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Suffolk, VA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

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

Key Facts

Enforced
Yes, actively
Removal Rule
City Code Sec. 34-109
Civil Penalty
$50 first; up to $200
City Abatement
Cost plus $100 fee
State Authority
VA Code Sec. 15.2-900

Summary

Suffolk actively polices blight. Under City Code Sec. 34-109 an owner must remove trash, garbage, refuse, litter, grass, and weeds that endanger health or safety within each ten-day period, or face a civil penalty and city abatement billed back to the property.

The owner of real property within the city shall, within each consecutive ten-day period, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, grass, weeds and other substances which might endanger the health or safety of residents of the city.

Source: Suffolk Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Blight is an enforceable nuisance in Suffolk, run through the Public Works Housing/Property Maintenance division and Chapter 34 of the City Code. Sec. 34-109 requires the owner of any real property to remove, within each consecutive ten-day period, all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, grass, weeds, and other substances that might endanger residents' health or safety; failure triggers a civil penalty and lets the city remove the material, adding a $100.00 administrative fee to the cost. Sec. 34-107 sets the penalty at $50.00 for a first offense and up to $200.00 for later violations. Chapter 34's separate nuisance article, backed by Virginia Code Sec. 15.2-900, lets the city abate declared nuisances and recover the cost.

Violations & Fines

Accumulated trash, debris, or overgrowth that endangers health or safety violates Sec. 34-109, drawing a $50 first-offense civil penalty (up to $200 for repeats), plus city removal with a $100 administrative fee charged to the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Suffolk make a neighbor clean up a blighted property?
Yes. City Code Sec. 34-109 requires owners to clear trash, debris, and overgrowth that endanger health or safety. The city can cite them, then remove it and bill the owner a $100 administrative fee.
What is the fine for property blight in Suffolk?
Under Sec. 34-107, a $50.00 civil penalty for the first offense and up to $200.00 for subsequent violations, on top of the city's removal cost and administrative fee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Suffolk

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSome Restrictions

All Suffolk rules

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