5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Fairfax County Code Chapter 119 (Property Maintenance) limits grass, weeds, and other uncultivated vegetation to 12 inches on improved residential lots. Violations trigger a written notice, and if uncorrected, the County may abate (mow) the property and assess costs as a lien. Natural/native landscaping is generally allowed with proper maintenance and documentation.
Fairfax County has some of Virginia's strictest tree protection rules. The Tree Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 122, Article 12) requires permits for removal of trees in conservation areas, tree preservation easements, Resource Protection Areas (RPAs), and on lots subject to site-plan tree coverage requirements. Individual mature trees on private single-family lots without easements are generally exempt, but Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance applies in RPAs.
Fairfax County maintains an active invasive plant management program. The Invasive Management Area (IMA) program, under the Park Authority, lists regulated species. Virginia's noxious weed law (VA Code §3.2-800 et seq.) requires landowners to control specified noxious weeds including Johnson grass, Canada thistle, and kudzu. The County encourages removal of English ivy, bamboo, tree-of-heaven, and Bradford pear through education and some programmatic support.
Fairfax Water (the County's primary utility) and Virginia American Water operate under drought response plans approved by the Virginia DEQ. During voluntary or mandatory drought stages, outdoor water use — lawn irrigation, car washing, filling pools — may be restricted. Fairfax County Code Chapter 103 authorizes emergency water conservation mandates with civil penalties up to $500 for violations.
Residential backyard composting is allowed and encouraged in Fairfax County. There is no permit required for typical home composting of yard waste, fruit, and vegetable scraps. Composting must not create odors, vermin attraction, or runoff that constitute a nuisance under Chapter 119. The County operates a Food Scraps Composting Program at farmers' markets and offers compost bin rebates.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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