Herndon's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Herndon, Virginia, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Weed Ordinances
Virginia maintains a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invasive species list but does not broadly ban planting or require removal from private property. The 2024 Virginia nursery restriction law (HB 1167) prohibits retail sale of certain invasive plants starting January 2027. Herndon encourages native plantings but does not enforce invasive removal.
Key details: Fact: Virginia DCR maintains invasive plant list but does not require removal. Fact: HB 1167 (2024): nursery sale restrictions on Bradford pear etc. from Jan 2027. Fact: VDACS can compel treatment of declared noxious weeds (agriculture focus). Fact: Herndon has no local mandatory invasive removal ordinance. Fact: Native plantings encouraged; volunteer removal on public lands.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around weed ordinances in Herndon lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Water Restrictions
Herndon is served by Fairfax Water, which implements regional conservation measures during droughts. Virginia DEQ issues drought advisories and the Governor may declare drought emergencies. During severe stages, outdoor watering, car washing, and non-essential water uses are restricted. Violations of mandatory restrictions can incur fines.
Key details: Fact: Water supplied by Fairfax Water from Potomac and Occoquan. Fact: Drought stages: Watch (voluntary), Warning (urgent), Emergency (mandatory). Fact: Emergency: no lawn watering, no car/building washing, no pool filling. Fact: Efficient watering: before 10 AM or after 6 PM, 1-2 times per week. Fact: Mandatory violations: fines from $50-$100 escalating for repeats.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Grass Height Limits
Herndon requires property owners to keep grass and weeds cut to a reasonable height, generally not exceeding 12 inches, under authority of VA Code §15.2-901. Overgrown lots can be declared a nuisance. After notice, the town may cut the property and assess the cost as a lien against the owner. Violations typically incur fines of $100 to $250.
Key details: Fact: Grass/weeds max height 12 inches on improved properties. Fact: Notice typically gives 7-15 days to cure. Fact: Town may cut and lien property if owner fails to comply. Fact: First offense fines: $100-$250, escalating for repeat violations. Fact: Native/meadow plantings allowed if managed and documented.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Herndon protects trees through zoning-based tree canopy requirements and limited restrictions on heritage and specimen trees. Removal of healthy trees on private residential lots generally does not require a permit unless the tree is part of a required buffer, conservation easement, or site plan condition. Commercial and new development sites face tree preservation ordinances.
Key details: Fact: No permit typically required to remove trees on private residential lots. Fact: Street trees and right-of-way trees need Public Works approval. Fact: New development subject to 10-20% tree canopy requirements. Fact: Resource Protection Areas near streams have stricter rules. Fact: HOAs frequently impose additional tree removal restrictions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Herndon's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Herndon is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Herndon can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.