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--- virginia [2024/11/01 18:00] – created admin
+++ virginia [2026/03/19 14:07] (current) – Major expansion: full Code of Virginia title table, all 3 branches of government, 50+ agencies organized by category, key cross-cutting processes (CHP, vital records, business formation, professional licensing, elections, WC, landlord-tenant, unemployment admin
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-[[Charlottesville]]
+====== Virginia — Commonwealth Process Guide ======
+**Part of:** [[https://wiki.lexipedia.xyz/doku.php?id=united_states|United States]]
+This page maps civic, regulatory, and legal processes governed by the **Commonwealth of Virginia** — organized by the [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/|Code of Virginia]], its agencies, and their relationship to local governments. Use the sections below to navigate state-level processes, find the right agency, or follow a link to a deeper process page.
+**Primary law references:**
+  * [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/|Code of Virginia — Full Text (law.lis.virginia.gov)]]
+  * [[https://lis.virginia.gov|Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS)]]
+  * [[https://www.virginia.gov|Virginia.gov — Official Commonwealth Portal]]
+  * [[https://www.oag.state.va.us|Office of the Attorney General]]
+----
+===== I. Code of Virginia — Title Overview =====
+The Code of Virginia is organized into **67 titles** covering all areas of state law. The titles most relevant to civic and regulatory processes are listed below. Each links to the official text.
+^ Title ^ Subject ^ Key Process Areas ^
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title1/|Title 1]] | General Provisions | Definitions, construction of law |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/|Title 2.2]] | Administration of Government | FOIA, procurement, APA, state agencies |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/|Title 3.2]] | Agriculture, Animal Care & Food | Farming permits, animal welfare, food safety |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title4.1/|Title 4.1]] | Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Control | ABC licenses, cannabis licenses |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title5.1/|Title 5.1]] | Aviation | Airport permits, aircraft registration |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title6.2/|Title 6.2]] | Financial Institutions & Services | Bank charters, mortgage licenses, credit |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/|Title 8.01]] | Civil Remedies & Procedure | Lawsuits, statutes of limitations, appeals |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/|Title 9.1]] | Commonwealth Public Safety | Criminal justice, law enforcement, DCJS |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title10.1/|Title 10.1]] | Conservation | Environmental permits, land use, stormwater |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title11/|Title 11]] | Contracts | Contract formation, enforceability |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title12.1/|Title 12.1]] | State Corporation Commission | Business formation, utilities regulation |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title13.1/|Title 13.1]] | Corporations | LLCs, corporations, business entities |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/|Title 15.2]] | Counties, Cities & Towns | Local government authority, land use, zoning |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title16.1/|Title 16.1]] | Courts Not of Record | General district courts, juvenile courts |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title17.1/|Title 17.1]] | Courts of Record | Circuit courts, appeals, records |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/|Title 18.2]] | Crimes & Offenses | Criminal code |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/|Title 19.2]] | Criminal Procedure | Arrest, bail, trial, sentencing |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/|Title 20]] | Domestic Relations | Marriage, divorce, custody, adoption |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/|Title 22.1]] | Education | Public schools, teacher licensure, home instruction |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/|Title 24.2]] | Elections | Voter registration, candidacy, election administration |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title25.1/|Title 25.1]] | Eminent Domain | Condemnation, compensation |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title27/|Title 27]] | Fire Protection | Fire code, inspection, sprinkler requirements |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title32.1/|Title 32.1]] | Health | Health permits, vital records, Medicaid |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title33.2/|Title 33.2]] | Highways & Transportation | VDOT, road construction, traffic |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title36/|Title 36]] | Housing | VUSBC (building code), housing development |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title38.2/|Title 38.2]] | Insurance | Insurance licensing, claims regulation |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/|Title 40.1]] | Labor & Employment | Wage law, workplace safety, OSHA, unions |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/|Title 46.2]] | Motor Vehicles | DMV, driver's licenses, vehicle registration |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/|Title 54.1]] | Professions & Occupations | Professional licenses (contractors, engineers, etc.) |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/|Title 55.1]] | Property & Conveyances | Real estate, deeds, landlord-tenant |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/|Title 58.1]] | Taxation | State taxes, exemptions, appeals |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title59.1/|Title 59.1]] | Trade & Commerce | Consumer protection, business practices |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title63.2/|Title 63.2]] | Welfare (Social Services) | DSS, benefits, child welfare |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title65.2/|Title 65.2]] | Workers' Compensation | WC claims, VWC procedures |
+----
+===== II. Government Structure =====
+==== Executive Branch ====
+^ Office ^ Current (as of 2026) ^ Website ^
+| Governor | Abigail Spanberger | [[https://governor.virginia.gov]] |
+| Lieutenant Governor | Ghazala Hashmi | [[https://ltgov.virginia.gov]] |
+| Attorney General | Jay Jones | [[https://www.oag.state.va.us]] |
+==== Legislative Branch ====
+  * **General Assembly** — Bicameral legislature: [[https://house.virginia.gov|House of Delegates]] (100 members) + [[https://senate.virginia.gov|Senate of Virginia]] (40 members)
+  * **Legislative sessions:** Regular session begins second Wednesday in January; special sessions as called
+  * **Bill tracking:** [[https://lis.virginia.gov|Virginia LIS]] — search by bill number, subject, or patron
+  * **Who's My Legislator:** [[https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov|whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov]]
+==== Judicial Branch ====
+Virginia courts operate in a four-tier structure:
+^ Court ^ Jurisdiction ^ Notes ^
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title16.1/|General District Court]] | Civil claims ≤ $25,000; misdemeanors; traffic | Not courts of record; no jury trials |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title16.1/|Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court]] | Family matters, juveniles | Specialized district court |
+| [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title17.1/|Circuit Court]] | Felonies; civil claims > $4,500; appeals from district courts | Court of record; jury trials |
+| [[https://www.vacourts.gov|Court of Appeals]] | Intermediate appellate court | Mandatory jurisdiction over most civil/criminal appeals |
+| [[https://www.vacourts.gov|Supreme Court of Virginia]] | Discretionary appellate review | 7 justices |
+Online court resources: [[https://eapps.courts.state.va.us|eApps.courts.state.va.us]]
+----
+===== III. Key Agencies & Process Areas =====
+==== Business Formation & Regulation ====
+  * **[[https://www.scc.virginia.gov|State Corporation Commission (SCC)]]** — Register LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other business entities; regulate utilities, insurance, securities, and financial institutions. Filing portal: [[https://cis.scc.virginia.gov|Clerk's Information System (CIS)]]
+  * **[[https://www.tax.virginia.gov|Department of Taxation]]** — State income tax, sales tax, corporate tax, withholding registration. Online filing: [[https://www.virginia.gov/tax/|Virginia Tax Online]]
+  * **[[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov|Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)]]** — Licenses contractors, architects, engineers, real estate agents, barbers, cosmetologists, and 30+ other professions (Title 54.1). License lookup and applications: [[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/|DPOR License Lookup]]
+  * **[[https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov|Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)]]** — Small Business certification, SWaM certification for state procurement
+  * **[[https://www.vedp.org|Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)]]** — Business incentives, site selection, grants for economic development
+==== Licensing & Permits — State Level ====
+  * **Alcoholic Beverage Control:** [[https://www.abc.virginia.gov|Virginia ABC]] — Licenses for retail, restaurant, brewery, winery, distillery (Title 4.1)
+  * **Cannabis:** Retail cannabis licenses issued by Virginia ABC (Title 4.1, Ch. 6)
+  * **Contractor licenses:** DPOR — [[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/CLDB/|Class A/B/C contractor licensing]] (Title 54.1, Ch. 11)
+  * **Real estate:** DPOR — [[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/REB/|Real Estate Board]] (Title 54.1, Ch. 21)
+  * **Health care facilities:** [[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov|Virginia Department of Health (VDH)]] — Hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, restaurants (Title 32.1)
+  * **Motor vehicle dealers:** [[https://www.mvdb.virginia.gov|Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB)]] (Title 46.2)
+  * **Insurance:** SCC Bureau of Insurance — [[https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance-Companies|Insurance company licensing]] (Title 38.2)
+==== Land Use & Environment ====
+  * **[[https://www.deq.virginia.gov|Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)]]** — Air, water, and land permits; stormwater VPDES permits; Chesapeake Bay Act; land disturbance (Title 10.1)
+  * **[[https://www.dhr.virginia.gov|Department of Historic Resources (DHR)]]** — State historic preservation, Section 106 review, Virginia Landmarks Register
+  * **[[https://www.dcr.virginia.gov|Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)]]** — State parks, natural heritage, stormwater management programs
+  * **[[https://www.dof.virginia.gov|Department of Forestry (DOF)]]** — Timber harvesting permits, reforestation, prescribed burns
+  * **[[https://www.vdot.virginia.gov|Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)]]** — State highway permits, land use permits, traffic engineering (Title 33.2)
+  * **Building Code:** Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), enforced locally — governed by [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title36/|Title 36]]; administered by [[https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov|DHCD]]
+==== Employment & Labor ====
+  * **[[https://www.doli.virginia.gov|Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)]]** — Virginia Occupational Safety & Health (VOSH), wage payment, child labor (Title 40.1)
+  * **[[https://www.vec.virginia.gov|Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)]]** — Unemployment insurance, employer tax registration (Title 60.2)
+  * **[[https://www.vwc.state.va.us|Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC)]]** — Workers' comp claims, employer compliance (Title 65.2)
+  * **[[https://dhrm.virginia.gov|Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM)]]** — State employee HR, classification, benefits
+==== Health & Human Services ====
+  * **[[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov|Virginia Department of Health (VDH)]]** — Vital records (birth/death/marriage certificates), restaurant permits, epidemiology, maternal health (Title 32.1)
+  * **[[https://www.dmas.virginia.gov|Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)]]** — Virginia Medicaid and CHIP administration
+  * **[[https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov|Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)]]** — Mental health, substance use treatment, developmental disabilities (Title 37.2)
+  * **[[https://www.dss.virginia.gov|Department of Social Services (DSS)]]** — SNAP, TANF, child protective services, adult protective services (Title 63.2)
+  * **[[https://www.dars.virginia.gov|Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)]]** — Services for people with disabilities, older adults
+==== Education ====
+  * **[[https://www.doe.virginia.gov|Department of Education (DOE)]]** — K-12 policy, school accreditation, teacher licensure (Title 22.1)
+  * **[[https://www.schev.edu|State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV)]]** — College oversight, financial aid, academic approval
+  * **Teacher licensure:** DOE — [[https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/teaching-in-virginia/licensure|Teacher Licensure Portal]] (Title 22.1, Ch. 13)
+  * **Home instruction:** Parents must annually notify their local school division superintendent (§ 22.1-254.1)
+==== Transportation & Motor Vehicles ====
+  * **[[https://www.dmv.virginia.gov|Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)]]** — Driver's licenses, vehicle registration/titling, dealer licenses (Title 46.2)
+  * **[[https://www.vdot.virginia.gov|VDOT]]** — Road construction, highway permits, oversize/overweight permits (Title 33.2)
+  * **[[https://www.drpt.virginia.gov|Department of Rail and Public Transit (DRPT)]]** — Transit funding, rail planning
+  * **[[https://www.doav.virginia.gov|Department of Aviation (DOAV)]]** — General aviation, airport development (Title 5.1)
+==== Public Safety ====
+  * **[[https://www.vsp.virginia.gov|Department of State Police (VSP)]]** — Criminal history background checks, concealed handgun permits (Title 9.1, 18.2)
+  * **[[https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov|Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)]]** — Law enforcement training, crime lab accreditation, victim services (Title 9.1)
+  * **[[https://www.vdem.virginia.gov|Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)]]** — Emergency preparedness, disaster declaration, hazard mitigation (Title 44)
+  * **[[https://www.vdfp.virginia.gov|Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP)]]** — Firefighter training, fire prevention, arson investigation (Title 27)
+==== Taxation ====
+  * **[[https://www.tax.virginia.gov|Department of Taxation]]** — Individual and corporate income tax, sales and use tax, withholding, estate tax (Title 58.1)
+  * **[[https://www.trs.virginia.gov|Department of the Treasury]]** — Unclaimed property, debt setoff, Commonwealth's investment programs
+  * **[[https://www.scc.virginia.gov|SCC]]** — Franchise taxes for certain entities regulated by the SCC
+  * Local taxes (real property, BPOL, meals, lodging) are assessed and collected by **local constitutional officers** (Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer)
+==== Agriculture & Food ====
+  * **[[https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov|Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)]]** — Food safety inspections, pesticide registration, weights & measures, plant protection (Title 3.2)
+  * **[[https://www.mrc.virginia.gov|Marine Resources Commission (MRC)]]** — Tidal wetlands permits, shellfish licensing, waterfront structures (Title 28.2)
+  * **[[https://www.dwr.virginia.gov|Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)]]** — Hunting/fishing licenses, boating registration (Title 29.1)
+==== Housing ====
+  * **[[https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov|Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)]]** — VUSBC administration, affordable housing programs, community development block grants (Title 36)
+  * **[[https://www.virginiahousing.com|Virginia Housing]]** — Mortgage programs, rental housing financing, homebuyer assistance
+  * **Landlord-Tenant:** Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/|Title 55.1, Ch. 12]] — governs most residential leases; enforcement through general district courts
+==== Procurement ====
+  * **Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA):** [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/|Title 2.2, Ch. 43]] — governs all state and local procurement above threshold amounts
+  * **eVA Procurement Portal:** [[https://www.eva.virginia.gov|eva.virginia.gov]] — all state agency purchases over $500 must be posted; vendors register here to sell to the state
+  * **SWaM Certification (Small, Women, Minority-owned businesses):** [[https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov|SBSD]] — required to bid on set-aside contracts
+==== Freedom of Information (State Level) ====
+  * **Virginia FOIA (§§ 2.2-3700 – 2.2-3715):** Governs access to records and meetings of **all** public bodies in the Commonwealth — state and local
+  * **FOIA Advisory Council:** [[https://www.foiacouncil.dls.virginia.gov|foiacouncil.dls.virginia.gov]] — free advisory opinions, FOIA officer registry, training resources
+  * **Charlottesville FOIA deep-dive:** [[charlottesville:foia|Charlottesville FOIA Process Guide]] — includes BPMN workflows, SpiffWorkflow implementation, form schemas, and DMN exemption table
+==== Administrative Process — How State Agencies Make Rules ====
+Virginia's **Administrative Process Act (APA)**, [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter40/|Title 2.2, Ch. 40]], governs how state agencies create and amend regulations:
+  - **Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA)** — agency publishes intent to regulate
+  - **Proposed rulemaking** — published in the Virginia Register; 60-day public comment period
+  - **Final rule** — effective 30 days after publication in the Virginia Register (or later as specified)
+  - **Emergency regulations** — effective immediately; valid for 18 months
+  - **Virginia Register of Regulations:** [[https://www.register.dls.virginia.gov|register.dls.virginia.gov]]
+  - **Virginia Administrative Code (VAC):** [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/|law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode]] — all current agency regulations
+----
+===== IV. Local Government in Virginia =====
+Virginia has a unique **Dillon's Rule** tradition: local governments only have authority explicitly granted by the General Assembly (Title 15.2). Key local government processes are governed by:
+  * **Zoning and Land Use:** Title 15.2, Ch. 22 (§ 15.2-2200 et seq.) — all localities must adopt a comprehensive plan; zoning ordinances must be consistent with it
+  * **Local FOIA:** Same Virginia FOIA applies to all localities (§ 2.2-3700); any conflicting local ordinance is void
+  * **Local Taxes:** Commissioner of Revenue assesses; Treasurer collects; BPOL, real property, personal property (Title 58.1, Title 15.2)
+  * **Utilities:** Localities may operate utilities under Title 15.2, Ch. 51; rates set by local authority
+  * **Charter Authority:** Cities and some counties operate under charters granted by the General Assembly
+==== Virginia Municipalities on Lexipedia ====
+  * [[charlottesville|Charlottesville]] — Full process guide with BPMN diagrams for business licensing, building permits, zoning, BAR/historic review, signs, and [[charlottesville:foia|FOIA]]
+  * [[Albemarle|Albemarle County]]
+  * [[Lexington|Lexington]]
+----
+===== V. State Agencies — Full Directory =====
+All agencies listed at [[https://www.virginia.gov/agencies/|virginia.gov/agencies]]. Below is a categorized reference:
+==== Regulatory / Permitting ====
+  * [[https://www.abc.virginia.gov|ABC]] — Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Control
+  * [[https://www.deq.virginia.gov|DEQ]] — Environmental Quality (air, water, land permits)
+  * [[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov|DPOR]] — Professional & Occupational Regulation (30+ boards)
+  * [[https://www.scc.virginia.gov|SCC]] — State Corporation Commission (utilities, insurance, business entities)
+  * [[https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov|VDACS]] — Agriculture & Consumer Services
+  * [[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov|VDH]] — Health (vital records, facilities, restaurants)
+  * [[https://www.mvdb.virginia.gov|MVDB]] — Motor Vehicle Dealer Board
+==== Infrastructure & Transportation ====
+  * [[https://www.dmv.virginia.gov|DMV]] — Motor Vehicles
+  * [[https://www.vdot.virginia.gov|VDOT]] — Transportation (highways, permits)
+  * [[https://www.drpt.virginia.gov|DRPT]] — Rail & Public Transit
+  * [[https://www.doav.virginia.gov|DOAV]] — Aviation
+  * [[https://www.vpa.net|VPA]] — Port Authority
+==== Public Safety & Justice ====
+  * [[https://www.vsp.virginia.gov|VSP]] — State Police
+  * [[https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov|DCJS]] — Criminal Justice Services
+  * [[https://www.vdem.virginia.gov|VDEM]] — Emergency Management
+  * [[https://www.vdfp.virginia.gov|VDFP]] — Fire Programs
+  * [[https://www.doc.virginia.gov|DOC]] — Corrections
+==== Health, Human Services & Education ====
+  * [[https://www.dss.virginia.gov|DSS]] — Social Services
+  * [[https://www.dmas.virginia.gov|DMAS]] — Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
+  * [[https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov|DBHDS]] — Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
+  * [[https://www.dars.virginia.gov|DARS]] — Aging & Rehabilitative Services
+  * [[https://www.doe.virginia.gov|DOE]] — Education
+  * [[https://www.schev.edu|SCHEV]] — Higher Education
+==== Finance & Administration ====
+  * [[https://www.tax.virginia.gov|TAX]] — Department of Taxation
+  * [[https://www.trs.virginia.gov|Treasury]] — Department of the Treasury
+  * [[https://www.doa.virginia.gov|DOA]] — Department of Accounts
+  * [[https://www.dpb.virginia.gov|DPB]] — Department of Planning and Budget
+  * [[https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov|SBSD]] — Small Business & Supplier Diversity
+==== Labor & Employment ====
+  * [[https://www.doli.virginia.gov|DOLI]] — Labor & Industry (VOSH, wage law)
+  * [[https://www.vec.virginia.gov|VEC]] — Employment Commission (unemployment insurance)
+  * [[https://www.vwc.state.va.us|VWC]] — Workers' Compensation Commission
+  * [[https://dhrm.virginia.gov|DHRM]] — Human Resource Management
+==== Conservation & Environment ====
+  * [[https://www.dcr.virginia.gov|DCR]] — Conservation & Recreation (state parks)
+  * [[https://www.dof.virginia.gov|DOF]] — Forestry
+  * [[https://www.dhr.virginia.gov|DHR]] — Historic Resources
+  * [[https://www.mrc.virginia.gov|MRC]] — Marine Resources Commission
+  * [[https://www.dwr.virginia.gov|DWR]] — Wildlife Resources (hunting/fishing licenses)
+==== Oversight & Accountability ====
+  * [[https://www.osig.virginia.gov|OSIG]] — Office of the State Inspector General (fraud/waste hotline)
+  * [[https://www.apa.virginia.gov|APA]] — Auditor of Public Accounts
+  * [[https://jlarc.virginia.gov|JLARC]] — Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission
+  * [[https://www.foiacouncil.dls.virginia.gov|FOIA Council]] — Freedom of Information Advisory Council
+  * [[https://www.oag.state.va.us|OAG]] — Office of the Attorney General
+----
+===== VI. Key Cross-Cutting Processes =====
+==== Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) ====
+Governed by **§ 18.2-308.06**. Virginia issues "shall-issue" permits. Apply through the **general district court** in your jurisdiction. Virginia State Police conducts the background check. Permit valid 5 years; reciprocity with many states. Online application available in most localities.
+==== Vital Records ====
+Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records maintained by **VDH Division of Vital Records** (§ 32.1-250 et seq.). Online orders: [[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/|VDH Vital Records Portal]].
+==== Business Entity Registration ====
+All business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits) register with the **SCC**:
+  - Online filing: [[https://cis.scc.virginia.gov|CIS — Clerk's Information System]]
+  - Annual report fee and registered agent required
+  - Nonprofit status requires both SCC registration and IRS 501(c) determination
+==== Professional Licensing (Title 54.1) ====
+DPOR administers 30+ boards regulating professions. Common licenses and their boards:
+^ Profession ^ Board ^ Code ^
+| General Contractor (A/B/C) | Contractors Recovery Fund Board | § 54.1-1100 |
+| Real Estate Agent/Broker | Real Estate Board | § 54.1-2100 |
+| Home Inspector | Board for Home Inspectors | § 54.1-500 |
+| Architect | Board for Architects, Professional Engineers | § 54.1-400 |
+| Cosmetologist / Barber | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology | § 54.1-700 |
+| Electrician | Board for Contractors (electrical classification) | § 54.1-1100 |
+| Plumber | Board for Contractors (plumbing classification) | § 54.1-1100 |
+| Nurse / Healthcare | Board of Nursing / Board of Medicine (DHP) | § 54.1-2900 |
+License lookup for all DPOR-regulated professions: [[https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/|DPOR License Lookup]]
+==== Elections & Voter Registration ====
+Governed by **Title 24.2**. Administered by the **Department of Elections (ELECT)** and local **General Registrars**.
+  * Register to vote: [[https://vote.elections.virginia.gov|Virginia Voter Registration Portal]]
+  * Voter ID requirements: photo ID or acceptable non-photo alternative
+  * Absentee / mail voting available to all registered voters without excuse
+  * Campaign finance disclosure: [[https://www.elections.virginia.gov/candidatepac-info/campaign-finance/|ELECT Campaign Finance]]
+==== Workers' Compensation ====
+Governed by **Title 65.2**. All employers with 3+ employees must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured. Claims filed with the **Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC)**:
+  * Employer must notify VWC within 10 days of workplace injury causing 7+ lost days
+  * Employee has 2 years from injury date to file a claim
+  * Online claims: [[https://www.vwc.state.va.us|vwc.state.va.us]]
+==== Landlord-Tenant (VRLTA) ====
+Governed by **Title 55.1, Ch. 12** (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Applies to most residential leases. Key provisions:
+  * Security deposit limited to 2 months' rent
+  * Landlord has 45 days after tenancy ends to return deposit with itemized deductions
+  * Emergency repairs: tenant may request in writing; landlord must respond within 14–21 days depending on severity
+  * Unlawful detainer (eviction) filed in general district court
+==== Unemployment Insurance ====
+Governed by **Title 60.2**. Administered by **VEC**. Employers pay FUTA/SUTA; employees who lose jobs through no fault of their own may file claims. Weekly benefit amount based on prior wages; maximum 26 weeks. Online filing: [[https://www.vec.virginia.gov|VEC portal]].
+----
+===== VII. Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) =====
+State agency regulations are codified in the **Virginia Administrative Code (VAC)**, organized by agency. The VAC is the regulatory equivalent of the Code of Virginia for executive agency rules.
+  * Full text: [[https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/|law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode]]
+  * Proposed and recent regulations: [[https://www.register.dls.virginia.gov|Virginia Register of Regulations]]
+  * **Comment on proposed regulations:** Citizens may comment during the 60-day public comment period on any proposed regulation — comments are part of the public record
+----
+===== VIII. Related Pages =====
+  * [[charlottesville|Charlottesville — Full Regulatory Process Guide]] (BPMN workflows for business, building, zoning, historic, signs)
+  * [[charlottesville:foia|FOIA Deep-Dive]] (Virginia FOIA process flows, SpiffWorkflow implementation, exemptions reference)
+  * [[Albemarle|Albemarle County]]
+  * [[Lexington|Lexington]]
+  * [[https://wiki.lexipedia.xyz/doku.php?id=united_states|United States]]