Landscaping Rules in Norfolk, VA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
A Norfolk tree or shrub that blocks pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or blocks sight lines in a visibility triangle, is a declared public nuisance the owner must prune or remove. The director orders abatement and can bill the property owner if the deadline is missed.
Norfolk Tree Obstruction Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 45-22(b),(c)
(b)Any tree, shrub or other vegetation or a portion thereof, whether located on city-owned property or on private property, which dangerously obstructs free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall constitute a public nuisance. (c)Any tree, shrub or other vegetation or a portion thereof, whether located on city-owned property or on private property, which dangerously obstructs the view ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Norfolk requires permits to remove any tree in the public right-of-way, Chesapeake Bay buffer, or protected canopy area. Private trees outside these zones can generally be removed, but replacement rules apply for site plan properties.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-961 (Replacement of Trees During Development Process)
§ 15.2-961 . Replacement of trees during development process in certain localities. A. Any locality with a population density of at least 75 persons per square mile or any locality within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may adopt an ordinance providing for the planting and replacement of trees during the development process pursuant to the provisions of this section. Population density shall be ba...
Weed Ordinances
Norfolk treats grass, weeds, and other vegetable matter over 12 inches tall as a nuisance under City Code § 27-2(c). Owners and occupants of land next to a public right-of-way must keep it cut under § 27-9, and the city sends one written notice per growing season, March 1 to October 31, before abating overgrowth itself.
Norfolk 12-Inch Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 27-2(c); § 27-9
For purposes of this article, "vegetable matter" is defined as any grass, weeds, bushes, underbrush, poison ivy, poison oak or any other vegetable matter which has grown to sufficient height and cover or to a height of more than twelve (12) inches or accumulated so as to provide cover or harborage or potential cover or harborage for rodents or vermin. ... It shall be the duty of the owner or oc...
Water Restrictions
Norfolk's city manager can declare a water shortage in the city's water system and impose escalating conservation measures under Sec. 46.1-53 through 46.1-57. Once Condition 2 is declared, watering lawns, shrubbery, trees and other vegetation is banned except for indoor plants, greenhouse or nursery stock, and newly planted commercial nursery stock during its first five weeks. Condition 3 cuts allocations 25 percent and bills excess use at 300 percent of the normal rate; Condition 4 adds fines under Sec. 46.1-55.
Norfolk Emergency Water Conservation Rules
Some RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances §§ 46.1-53, 46.1-54(2)a
The city manager is authorized to take special measures of prudent management to prevent a critical water shortage when a declaration of a potential shortage of water and/or emergency water condition existing in the City of Norfolk's water system has been made. ... When very limited supplies of water are available, the city manager shall order curtailment of less essential usages of water, incl...
Rainwater Harvesting
Norfolk cuts a residential property owner's stormwater management fee by 10 percent for installing and maintaining rain barrels or cisterns that drain at least 300 square feet of roof area. It's one of ten onsite runoff-reduction credits the city offers, capped at a 60 percent total fee reduction.
Norfolk Rain Barrel Stormwater Fee Credit
Light RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 41.1-23(f)(2)-(3)a
(2)Partial waivers: Partial waivers will be granted when a property owner installs, operates, and maintains a stormwater management facility that achieves a permanent reduction in stormwater flow or pollutant loadings. Partial waivers shall be based on the percentage reduction in stormwater flow and pollutant loadings from pre-installation to post-installation of the facility. The maximum reduc...