§ 4-5.11 SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

a. In order to implement and maintain traffic and pedestrian operational safety and security enhancements and secure the seat of government, the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall, not later than January 1, 2020, add to the state primary highway system, pursuant to § 33.2-314, Code of Virginia, those portions of the rights-of-way located in the City of Richmond identified as Bank Street from 9th Street to 14th Street, 10th Street from Main Street to Bank Street, 12th Street from Main Street to Bank Street, and Governor Street from Main Street to Bank Street and, pursuant to the responsibilities of the Department of General Services (DGS) (§ 2.2-1129) and the Division of Capitol Police (DCP) (§ 30-34.2:1), DGS and DCP shall control those rights-of-way and pedestrian and vehicular traffic thereon. The rights-of-way so transferred shall be in addition to the 50 miles per year authorized to be transferred under § 33.2-314(A). The City of Richmond shall transfer fee ownership of the rights-of-way identified in this section to DGS by deed or other instrument, as determined by DGS.

b. All property controlled by the Department of General Services shall require a permit for use by persons, organizations, or groups for events. Such events are eligible for a permit when the use will not interfere with or disrupt a function sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia government entity in support of an agency's mission. The Department shall prepare and publish on its website the requirements for the submission, processing, review, and disposition of permit applications for events on property controlled by the Department to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public; coordinate multiple uses of the property; preserve the rights of individuals to free expression; and to protect the Commonwealth from financial and property losses.

For the purposes of this subsection, an “event” means the assemblage on property controlled by the Department of ten (10) or more persons for any demonstration, rally, march, performance, picketing, speechmaking, holding of vigils, sit-ins, or other activities that involve the communication or expression of views or ideas having the effect, intent, or propensity to draw a crowd or onlookers. An “event” does not include casual use of the property by visitors or tourists.

All existing regulations for the use of property controlled by the Department shall remain in effect unless amended or rescinded. The Virginia Division of Capitol Police and other law enforcement entities having jurisdiction shall enforce the Department's property use requirements.