority
§ 25.1-402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 4601 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 3, eff. November 21, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 13, eff. April 6, 2005.
24VAC30-41-120. Public meetings and hearings.
A. General requirements. The district office will present information on real estate acquisition and displacement impacts and relocation services and benefits, at public meetings and hearings. An opportunity will be provided for public comments and questions. Copies of the right of way brochure will be available at all public meetings and hearings and distributed to interested individuals and organizations upon request.
B. Corridor (location) public hearing. The district office will present a summary of relocation program services, benefits and important qualification criteria, and a summary of the following relocation information compiled for the Relocation Assistance Report:
1. The estimated number of displacements of each classification that would be caused by each of the alignments under consideration;
2. The availability of relocation assistance and services, eligibility requirements and payment procedures.
3. A summary of the process and the methods that will be employed to assure that the housing needs of the displacees will be met.
C. Highway design or combined location and design public hearings. A presentation including the following information will be made at all design or combined location and design public hearings for projects on which the displacement will occur:
1. That no person shall be displaced from a residence unless a comparable replacement dwelling is available.
2. The services available under VDOT's relocation assistance advisory program, the address and telephone number of the local relocation office and the name of the relocation agent in charge.
3. The estimated number of individuals, families, businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations to be displaced.
4. The estimated number of dwelling units presently available that meet replacement housing requirements.
5. An estimate of the time necessary for relocation and the number of dwelling units meeting the replacement housing requirements that will become available during that period.
6. VDOT's replacement housing program need not be recited in detail because the brochure adequately covers these topics and a reference to secure answers to specific questions has been provided. It is important to selectively present items of special importance, such as the need to be in occupancy at initiation of negotiations to be eligible for benefits.
Statutory Authority
§ 25.1-402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 4601 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 3, eff. November 21, 2001.