Newport News, VA Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Newport News imposes no general restrictions on lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or seasonal yard decorations on private property at the municipal level. Items must remain within the property line and not encroach into the public sidewalk or right-of-way. Permanent free-standing structures and large accessory items above the size and height thresholds in the residential district sections of Chapter 45 of the City Code may require zoning or building permits through the Department of Codes Compliance. Small sheds typically need only a zoning permit, while larger items require full building permits under the 2021 VUSBC. Virginia Code section 55.1-1819 (Virginia Property Owners' Association Act) protects the right of homeowners in HOA-governed communities to display the U.S. flag and certain other flags notwithstanding most CCR restrictions, subject to reasonable size and placement standards. Items creating safety hazards or trip risks near pedestrian routes may trigger Newport News Codes Compliance action under general property maintenance provisions. The Hilton Village historic district along Warwick Boulevard has separate architectural review for permanent yard structures. Properties within Newport News's coastal floodplain overlay should avoid placing heavy or impervious ornaments in resource protection areas regulated under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Virginia Code section 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.).