Suffolk, VA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass/Weeds
- Cut at 10-inch average
- Trash Removal
- Every 10 days
- Exemptions
- Ag land, woodland, RPA buffers
- First Fine
- $50 civil penalty
- Code
- Sec. 34-109, 34-110
Summary
Suffolk requires owners to cut grass, weeds, and foreign growth once it averages 10 inches, and to remove trash and debris that could endanger health or safety, under City Code Sec. 34-109 and 34-110.
the owner, or owners, of vacant developed or undeveloped real property in the city shall cut the grass, weeds and other foreign growth on such property or any part thereof whenever such grass, weeds and other foreign growth reach an average height of not less than ten inches.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk has no wildland defensible-space mandate, and Virginia sets none statewide. Instead, overgrowth and brush are handled as a health and nuisance matter. City Code Sec. 34-110 requires owners of developed or vacant lots to cut grass, weeds, and other foreign growth once it reaches an average height of at least 10 inches, and Sec. 34-109 requires removing trash, refuse, and debris within each 10-day period. Agricultural land, designated woodland, and Chesapeake Bay Act protection buffers are exempt. If an owner fails to comply after notice, the city may abate the condition and place a lien for the cost.
Violations & Fines
Overgrowth and debris violations carry a $50 civil penalty for the first offense and up to $200 for repeats, capped at $3,000; city abatement adds a $75 or $100 administrative fee plus a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass get in Suffolk?
Does Suffolk require wildfire defensible space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk
Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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