Chesapeake Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards under the Virginia Maintenance Code and City Code provisions. Common blight violations include deteriorated structures, accumulation of trash or debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown vegetation. Property owners receive a notice of violation with a time to cure before civil penalties attach.
Under VA Code Section 36-49 and following, localities can designate blighted properties and pursue abatement. Chesapeake uses a complaint-driven Code Compliance model administered by the Development and Permits Department. Typical blight indicators: peeling paint exposing substrate, broken windows, sagging or collapsed porches or roofs, accumulation of refuse, tall weeds over 12 inches, stored inoperable vehicles on unpaved surfaces, and graffiti left more than 14 days. Code officers issue a Notice of Violation giving the owner a reasonable time (often 10-30 days) to correct; failure to comply can result in civil penalties starting at 100 dollars and rising with each repeat offense, plus city abatement with costs assessed as a lien against the property under VA Code Section 15.2-900 and Section 15.2-906.
Initial notice: 10-30 days to cure. Civil penalty: 100-250 dollars per violation, escalating. City abatement lien for costs of removal or repair attached to property tax bill.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) ...
Chesapeake, VA
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited und...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minu...
Chesapeake, VA
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with ...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and p...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is n...
See how Chesapeake's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.