Newport News, VA

Newport News has no standalone local composting ordinance. Residents may compost yard waste and food scraps at home without a permit, provided the pile does not create nuisance odors or attract pests. State law and Chapter 19 solid-waste rules govern yard-waste handling at curbside.

Newport News defines "landscape" as living plants, natural features, or structural features under Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance). No express ban on artificial turf exists, but zoning landscaping requirements are written around living plant material, and the city has no formal approval pathway for synthetic-turf substitution.

Newport News Code Ch. 33.02 requires a landscaped green area as part of all site plans. The city officially encourages use of native and drought-tolerant plants adapted to Southeast Virginia, though no ordinance mandates native-only plantings.

Newport News' property maintenance code requires yards to be kept free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. The Codes Compliance Department enforces standards including grass height limits, typically around 12 inches.

Newport News does not typically impose mandatory water restrictions. The city's water supply from reservoirs and the James River watershed is generally adequate. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during drought conditions.

Newport News does not generally require a permit to remove trees on private residential property. Trees in the public right-of-way require city authorization. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act may apply near waterways.

Newport News requires property owners to maintain trees overhanging public rights-of-way. Minimum clearance is 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. City-maintained trees require authorization.

Virginia statute encourages rainwater harvesting and graywater reuse, providing income tax credits and exempting most residential systems from plumbing-permit complexity, applied uniformly statewide.

Virginia authorizes localities to abate weeds and declares specified noxious weeds under state agricultural law, balancing local enforcement with statewide pest control.

Newport News enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), which requires property owners and occupants to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines, or other combustible vegetation that could endanger property. Chapter 16 of the city code adopts this state fire code.

Newport News regulates open burning under Chapter 16 of the City Code (Fire Prevention). Open burning of trash is prohibited. Recreational fires and yard waste burning may be allowed under specific conditions with a burn permit from the fire department.

Newport News allows recreational fire pits in approved containers with clean-burning fuels. Pits must maintain clearance from structures and be attended at all times. Fire department burn bans must be observed.

Newport News restricts consumer fireworks under Virginia law and local ordinance. Virginia permits only sparklers and certain ground-based items; aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and roman candles are prohibited without a permit.

Virginia adopts the Statewide Fire Prevention Code applying uniform NFPA 58 propane storage and handling standards across all jurisdictions, regulating tank placement, capacity, and installation requirements consistently.

Virginia grants the State Forester emergency authority to declare wildfire conditions, prohibit outdoor burning, close forest lands, and recover suppression costs from negligent parties under uniform statewide statutes.

Newport News limits short-term rental occupancy to two guests per bedroom, with a citywide cap of six guests per property. Rentals must be the host's primary residence (occupied at least 185 days per year), and a zoning permit is required before listing.

Newport News requires all short-term rental operators to carry a minimum of $300,000 in liability insurance and submit proof with their annual zoning compliance application. The rule applies to owner-occupied primary residences rented short-term.

STR guests in Newport News must comply with the city's noise ordinance (§28-36). Operators must inform guests about quiet hours and noise rules. Repeated violations may affect the STR permit.

Newport News regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 33.02 of the City Code (Short-Term Rentals). Operators must obtain a permit and comply with safety, registration, and nuisance prevention requirements.

Newport News STR operators must collect and remit transient occupancy tax (lodging tax) on rental income. Virginia state sales tax also applies. Operators must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

STR guests in Newport News must use available off-street parking. Operators must provide parking instructions. On-street parking follows standard city rules. Vehicles may not block sidewalks or fire hydrants.

Newport News prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on residential streets overnight. Vehicles exceeding 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 8 feet tall are banned on residential streets during defined overnight hours on weeknights and all weekend.

Newport News regulates on-street parking through posted signs and citywide rules. Vehicles must be registered and operable. The 72-hour abandoned vehicle rule applies. Certain areas have residential parking permits.

Newport News requires vehicles to park on approved surfaces. Parking on unapproved surfaces is subject to code enforcement. Driveway construction requires a permit.

Newport News restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy trucks and commercial equipment may not park overnight on residential streets. Small commercial vehicles are generally exempt.

Newport News restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Front yard storage may be restricted. Vehicles must be on approved surfaces and properly screened. RVs may not be used as living quarters.

Virginia statutes define abandoned vehicles, authorize removal from public and private property, and govern the lien, sale, and titling process that localities must follow when impounding unattended vehicles.

Virginia law prohibits homeowner and condominium associations from banning electric vehicle charging stations on a unit owner's exclusive-use property, though associations may impose reasonable conditions on installation and operation.

Newport News regulates retaining walls under Chapter 13 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing require a building permit and must be designed by a licensed engineer.

Newport News regulates fence materials under Chapter 13, Article VI of the City Code. Certain hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in residential zones, and permits are required for fences in front yards and along street right-of-ways.

Newport News limits residential fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning ordinance. Corner lots have visibility requirements at intersections.

Newport News generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences in the right-of-way require permits.

Newport News does not require neighbor consent to build a fence on your property. Virginia law governs boundary fences, with costs generally negotiated between neighbors.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a 48-inch barrier around residential swimming pools and spas, preempting local pool fencing rules statewide.

Tiny homes on a foundation must comply with the Virginia USBC (13VAC5-63), which adopts the 2021 IRC. Newport News Chapter 45 sets minimum dwelling and lot standards by district. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings outside an approved campground.

Carports in Newport News require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63) and must comply with Chapter 45 zoning setbacks. Setbacks vary by zoning district. Confirm specifics with Codes Compliance at 757-933-2311.

Because Chapter 45 of the Newport News City Code has no by-right ADU ordinance, owner-occupancy for any accessory dwelling is governed case-by-case through rezoning or special use permit conditions imposed by the Planning Commission and City Council. The Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1 program for Temporary Family Health Care Structures expressly requires the caregiver-occupant relationship. Virginia has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules for ADUs.

Newport News does not have a by-right accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program in its Zoning Ordinance. Chapter 45 of the City Code (Zoning Ordinance) treats accessory uses and structures as subordinate to a primary single-family dwelling, so a separate independent dwelling on a single-family lot generally requires rezoning, a special use permit, or a Board of Zoning Appeals variance through the Department of Planning. Temporary Family Health Care Structures are permitted under Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1.

Newport News regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 33.02 of the City Code, which requires operator registration, an annual STR permit, safety equipment, and a local responsible party. Operators must also obtain a Newport News business license and collect transient occupancy tax. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions of its rezoning or special use permit. Virginia Code section 15.2-983 authorizes localities to maintain an STR registry. Virginia Code sections 15.2-2208 and 15.2-2208.1 preempt traditional residential rent control.

Newport News does not levy a dedicated ADU impact fee because Chapter 45 of the City Code has no general by-right ADU framework. Any approved accessory dwelling (currently through rezoning or special use permit) pays standard building, plan review, and utility connection fees set by the Department of Codes Compliance, Newport News Waterworks, and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). Virginia narrowly authorizes only limited road impact fees and cash proffers under Virginia Code section 15.2-2317 and section 15.2-2298.

Garage conversions in Newport News require a building permit and must meet Virginia USBC standards for habitable space. The conversion must not reduce the property below minimum parking requirements.

Newport News allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under the zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and design standards. Building permits are required.

Newport News allows sheds in residential zones. Small sheds under 256 square feet typically do not require a building permit under Virginia USBC. Sheds must comply with setback requirements.

Newport News requires a building permit for residential pools holding water more than 24 inches deep or larger than 150 sq ft, per the Virginia USBC. Chapter 39 of the City Code governs pools. A 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is required under IRC Appendix AG / ISPSC.

Above-ground pools in Newport News must meet barrier requirements if they hold water deeper than 24 inches. Pool walls may serve as barriers if they meet height and no-foothold requirements with removable ladders.

Newport News requires all residential pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) governs pool barrier requirements.

Newport News enforces pool safety including barriers, drain covers, and maintenance standards. Pools must be maintained to prevent health hazards. Abandoned pools must be drained and secured.

Hot tubs and spas in Virginia must meet USBC electrical, bonding, and cover requirements that supersede conflicting local construction rules.

Newport News requires dogs to be on a leash or under the owner's control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large violate the city code. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.

Newport News does not enforce breed-specific legislation. Virginia law regulates dogs based on behavior. Dogs declared dangerous or vicious face additional requirements including registration, confinement, and liability insurance.

Newport News allows residential beekeeping subject to nuisance provisions and Virginia Department of Agriculture registration. Hives should maintain setbacks from property lines and a water source must be provided.

Newport News follows Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulations on exotic animals. Permits are required for many non-native wildlife species. Large cats, bears, and venomous reptiles are heavily restricted.

Virginia Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner to provide adequate care for companion animals, with criminal penalties for neglect that often underpin hoarding cases.

Virginia's Right to Farm Act limits how localities can restrict livestock and poultry kept as production agriculture in agriculturally zoned districts.

Virginia prohibits baiting wildlife for hunting and lets localities ban deer feeding, while bear feeding bans are addressed through hunting and Department regulations.

Newport News allows home occupations in residential zones under the zoning ordinance (Chapter 45). The business must be secondary to residential use, conducted within the dwelling, and not alter the residential character.

Newport News prohibits exterior signage for home businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or advertising may be visible from outside the property.

Newport News restricts customer traffic to home businesses. Traffic, parking, and deliveries must not exceed normal residential levels. Walk-in retail is prohibited.

Virginia exempts certain home-produced non-potentially-hazardous foods from licensing and inspection when sold directly to consumers under labeling rules, with statewide standards that local health departments cannot expand.

Virginia requires state licensing for family day homes caring for five or more unrelated children, preempting local rules on capacity, ratios, training, and background checks across all jurisdictions.

Newport News collects household garbage once weekly and recycling weekly or every-other-week. Carts must be curbside by 7 AM on collection day, set out no earlier than 3 PM the prior afternoon, and returned to the side or rear of the home by midnight. Chapter 19 governs all rules.

Newport News residents may place garbage and recycling carts at the curb no earlier than 3 PM the day before collection and must remove them by midnight on collection day. Carts stored at the side or rear of the home at all other times.

Newport News provides free curbside bulk waste collection biweekly under Chapter 19 of the City Code. Residents may set out up to 6 cubic yards of combined bulk and vegetative waste. Service is limited to occupied single-family households; contractor debris is prohibited.

Virginia requires solid waste planning units to achieve a minimum 25 percent municipal solid waste recycling rate annually, with reduced 15 percent rate available to qualifying rural and low-population planning units.

Newport News requires minimum tree canopy coverage on development and redevelopment sites under Chapter 33.02 (Site Regulations). A site plan and land-disturbing permit must be obtained before removing trees that change land contours. Canopy targets vary by zoning district, and healthy preserved trees may count toward replacement credit.

Newport News Chapter 44, Article II regulates city-designated historic and specimen trees. The Tree Commission may recommend official designations to City Council after a public hearing. Designated trees receive special protections; removal requires a permit and is subject to review. Virginia law caps civil penalties at $2,500 per violation.

Newport News Code Ch. 33.02 prohibits cutting, removing, or damaging trees on any property in a way that changes land contours until a site plan and land-disturbing permit are approved. Tree protection fencing must be installed and maintained throughout construction.

Newport News requires a Land Disturbance / VPDES permit for any grading or land-disturbing activity affecting 2,500 square feet or more. Projects must comply with Chapter 37.1 erosion and stormwater management standards before work begins.

Newport News participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA flood zones. The city's coastal and riverine geography creates significant flood hazard areas along the James River, Hampton Roads harbor, and tidal creeks.

The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act mandates 100-foot vegetated buffers along tidal waters and tributaries in 84 covered Tidewater localities, with state-set criteria local ordinances must meet or exceed.

Virginia's Erosion and Sediment Control Law requires erosion plans and approved control measures for regulated land-disturbing activities, with technical standards uniform across all local programs.

Virginia's Stormwater Management Act sets uniform technical criteria for post-construction stormwater controls that all localities operating Virginia Stormwater Management Programs must enforce on regulated land-disturbing activities.

Newport News requires residents to obtain a permit before holding a garage sale. Permits are issued by the Police Department, cost $10 ($5 for nonprofits), are valid for one week, and are non-transferable. Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance.

Newport News requires a permit for each garage or yard sale under Chapter 37 of the City Code. Permits cost $10, are valid for up to 3 days, and are limited to 4 per calendar year per address. Sales must be held at the applicant's residence.

Newport News requires a permit for garage sales, issued by the Police Department for a $5 fee. Each permit is valid for up to 10 consecutive days. There are no codified daily operating hours specific to garage sales, but general nuisance and noise ordinances apply.

Newport News authorizes street food vending only in two designated districts — the Downtown Street Vendor District and the Oakland Industrial Park Street Vendor District. Private-property food trucks are governed by Zoning §45-537 with separate permitting requirements.

Mobile food units operating in Virginia must obtain a permit from the Virginia Department of Health under uniform statewide food regulations.

Newport News has not enacted a local cannabis dispensary zoning ordinance. Virginia state law (Code of Virginia Title 4.1, Cannabis Control Act) governs retail cannabis licensing; localities retain zoning authority but Newport News has not yet codified specific dispensary land-use rules.

Virginia law allows adults 21 and older to cultivate up to four marijuana plants per household for personal use, with statewide rules localities cannot prohibit but may regulate via standard property nuisance laws.

Newport News regulates signs under Chapter 33.01 of the City Code. Traditional residential holiday lighting and seasonal decorations are exempt from sign permit requirements and may be displayed without restriction on private property.

Virginia law prohibits all signs, including garage sale and yard sale notices, placed within the limits of any state highway right-of-way, with a $100 civil penalty per occurrence.

Virginia state law creates a 40-foot prohibited area around polling place entrances on election day where political signs and electioneering are forbidden statewide.

Newport News requires peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants who sell goods or services door-to-door or at temporary locations to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor–Transient Merchant License. Applicants must disclose prior criminal convictions; operating without a license is a misdemeanor.

Virginia enforces the federal Do Not Call Registry and the state Telephone Privacy Protection Act, prohibiting most unsolicited telephone solicitations to registered numbers and regulating commercial calling practices statewide.

Newport News prohibits owners of vacant or occupied lots from allowing grass, weeds, or overgrowth to exceed 10 inches in height. The city can abate violations and charge back costs plus a $150 administrative fee.

Newport News requires residents to store city-issued garbage carts at the side or rear of their property at all times except collection day. Carts may be placed at the curb after 3 PM the day before pickup and must be retrieved by midnight on collection day.

Newport News requires property owners and occupants to clear adjacent sidewalks of snow within five daylight hours of snowfall's end. Ice must be removed or treated with sand within four daylight hours to prevent slipping.

Newport News City Code Chapter 37 requires a $5 Newport News Police Department permit before holding any garage or yard sale. Permits cover up to 10 consecutive days, are limited to the applicant's residence, and may not be issued more than four times per year to any address.

Virginia authorizes localities to require removal or repair of derelict and blighted buildings under specific state statutes that define the scope and process.

Newport News parks are open from sunrise to sunset only. Entry or presence outside those hours without a city permit is trespassing. Rules govern all city parks and watershed properties year-round.

Virginia authorizes localities to enact juvenile curfew ordinances under specific enabling statutes, with state law setting maximum penalties and constitutional safeguards uniformly.

Newport News Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 45) establishes minimum setback requirements for residential districts. Standard rules require a 30-foot front yard, 20-foot rear yard, and side yards equal to 10 percent of lot width, capped at 10 feet.

Newport News Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance) sets dimensional standards for each residential district. In the R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District, the maximum lot coverage by all structures is 35 percent, with mandatory front, rear, and side yard setbacks. Accessory structures count toward the coverage total.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code supersedes local construction standards for foundations, materials, and structural design, leaving zoning height limits to localities.

Newport News has no dark-sky or light-pollution ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated only through zoning code § 45-3002, which requires parking-lot lights to be shielded inward to prevent glare on adjacent properties and rights-of-way.

Newport News controls exterior light trespass through two provisions: the zoning ordinance (§ 45-3002) requires all outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed inward to prevent glare to adjacent properties, and Chapter 28 general nuisance rules (§ 28-35) provide an additional enforcement basis for unreasonable light spillover.

Newport News enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), based on the 2021 International Fire Code, through the Newport News Fire Marshal's Office. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and LP-gas grills with cylinders over the nominal 1-pound capacity on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings. One- and two-family homes are exempt, and sprinklered buildings have an exception.

Permanent outdoor kitchens in Newport News require building, plumbing, fuel gas, and electrical permits through the Department of Codes Compliance when they include gas line connections, electrical service, plumbing, or significant structural elements. Work must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) and hurricane wind-load provisions for Hampton Roads. Accessory structure setbacks are set by Chapter 45 of the City Code (Zoning Ordinance). Portable grills do not require permits.

Newport News treats pellet, wood, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, based on the 2021 IFC. Section 308.1.4 prohibits smokers on combustible multi-family balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family homes are exempt, and sprinklered buildings have an exception. No cooking-specific burn permit is required for residential smokers.

Newport News does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property at the city level. Ornaments must stay within the property line and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Permanent free-standing structures above accessory thresholds require permits under Chapter 45 of the Newport News City Code. Virginia Code section 55.1-1819 protects flag display in HOA-governed communities under the Property Owners' Association Act.

Newport News does not impose specific restrictions on residential inflatable holiday displays. Displays must remain on private property and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Commercial inflatable advertising (air dancers, advertising blimps) is regulated as temporary signage under Chapter 45 of the Newport News City Code. Some subdivisions restrict yard inflatables through HOA covenants under the Virginia Property Owners' Association Act.

Newport News does not impose a dedicated ordinance on residential holiday lighting timing or brightness. The Newport News Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 45) regulates signage, but private residential holiday lighting itself is not regulated as signage. Permanent exterior wiring requires an electrical permit through the Department of Codes Compliance. Some Newport News subdivisions, especially in the Hilton Village historic district and newer Kiln Creek and Port Warwick communities, enforce display windows through recorded HOA covenants.

Commercial drone operators in Virginia follow FAA Part 107 rules and are shielded from most local regulation under state preemption, with limited exceptions for locality-owned property and specific privacy crimes.

Virginia preempts most local drone regulation, reserving aircraft operation rules to the state and FAA, while criminalizing surveillance overflights and trespass-style use against private individuals.

Virginia Code 40.1-28.10 sets a statewide minimum wage that exceeds the federal floor and preempts localities from establishing their own higher minimum wage rates for private sector workers.

Virginia Code 40.1-33.3 et seq. requires paid sick leave only for certain home health workers; no general statewide paid leave mandate exists, and broad local paid leave ordinances face preemption.

Virginia has no statewide predictive scheduling law, and Dillon Rule limits leave localities without authority to impose fair workweek or scheduling premium ordinances on private employers.

Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards administered by circuit courts; localities cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements.

Virginia preempts most local firearm regulation under Code 15.2-915, but a 2020 amendment lets localities restrict firearms in specific public buildings, parks, recreation centers, and permitted events.

Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, though Code 18.2-287.4 restricts certain loaded high-capacity weapons in named public areas of larger localities.

Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed compartment lawful without a permit; localities are preempted by Code 15.2-915.

Code 40.1-11.2 requires every Virginia state agency and any employer with more than an enumerated workforce performing public contracts over $50,000 to enroll in and use the federal E-Verify program for new hires.

Code 19.2-83.7 requires Virginia jails to notify ICE before releasing inmates subject to detainers, while 2020 reforms barred state agencies from inquiring into immigration status for service eligibility absent legal requirement.

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets uniform eviction grounds and notice periods statewide, preempting local just-cause ordinances under Dillon's Rule.

Virginia preempts local rent control because Dillon's Rule denies localities authority to regulate rents, and the General Assembly has not delegated this power to any city or county.

Virginia limits municipal rental inspection programs to designated blighted districts and requires specific procedural standards, preempting blanket rental registration ordinances.

Virginia Code 15.2-2288 and 15.2-2288.3 limit how localities may zone agricultural land, preserving by-right production and restricting special use permit requirements for bona fide farms.

Virginia Code 3.2-301 establishes the Right to Farm Act, shielding established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and limiting local ordinances that would restrict bona fide farming activities.

Virginia Code 58.1-1745 authorizes counties and cities to impose a 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores within their borders.

Virginia Code 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene single-use food service containers, with chain restaurants required to comply by July 1, 2025 and all food vendors by July 1, 2026.

Virginia has no statewide plastic straw ban; straws remain available on request, and localities have limited authority to regulate single-use service items beyond state environmental statutes.

Virginia law generally prevents HOAs from prohibiting solar energy collection devices unless the recorded declaration explicitly contains the prohibition.

Solar panel installations in Virginia require permits issued locally but governed by the statewide Uniform Statewide Building Code and electrical code.

Virginia Code 18.2-371.2 prohibits selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products to anyone under 21, with active duty military members 18 and over exempted under state law.

Virginia has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or menthol products; sales remain lawful to adults 21 and over subject to general tobacco regulations under Code 18.2-371.2.

Virginia requires retail tobacco and liquid nicotine sellers to comply with state licensing under Code 58.1-1021.04:1 and prohibits sales to anyone under 21 per Code 18.2-371.2.