Norfolk, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height threshold
- More than 12 inches
- Duty holder
- Owner/occupant of abutting land
- Notice frequency
- One per growing season, Mar. 1-Oct. 31
- Standard cure window
- 48 hours after notice
- Abatement fee
- $75 (up to $300) or $150
- First violation
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Repeat within 12 months
- Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
Norfolk treats grass, weeds, and other vegetable matter over 12 inches tall as a nuisance under City Code § 27-2(c). Owners and occupants of land next to a public right-of-way must keep it cut under § 27-9, and the city sends one written notice per growing season, March 1 to October 31, before abating overgrowth itself.
For purposes of this article, "vegetable matter" is defined as any grass, weeds, bushes, underbrush, poison ivy, poison oak or any other vegetable matter which has grown to sufficient height and cover or to a height of more than twelve (12) inches or accumulated so as to provide cover or harborage or potential cover or harborage for rodents or vermin. ... It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of any land or premises abutting upon any public right-of-way, including between the sidewalk and curb, whether paved or not ... to have any grass, weeds, and other vegetable matter cut and removed, and at all times to prevent such area from becoming unsightly, impeded, or offensive.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 166).
Full Breakdown
Section 27-2(c) defines "vegetable matter" for nuisance purposes as grass, weeds, bushes, underbrush, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other vegetation that has grown to more than 12 inches or otherwise provides cover or harborage for rodents or vermin. Section 27-9 puts the duty to remove it on the owner or occupant of land abutting any public right-of-way, including the strip between sidewalk and curb, and separately requires removal of solid waste from that area. Standard enforcement runs through § 27-6: the director of public health or a designee serves, mails, or posts a notice giving 48 hours, or the time stated, to abate.
For high weeds and overgrowth specifically, § 27-6(d) treats a single mailed notice per growing season as reasonable notice; after that, the city can mow or contract mowing all season without another notice. If the city abates a nuisance itself under § 27-8, it charges a $75 administrative fee for costs up to $300, or $150 for costs over $300, both chargeable against the responsible party and recorded as a lien on the real property ranking with unpaid tax liens.
Violations & Fines
Letting grass, weeds, or vegetable matter exceed 12 inches on land bordering a public right-of-way, or ignoring a written cutting notice, violates §§ 27-2(c) and 27-9. A first violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under § 27-1; a second notice within 12 months escalates to a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 27-6(c). The city can also mow the lot itself and bill a $75 or $150 abatement fee under § 27-8, which becomes a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get in Norfolk before it's a violation?
Does Norfolk send a warning before cutting my grass?
What does Norfolk charge if it has to cut my overgrown lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk
How Norfolk compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Norfolk to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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