Va. Code § 15.2-2010: Localities may permit awnings, fire escapes, etc., to overhang public rights-of-way

Any locality may authorize owners or occupants of property abutting upon any public rights-of-way, within such limitations as the locality may prescribe, to construct and maintain in, upon and over such public rights-of-way, awnings, fire escapes, shutters, signs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, bay windows and other appendages to buildings; but such authority or permission shall be deemed to be a license merely and shall be revocable at the pleasure of the localities or of the General Assembly. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to relieve such owners or occupants from liability for negligence on their part.Code 1950, § 15-775; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-376; 1997, c. 587.