Department of Economic Development

GENERAL

1. To pay Real Estate taxes, please contact the Finance Department. Click here to view their website or call (804) 646-5700



2. To learn about zoning information, please contact the Community Development Department's Zoning Section. Click here to view their website or call (804) 646-6340



3. To report maintenance violations, please contact Community Development's Permits and Inspections Bureau. Click here to view their website or call (804) 646-7448



4. To find information regarding the reassessment of real estate, the rehabilitation program or the real estate tax exemption program, please contact the City Assessor's Office. To view their website, click here or call (804) 646-5600.

Frequently Asked Questions:

THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

1. Q: When can the City initiate the sale of tax delinquent property?
   A: VA Code § 58.1-3965 currently authorizes the City to initiate the sale of tax delinquent property on December 31 following the second anniversary of the date on which such taxes have become due.
   
   
2. Q: What if the property I am interested in is not currently in the tax sale process?
   A: You can complete a tax sale Special Request Form and mail or fax it to the City's Tax Sale Review Committee. The Committee will review the request to see if the property meets the criteria to be included in the tax sale process. For a Special Request Form, Click Here.
   
   
3. Q: Does the City place all tax delinquent properties into the tax sale process?
   A: No, a property must meet certain statutory requirements before it can be placed in the tax sale process and properties are also prioritized according to factors such as public safety issues, blight/condition, the number of years delinquent and amount of delinquency.
   
   
4. Q: Does the City require that persons who purchase though the tax sale rehabilitate the property?
   A: The City will not accept bids from a person who owes taxes to the City or has outstanding code violations. The owner is subject to building code requirements, future real estate taxes and other applicable laws. Certain properties are sold with Development Agreements that require purchasers to make improvements within a specific time frame.
   
   
5. Q: If I purchase property through the tax sale, am I required to pay the delinquent taxes?
   A: No, the property sells for the amount of the highest bid. The court orders the property sold free of liens and encumbrances. The purchaser receives a special warranty deed.
   
   
6. Q: How much of a down payment is required when you purchase a tax delinquent property at auction?
   A: 20% of the winning bid price or $2,500, whichever is greater.
   
   

PUBLIC BIDDING ON TAX DELINQUENT PROPERTIES

1. Q: What are the required deposits for public auction properties?
   A: The public auction properties require a twenty (20) percent down or $2,500, which ever is greater, the day of the auction. The funds must be in the form of cash, a certified check, a personal check with a bank letter of guarantee, or a major credit card (3% courtesy fee will apply on the total amount charged). In order to participate in the public auction you must complete the auction registration form and bring it with you the day of the auction. For specific details or a bidder packet, please contact Motley's Auction House at (804) 355-4862.
   
   
2. Q: How do I pay for my public auction properties and when is the payment due?
   A: All payments for tax sale properties must be made in the form of cash or certified bank funds. The City does not offer assistance in the purchasing of any of these properties. The payment is generally due seven days prior to the court's confirmation of the sale. Specific times and arrangements for payment can be made directly with the appropriate attorney who is handling the tax sale case. Payment must be received in full prior to court confirmation in order to allow the sale to be finalized and the new deed recorded.
   
   
3. Q: How quickly can a new deed be recorded? < A: Once all payments have been received and confirmation of the sale has occurred, your new deed will recorded by the City. Buyers are required to pay the recordation cost and all related taxes. Each bidder will receive a letter prior to closing stating the exact cost of all fees. A copy of the new deed will be mailed to the buyer after it has been recorded.

OTHER PROGRAMS

• Q: Does the City sell "dollar properties"?
  A: No, the City and its agencies no longer offer $1 homes. The Urban Homesteading and Urban Pioneer Homes programs have also been eliminated.
  
  
• Q: What types of programs are available to me to help with the purchase, re-financing or rehabilitation of a home?
  A: There are a number of programs available. Click here to obtain a listing of some of the programs that may be available to you or contact the Department of Community Development at 646-6310
  
  
• Are there any type of income or eligibility restrictions on the sale of the property?
  A: There are no income or any other types restrictions on the sale of tax sale property.
  
  
• Q: What type of programs does the City off for assistance with housing repairs?
  A: ElderHomes Programs & Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond (NHS of Richmond)