Spotsylvania County, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass height limit
- 12 inches, occupied residential
- Lot size covered
- Under one-half acre
- Penalty
- Civil penalty up to $100
- Enforcement
- Zoning administrator (Sec. 14-9(f))
- Unpaid cost
- Becomes a lien like county taxes
Summary
Spotsylvania County caps grass and lawn growth on occupied residential lots under one-half acre at twelve inches under Sec. 14-9(d). The zoning administrator enforces the limit, and a violation carries a civil penalty of up to one hundred dollars rather than a criminal charge.
The owner of occupied residential real property shall cut the grass or lawn area of less than one-half acre on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe when growth on such grass or lawn area exceeds twelve (12) inches in height. Violation of this subsection shall be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-9 of the county code, first adopted by Ord. No. 14-1 in 1992 and last amended by Ord. No. 14-14 in 2010, defines 'weeds' as grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, and separately regulates debris. Subsection (d) targets occupied residential real property: the owner must cut the grass or lawn area on parcels smaller than one-half acre whenever growth exceeds twelve inches, at the time the governing body prescribes. Unlike most Chapter 14 offenses, which carry misdemeanor classes, a Sec. 14-9(d) violation is punished as a civil penalty capped at one hundred dollars rather than a criminal charge.
Sec. 1, Chapter 39 of the Code of Virginia. Sec. 14-9(f) designates the zoning administrator and staff as the enforcement agents for the whole section, including this residential lawn provision.
Violations & Fines
A Sec. 14-9(d) violation is a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars, not a misdemeanor. If the owner and lienholder fail to cut the grass after notice, the county administrator can order county crews to do it under Sec. 14-9(e) and place the cost on the property as a lien enforceable the same way as unpaid local tax liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get in Spotsylvania County?
Will I get a criminal record for tall grass?
What if I don't cut it after being notified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spotsylvania County
How Spotsylvania County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Spotsylvania County to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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