Fairfax County, VA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Covers
- Undeveloped lots in 90%-built subdivisions
- Also covers
- Vacant commercial/industrial land
- Civil penalty
- $100 per violation
- Notice method
- Posted on parcel plus mailed
Summary
Fairfax County applies its 12-inch grass and lawn cap to undeveloped residential lots inside mostly built-out subdivisions and to vacant commercial or industrial parcels, not just occupied yards, with DCC enforcing by posted notice.
Undeveloped Residential Property: It is unlawful for any owner of any undeveloped residential parcel which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) and which is located within a recorded subdivision where 90% of the parcels have been developed to permit the growth of any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(c)Commercial/Industrial Property: It is unlawful for any owner of any vacant developed commercial or industrial property to permit the growth of any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(d)Exemptions: Detention ponds; rights-of-way through residential, commercial, and industrial properties; park lands; and conservation and scenic easements approved by Fairfax County are exempt from this Chapter. (35-91-119; 06-22-119.)
Full Breakdown
Section 119-3-1(b) extends the county's grass-height standard to undeveloped residential parcels under half an acre that sit inside a recorded subdivision where at least 90 percent of the other parcels are already developed - lawn growth still can't exceed 12 inches. Section 119-3-1(c) applies the same 12-inch cap to vacant developed commercial or industrial property. Because the owner often doesn't live on-site, DCC posts the notice of violation on the parcel itself and also mails it to the address on county tax records.
Violations & Fines
A vacant lot left uncut past the 14-day notice period can be mowed by the county and billed to the owner as a lien, plus a $100 civil penalty for each violation of Section 119-3-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fairfax County regulate weeds on an empty lot?
How does the county notify an absentee owner of a vacant-lot violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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