Property Maintenance in Norfolk, VA (2026)
2 verified property maintenance rules for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Norfolk's derelict buildings article, Norfolk Code of Ordinances § 27-73, lets the director of neighborhood preservation order the owner of a building vacant, boarded up, and disconnected from utility electric, water, or sewer service for over six months to submit a work plan within 90 days to demolish or renovate it. Missing that deadline draws a class 2 misdemeanor and a $500-per-month civil fine.
Norfolk Derelict Building Abatement Rules
Significant RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 27-73
Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the director of neighborhood preservation that there exists upon land in the city any derelict building, he shall notify the owner of the derelict building that the owner must submit a work plan within ninety (90) calendar days to either demolish the derelict building or renovate the derelict building so that lawful use and occupancy of the building or...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Norfolk requires vacant lots to be kept clear of tall grass, trash, and debris under the Virginia Maintenance Code and VA Code 15.2-901. Owners face abatement fees and liens when the city mows and cleans after notice.
Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-901
§ 15.2-901 . Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty. A. Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that: 1. The owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land ...