Norfolk Property Maintenance Code requires owners to keep buildings free of rodents, insects, and vermin. Chapter 27 housing code mandates extermination when infestations exist. Given Norfolk coastal climate, mosquito abatement handled by Norfolk Department of Public Health in coordination with Virginia Department of Health.
Norfolk has adopted the Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC, 13VAC5-63 Part III) which requires property owners to maintain structures free of rodent harborage, insect infestations, and other vermin. Under Norfolk City Code Chapter 27 (Housing), landlords are required to exterminate prior to new tenant occupancy, and are responsible for extermination in multi-unit buildings unless the tenant is proven responsible. Standing water violations (which breed mosquitoes) are enforced under Property Maintenance and stormwater rules. Norfolk mosquito control is operated by the Norfolk Department of Public Health which conducts larviciding in catch basins and treats tidal marsh breeding areas. Termite treatment and WDI (wood-destroying insect) inspections required for new construction under VA USBC. Rodent baiting programs run through Environmental Storm Water Management near waterfront food-service areas.
Failure to exterminate: notice of violation, 30-day cure period, then civil penalty up to $250 per day per VMC enforcement.
See how Norfolk's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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