Norfolk cannot ban any dog breed. Virginia law bars localities from prohibiting a particular breed, and no dog may be found dangerous or vicious solely because of its breed. Regulation is based on an individual dog's behavior.
Contrary to a common assumption, Virginia preempts breed-specific dog bans, so Norfolk may not outlaw pit bulls or any other breed. Virginia Code Section 3.2-6540.1 states that no dog is vicious solely because it is a particular breed and that ownership of a particular breed cannot be prohibited, and Section 3.2-6540 applies the same rule to dangerous-dog findings. Norfolk's dangerous-dog process is therefore behavior-based: a dog is declared dangerous or vicious only after specific conduct such as biting or attacking, after which a court can order confinement, muzzling, and liability insurance. Landlords and insurers may still restrict breeds by private contract.
A breed-specific local ordinance would be unenforceable under Virginia law. A dog is restricted only through an individual dangerous- or vicious-dog finding based on its own behavior, then subject to confinement and insurance orders.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk lets residents put up holiday decorations on private property without a permit. Displays just cannot block sidewalks or sight lines, create fire or e...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk allows small temporary signs to advertise a yard or garage sale on private property, but bars them from the public right-of-way, utility poles, and t...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk treats political yard signs as temporary signs under its zoning ordinance and cannot regulate their message. Signs are allowed on private property wi...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk runs rental inspection districts under Va. Code 36-105.1:1 and City Code Chapter 36.1. Rental homes in designated older neighborhoods must pass a cod...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, not a local just-cause law. Landlords must give written notice and sue in court; a month-to...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk has no rent control, and it legally cannot enact any. Virginia is a strict Dillon's Rule state, so no locality may cap rent without the General Assem...
See how Norfolk City's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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