The Land Use Assessment Program is provided for in the Code of Virginia and was adopted by the City of Virginia Beach in 1973. The program permits localities to offer a program of special assessments for agricultural, horticultural, forest and open-space lands. Properties that qualify for this program are assessed on crop production value rather than speculative market value. The purpose of the program is to encourage the continuation of the City's farming industry, and the retention of aesthetically pleasing natural vistas.
There is a minimum acreage requirement of five cultivated acres or twenty forested acres. Other qualifying conditions and restrictions exist for properties taxed under this program.
For more information, please call 385-4601 and ask to speak to the Land Use Program Administrator.
The City's Department of Agriculture also offers an Agricultural Reserve Program. Click on the picture to the left for additional information.