Virginia Beach, VA Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Grass and weed height is regulated under Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 31 (Vegetation) and the Property Maintenance Code, enforced by the Department of Planning and Community Development Code Enforcement Division. The standard maximum height is 12 inches for grass, weeds, and non-ornamental vegetation on developed residential and commercial lots. Enforcement typically follows this process: a complaint is received (via online CityView portal, phone, or inspector observation); an inspector verifies the violation; a Notice of Violation is mailed to the property owner of record, providing 7-15 days to correct; re-inspection occurs after the deadline; if uncorrected, the city issues a work order for contracted mowing services; the property owner is billed for mowing costs (typically $250-$500) plus administrative fees (typically $100-$200) per occurrence; unpaid charges become a lien on the property and can lead to tax delinquency. Repeat offenders on the same property may be entered into an automatic abatement list, allowing the city to mow without further notice in the same growing season. Exemptions apply to: undeveloped land and active agricultural operations; natural meadow, wetland, and forest areas; Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer zones where vegetation is required to be preserved; registered pollinator gardens and naturalized landscapes meeting specific criteria; stormwater management facilities (bioswales, retention ponds) that are designed with taller vegetation. Waterfront properties have specific rules preserving buffer vegetation under CBPA regulations — owners cannot mow RPA buffers to lawn height. Native landscapes and pollinator gardens are increasingly encouraged; owners concerned about enforcement should document their intentional landscape design with photos and native plant lists. Vacant/foreclosed properties are common enforcement targets. Report tall grass complaints via the city's Citizen Request portal or call 311 (within city limits). Hurricane and flood debris removal is handled separately by city operations during declared events. Backyard-only violations are enforced similarly to front yards.