Chesterfield County, VA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Unoccupied-lot grass limit
- Over 18 inches
- Occupied-lot grass limit
- Over 12 inches
- Enforcement
- Written notice, then county cuts
- County cutting fee
- Cost plus $35
- Lien after nonpayment
- 60 days
Summary
Owners of vacant and unoccupied lots must keep grass, weeds, and growth cut and clear of trash. Chesterfield's weed ordinance sets an 18-inch limit at unoccupied properties, and the county can cut overgrowth and charge the owner if ignored.
[The locality may] have such trash, garbage, refuse, litter... removed by its own agents or employees, in which event the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected.
Full Breakdown
Chesterfield's Community Enhancement program treats overgrown, trash-strewn vacant lots as violations. Tall grass and weeds taller than 12 inches at an occupied dwelling, or 18 inches at an unoccupied dwelling, violate the county weed ordinance. After an inspection, the county notifies the owner in writing with a deadline to comply. Virginia Code § 15.2-901 backs this by letting the locality remove trash, refuse, and overgrowth from private property and charge the owner. Dumping or storing junk on a vacant lot can also trigger the state anti-dumping law (§ 33.2-802).
Violations & Fines
If not cut by the deadline, the county has it cut and bills the owner the cost plus a $35 fee. Unpaid after 60 days, the amount is recorded as a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get on a vacant lot?
What if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.