Virginia Beach, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Virginia Beach enforces property maintenance standards under City Code Chapter 23 (Offenses — Miscellaneous) and related zoning provisions that prohibit the accumulation of weeds, grass, or foreign growth likely to create a fire hazard, harbor pests, or diminish neighborhood appearance. The commonly enforced threshold is vegetation taller than 12 inches on occupied or vacant residential parcels within zoned subdivisions. Code Enforcement inspectors typically act on complaints submitted through the 311 VB app or Code Enforcement hotline. Initial enforcement begins with a Notice of Violation posted on the property and mailed to the owner of record, providing 7 to 15 days to cut the growth. If the owner fails to comply, the city contracts cutting services and bills the owner. Unpaid bills become a lien on the property and may be collected through the real estate tax process under Virginia Code §15.2-900 and §15.2-901. Exemptions apply to approved natural landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Resource Protection Areas (RPAs), designated wetlands, dune systems on oceanfront parcels, agricultural parcels in the Transition Area and Rural Service Area, and registered conservation easements. Homeowners maintaining meadow-style or native landscaping should document plantings to defend against complaints.