Chesterfield County, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Occupied-property limit
- Over 12 inches
- Unoccupied-property limit
- Over 18 inches
- Enabling statute
- VA Code § 15.2-1215
- County cutting charge
- Cost plus $35 fee
- Lien timing
- Unpaid after 60 days
Summary
Chesterfield's weed ordinance requires grass and weeds to be kept under 12 inches at occupied dwellings and 18 inches at unoccupied ones. Ignore a written notice and the county cuts it, billing you the cost plus a $35 fee.
[Counties may require owners to cut grass or lawn area] when growth on such grass or lawn area exceeds 12 inches in height... Violation of such ordinance may be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
Full Breakdown
Under the county weed ordinance, tall grass and weeds taller than 12 inches at an occupied dwelling, or 18 inches at an unoccupied dwelling, are a violation. After inspection, the county sends the owner written notice with a deadline to comply. Virginia's enabling statute (§ 15.2-1215) lets counties require occupied residential lots under one-half acre to be cut once growth exceeds 12 inches, with a civil penalty up to $100; farmland in active agricultural use and land inside incorporated towns are exempt. Report tall-grass complaints to Community Enhancement at 804-748-1500 or the county's ELM portal.
Violations & Fines
Failure to cut by the deadline lets the county cut it and bill the owner the cost plus a $35 fee; unpaid amounts become a property lien after 60 days. Statutory civil penalty caps at $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass be in Chesterfield County?
Does the ordinance apply to farms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
How Chesterfield County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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