Norfolk limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on residential and commercial lots under City Code Chapter 27 (Weeds, Grass and Refuse). Violations trigger notice, abatement, and property liens.
Norfolk City Code Sections 27-1 through 27-10 prohibit grass, weeds, or other vegetation exceeding 12 inches on any improved or unimproved lot. Enforcement is complaint-driven through Norfolk Cares 311. When a violation is confirmed, Code Enforcement mails a 7-day notice to abate. If the owner fails to cut, the city contracts abatement (typically 150 to 400 dollars per cut depending on lot size) and places a lien on the property for costs plus an administrative fee. Repeat offenders face escalating civil penalties. Natural landscaping with ornamental grasses or certified pollinator gardens may qualify for exemption but requires prior approval from Code Enforcement. Chesapeake Bay buffer zones (100 feet from tidal shores) have separate vegetation rules that may supersede the 12-inch limit.
Civil penalty of 50 dollars first offense, up to 250 dollars repeat. Abatement costs (150 to 400 dollars) plus 50 dollar admin fee added to property tax lien 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 grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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