§ 5.21. Foreclosure of tax liens by city.

There shall be a lien on all real estate within the corporate limits and on each and every interest therein for all taxes, levies, or charges assessed thereon or against the same, or upon or against the owner or owners thereof, under the provisions of this charter, or by ordinance, which lien shall have priority over all other liens except the lien for state taxes. When any such taxes or levies or charges have not been paid by the third anniversary of the original due date thereof, the council may require such real estate to be sold for said taxes, levies, or charges in accordance with the provisions of article 8 of chapter 21 of title 58 of the Code of Virginia. (Acts 1972, ch. 808, § 1; Acts 1973, ch. 258, Sec. 1; Acts 1975, ch. 511, Sec. 1; Acts 1980, ch. 591, Sec. 1)