Fairfax County, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Applies to
- Developed residential lots under 1/2 acre
- Civil penalty
- $100 per violation
- Compliance window
- 14 days after notice
- Enforcer
- Dept. of Code Compliance
Summary
Fairfax County caps grass and lawn growth on developed residential parcels under half an acre at 12 inches, with the Department of Code Compliance enforcing violations through posted notices and a $100 civil penalty.
It is unlawful for any owner of any developed residential parcel which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) to permit the growth on any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(b)Undeveloped Residential Property: It is unlawful for any owner of any undeveloped residential parcel which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) and which is located within a recorded subdivision where 90% of the parcels have been developed to permit the growth of any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(c)Commercial/Industrial Property: It is unlawful for any owner of any vacant developed commercial or industrial property to permit the growth of any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(d)Exemptions: Detention ponds; rights-of-way through residential, commercial, and industrial properties; park lands; and conservation and scenic easements approved by Fairfax County are exempt from this Chapter. (35-91-119; 06-22-119.)
Full Breakdown
Section 119-3-1 of the county's Vegetation chapter makes it unlawful for an owner of any developed residential parcel smaller than half an acre (21,780 square feet) to let grass or lawn area exceed 12 inches in height. Detention ponds, rights-of-way, park land and approved conservation easements are exempt. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) investigates complaints, posts a notice of violation on the property, and gives the owner 14 days to cut the growth before further action.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a notice of violation lets the county cut the grass itself and bill the owner; unpaid costs become a lien on the property. Each violation also carries a $100 civil penalty, summonsed in General District Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass be in Fairfax County?
What happens after a grass violation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
How Fairfax County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.