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Property Maintenance in Chesapeake, VA (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Trash Bin Storage

Trash and recycling carts must be kept in good condition, stored out of public view between collection days, and not overflowing. Damaged city-issued carts are replaced free by the Waste Management Division; lost carts may incur a replacement fee.

Property Maintenance: Trash Bins

Some Restrictions

Property Blight

Chesapeake Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards under the Virginia Maintenance Code and City Code provisions. Common blight violations include deteriorated structures, accumulation of trash or debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown vegetation. Property owners receive a notice of violation with a time to cure before civil penalties attach.

Property Maintenance: Property Blight

Some Restrictions

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Vacant lots in Chesapeake must be maintained free of trash, debris, and overgrown vegetation. Grass and weeds on undeveloped lots must be kept below 12 inches. The city can mow and bill the owner under VA Code Section 15.2-900 if a notice to cure is ignored.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Some Restrictions

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Chesapeake does not have an ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow or ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Significant snowfall is rare in coastal Virginia, and the city relies on voluntary clearing and VDOT snow response on primary routes.

Property Maintenance: Snow Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

Garage Sale Rules

Chesapeake allows residential garage sales without a city permit or business license for occasional private sales of personal household items. Frequent sales may be treated as an unlicensed business. Signs are regulated under the city sign ordinance and must be removed promptly after the sale.

Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Looking for Chesapeake City county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chesapeake city rules.

Property Maintenance in Chesapeake City