Chesapeake limits grass and weeds to 12 inches. Taller growth is a code violation. Notices allow 10 days to cut before the city abates and places a lien on the property for mowing costs plus fees.
Chesapeake City Code Chapter 30 property maintenance provisions, authorized by Virginia Code 15.2-900, require owners and occupants to keep lawns and landscaped areas cut so grass and weeds do not exceed 12 inches in height. Overgrown lots attract rodents, mosquitoes, and snakes and are common nuisance complaints. Code Compliance inspectors document violations with photos and issue a notice of violation giving 10 days (often 14 for first-time offenders) to mow. If the owner fails to comply, the city contracts mowing and assesses the cost plus an administrative fee (typically $100-$200) as a lien against the property that is collected with real estate taxes. Natural landscaping areas (meadows, pollinator gardens) may be acceptable if intentionally designed and maintained, but unmanaged weeds do not qualify. Undeveloped vacant lots also fall under these rules.
Abatement cost plus administrative fees charged to owner. Civil penalty up to $250 per violation, separate offense each day.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) ...
Chesapeake, VA
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited und...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minu...
Chesapeake, VA
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with ...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and p...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is n...
See how Chesapeake's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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