Hello Steve,
It was my please to meet you last night.
You posed a question about the Center Island that lead into each village, specifically your village. Sherry; whom you also meet last night, has done much work for us in the way of obtaining answers or departments to contact for these questions. I as well have some information and contacts too.
Truth be known, I did feel that we had overstayed our welcome and were beginning to become a liability to the purpose of the BOD meeting. I initially had no intentions of speaking, but seeing as how the Board did briefly open up the floor I did want to share some of my thoughts, and concerns. A bit off point I am now, but what I was getting at was, my mind was racing trying to lock in faces, names, personalities, attitudes and comments made by all. When you approached me on side bar, I was taken back, and think I understood your question. If I have it Wrong, Helen has my numbers and she can give them to you so we can work on your request.
 
Islands. As we have it, the Entrance Islands as well as the Village Islands are Property of CHE. However, the City has Right Of Way. An Encroachment Request to plant ANYTHING in ANY of the city ROWs is required. By the Letter of the Law, even homeowners need to file an Encroachment Request if planting something in the ROW in the front or back edge of their yards. This Encroachment Request, by our understanding supersedes the ACC's authority by the way. So basically ALL Islands are CE property, but the Trees planted on them, other than Pines are City Property. It is actually a Class 1 misdemeanor to alter city property in any way, including pruning and this carriers over to the CITY trees planted at the street edge of the homeowners lawns! Admittedly, lots of us commit this misdemeanor a few times a year.
Any Shrubs, Pampas Grass, Flower Beds or additional Trees you see planted in any of these Islands "Should" have had and Encroachment Request on file with the city. I'd wager there aint one! The Village Signs were pre-approved by the Cities architectural committee (Planning & Development) before ground was even broke I do believe.
I believe Helen, is the one that pampered our "Sussex" entrance Island up. It snuck under my radar, can't say when it did happen, but it looks good... so I don't think any of us care that "Someone" took the effort, but didn't follow the letter of VB city. She did good by us, and most probably still don't even recognize it is there or has changed!
Now that we are aware of the laws though, it would be advised that we take them into consideration when planning projects that may interfere with City ROWs. Especially when one is considering spending homeowners funds to do so. Legally, you/we must cover your "6".
For more information or to submit an Encroachment Request...
Contact: Eddie Barnes at the Landscape Management Division of the City of Virginia Beach.
 
Steve, I hope this answered your question or at least this helps you find what you need to know.
RUA will be more than happy to support efforts to control our spending, and improve the assets of our community.
Dan