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Newport News, VA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 4 weeks ago|Source: Newport News City Code Ch. 16 — Fire Prevention and Protection →

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Key Facts

Governing code: Ch. 16, VA SFPC § 315
Overgrowth height limit: 15 inches (Ch. 13, Art. VII)
City clearance admin fee: $150 plus actual cutting cost
Max criminal fine: $2,500 per day
Enforced by

Summary

Newport News enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), which requires property owners and occupants to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines, or other combustible vegetation that could endanger property. Chapter 16 of the city code adopts this state fire code.

Full Breakdown

Newport News City Code Chapter 16 (Fire Prevention and Protection) adopts the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), currently based on the 2018 IFC as amended. SFPC Section 315 (incorporated via 13VAC5-52-150) requires owners and occupants to cut down and remove weeds, grass, vines, or other growth capable of being ignited and endangering property. Combustible accumulations must not be allowed to remain on roofs, yards, vacant lots, or open spaces. The Newport News Fire Marshal's office enforces these provisions; the city also separately enforces weed/overgrowth height limits (15 inches) under Chapter 13, Article VII, with administrative clearance costs plus a $150 administrative fee charged to property owners who fail to comply.

Violations & Fines

Violations are Class 1 misdemeanors under the SFPC: up to $2,500 fine and/or up to 12 months in jail. Each day of non-compliance is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for clearing combustible vegetation on a property?

The owner or occupant of the premises is responsible. If the city must clear overgrowth exceeding 15 inches (Ch. 13, Art. VII), the actual cost plus a $150 administrative fee is billed to the owner.

Does Newport News have a separate defensible-space or wildfire clearance ordinance?

No separate defensible-space ordinance exists. Newport News applies the Virginia SFPC combustible-vegetation rules and its own Ch. 13 weed-height ordinance, enforced by the Fire Marshal and Codes Compliance.

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Newport News, VA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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