Fairfax County Weed Ordinances Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Maximum Grass Height
- 12 inches
- Applies To
- Developed residential lots under 0.5 acres
- Enforcement Season
- Mid-April through mid-October
- Non-Compliance Remedy
- County may cut grass at owner's expense
- Civil Penalty
- Up to $100 per Virginia Code Section 15.2-1215
- Governing Code
- Chapter 119, Fairfax County Code
The Short Version
Fairfax County requires grass to be kept below 12 inches on developed residential properties under half an acre, undeveloped residential lots under half an acre where 90% of the subdivision is built out, and developed but unoccupied commercial and industrial properties. The Department of Code Compliance accepts grass height reports from mid-April through mid-October. If owners fail to comply, the county may cut the grass at the owner's expense. Trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and managed landscaping are exempt.
Full Breakdown
Fairfax County's vegetation ordinance is codified in Chapter 119 of the County Code, authorized by Virginia Code Section 15.2-1215. The ordinance requires that grass be maintained below 12 inches in height on three categories of property: developed residential properties (with a house) that are less than half an acre; undeveloped residential lots under half an acre where at least 90% of the lots in the subdivision have homes; and any commercial or industrial property that is developed but unoccupied.
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) accepts reports of grass over 12 inches annually from approximately mid-April through mid-October. Outside that window, DCC does not actively enforce the grass height ordinance. Complaints can be filed online, by phone at 703-324-1300, or in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016.
Several categories of property and features are exempt from the grass height requirement. These include detention ponds, rights-of-way through residential, commercial, and industrial properties, park lands, and conservation and scenic easements approved by the county. Trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, flowers, and other managed landscaping are also exempt, as the county supports maintaining a healthy natural ecosystem for wildlife and pollinators.
When a violation is confirmed, the county may have the grass cut at the owner's expense if the owner does not remedy the situation within the compliance period specified in the Notice of Violation.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Violating the grass height ordinance may result in a civil penalty of up to $100 under Virginia Code Section 15.2-1215. The Department of Code Compliance issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance timeline. If the owner fails to cut the grass within the specified period, the county may arrange for the grass to be cut and bill the property owner for the cost. The ordinance does not apply to land zoned for or in active farming operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get before it violates Fairfax County code?
When does Fairfax County enforce the grass height ordinance?
Are ornamental grasses and wildflower gardens subject to the 12-inch grass rule?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Fairfax County
How does Fairfax County compare?
See how Fairfax County's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.