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.
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 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.
Newport News, VA
Newport News prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on residential streets overnight. Vehicles exceeding 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 8 feet tall are ban...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates retaining walls under Chapter 13 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Retaining wall...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates fence materials under Chapter 13, Article VI of the City Code. Certain hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in residential...
Newport News, VA
Newport News defines "landscape" as living plants, natural features, or structural features under Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance). No express ban on artificial...
Newport News, VA
Newport News Code Ch. 33.02 requires a landscaped green area as part of all site plans. The city officially encourages use of native and drought-tolerant pla...
Newport News, VA
Newport News does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property at the city level. Ornaments must stay within the...
See how Newport News's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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