Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County, VA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing standard
Virginia Maintenance Code (USBC)
Blight statute
VA Code § 36-49.1:1
Owner cure period
At least 30 days
Cost recovery
Lien on the property
Complaint line
Community Enhancement 804-748-1500

Summary

Chesterfield enforces property upkeep through Community Enhancement and the Virginia Maintenance Code (part of the USBC). Under Virginia's spot-blight law, the county can order repairs, place a lien for costs, and, for true blight, acquire or clear the property.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The locality shall have a lien on all property so repaired or acquired... to recover the cost of (i) improvements made... to bring the blighted property into compliance with applicable building codes and (ii) disposal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chesterfield addresses run-down structures and unsafe conditions under the Virginia Maintenance Code, which the county administers as part of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. For genuinely blighted property, VA Code § 36-49.1:1 lets the county make a preliminary determination of blight, notify the owner of the reasons, and give at least 30 days to submit an acceptable abatement plan. If the owner fails to respond, the governing body may declare the property blighted by ordinance and the county may repair, clear, or acquire it. Most everyday complaints (trash, debris, tall grass, disrepair) are handled first on a complaint basis by Community Enhancement (804-748-1500) before formal action.

Violations & Fines

County repair or abatement costs become a lien on the property. Blight abatement follows a notice-and-30-day-plan process; unpaid costs are collected like real-estate taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the county have its own property maintenance code?
Chesterfield enforces the Virginia Maintenance Code, a statewide part of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, rather than a separate local maintenance code, plus its Community Enhancement program.
Can the county take a blighted home?
Only after a formal spot-blight process: preliminary determination, written notice, a 30-day chance to submit an abatement plan, and an ordinance declaring the property blighted.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia property maintenance overview

Get notified when Property Blight in Chesterfield County, VA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.