Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2139

The costs in the proceedings before the special court shall be paid by the party instituting the proceedings and shall be the same as in other civil cases; the costs shall also include the per diem and expenses of the court reporter, if any, and, in the discretion of the court, a reasonable allowance to the court for secretarial services in connection with the preparation of the written opinion. In the event of an appeal, the Court of Appeals shall determine by whom the appellate costs shall be paid. If an appeal is taken from the judgment of the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, in matters in which it grants the petition for appeal, shall determine by whom the appellate costs shall be paid.