Prince William County, VA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches (2 acres or less)
- State authority
- VA Code § 15.2-901
- Compliance window
- 14 days after notice
- Agricultural land
- Exempt
- Non-compliance
- County cuts, bills, tax lien
Summary
On residential or commercial lots of two acres or less, grass and weeds over 12 inches tall are not allowed. Owners get 14 days after notice to cut; otherwise the county cuts it and bills the owner, placing a tax lien for unpaid costs.
On residential and commercial properties with two acres or less, grass and weeds of more than 12 inches in height are not permitted. "Tall Grass & Weeds" is defined as grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other foreign growth, other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers and garden vegetables.
Full Breakdown
Prince William County's Tall Grass & Weeds ordinance, enabled by VA Code § 15.2-901, prohibits grass and weeds more than 12 inches high on residential and commercial properties of two acres or less. "Tall Grass & Weeds" means grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, or other foreign growth other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers, and garden vegetables. On lots over two acres, the 12-inch limit applies within 150 feet of a state-maintained road or 200 feet of another dwelling. Agriculturally zoned land is exempt. Virginia is not a designated wildfire-urban-interface state, so no defensible-space clearance mandate applies: this vegetation rule is the county's nearest equivalent.
Violations & Fines
After written notice, a violator has 14 days to comply; if not, a county contractor cuts the growth and the full cost plus administrative fees are charged to the owner and secured by a tax lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally be?
Does Prince William County require defensible-space brush clearance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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