Fairfax, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Fact
- 12-inch maximum grass and weed height citywide
- Fact
- Notice to abate typically 7 to 10 days to comply
- Fact
- City may mow and bill owner plus administrative fee
- Fact
- Lien placed on property for unpaid mowing charges
- Fact
- Native plant and meadow gardens may be exempt if maintained
Summary
The City of Fairfax requires grass, weeds, and rank vegetation on residential and commercial properties be kept under 12 inches in height under its property maintenance code. Violations trigger a notice to abate with typically 7 to 10 days to comply. Non-compliance allows the city to mow at the owner's expense plus an administrative fee. Repeat violators face escalating penalties.
§ 15.2-901. Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty.
A. Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:
3. The owners of occupied or vacant developed or undeveloped property therein, including such property upon which buildings or other improvements are located, shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth cut by its agents or employees, in which event the cost and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance adopted by any county shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town. No such ordinance adopted by any county having a density of population of less than 500 per square mile shall have any force or effect except within the boundaries of platted subdivisions or any other areas zoned for residential, business, commercial, or industrial use. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation.
C. The governing body of any locality may by ordinance provide that violations of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50 for the first violation, or violations arising from the same set of operative facts. The civil penalty for subsequent violations not arising from the same set of operative facts within 12 months of the first violation shall not exceed $200. Each business day during which the same violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
2-901, the City of Fairfax is authorized to regulate grass and weeds on private property, and the city's property maintenance code sets a 12-inch maximum height for grass, weeds, and foreign growth on occupied and vacant lots. Overgrown vegetation is considered a public nuisance because it harbors rodents, insects, and snakes, and poses a fire hazard during dry periods. When code enforcement identifies a violation, the city issues a written notice to abate, typically giving the property owner 7 to 10 days to bring the property into compliance.
If the owner fails to act, the city may contract to mow the property and bill the owner for the cost of mowing plus an administrative fee, which becomes a lien against the property if unpaid. Repeat violations within a 24-month period may be cited as Class 3 misdemeanors. The ordinance generally exempts established natural areas, certified pollinator gardens, designated meadow conservation areas, and actively farmed agricultural land, though these exemptions are narrowly construed. Native plant landscaping, rain gardens, and intentional naturalized areas are generally acceptable if maintained and clearly distinguished from neglect. Vacant lots and rental properties are common sources of violations; landlords remain responsible for grass maintenance even when tenants occupy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I maintain a native plant or pollinator garden instead of lawn?
What happens if I'm out of town when my grass gets tall?
Who is responsible for grass at a rental property, me or my tenant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax
How Fairfax compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Fairfax to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fairfax County handle weed ordinances.