Norfolk requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris under City Code Chapter 27 (Weeds and Grass). Fire Marshal can order clearance when conditions pose wildfire or arson risk.
Norfolk is primarily urban with limited wildland-urban interface, but the Fire Marshal retains authority under Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 304 to order removal of combustible vegetation that creates a fire hazard. City Code Chapter 27 requires property owners to remove brush, weeds, and dead vegetation exceeding 12 inches. Vacant lots and properties adjacent to wooded parcels (Lafayette Park, Dismal Swamp buffer areas in southern Norfolk) receive particular scrutiny. Owners must maintain defensible space around structures, keep gutters clear of leaves, and remove dead limbs overhanging roofs. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffers (100 feet from tidal shorelines) may limit clearing; consult Environmental Services before removing vegetation near water.
Civil penalty up to 250 dollars per violation under City Code. City may abate the nuisance and bill the owner with a lien placed on the property if unpaid.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors under City Code Chapter 6 (Animals). A dog barking continuously for 20 minutes or intermittently f...
Norfolk, VA
Amplified music in Norfolk is prohibited if plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or inside another residence. Granby Street, Waterside District, and Gh...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends under City Code Chapter 26. Plainly audible standard applies at 50 feet o...
Norfolk, VA
Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences requ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk requires all dogs off their owner's property to be leashed under City Code Chapter 6. Town Point Park, Ocean View Beach, and most city parks require ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel license. Kennel licenses require zoning approval. Militar...
See how Norfolk's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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