Newport News, VA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- occupied or vacant land alike
- City removal fee
- $150 administrative charge
- Unpaid balance
- becomes a lien on property
- Notice frequency
- mailed once per year
Summary
Newport News bans overgrown shrubs, trees, vines and other vegetation on any land, occupied or vacant, when it blocks sightlines, address numbers or emergency exits, or damages a building, enforced by codes compliance.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any land, or any occupant or other person who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of any land, occupied or vacant, ... to permit overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation ... to exist in a manner that is in violation of this section. Overgrowth shall be unlawful if ... the overgrowth obstructs the view of address numerals on buildings or mail boxes ... or obstructs the view of oncoming traffic at intersections or for vehicles exiting a driveway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 13-150(b) makes it unlawful for an owner or other responsible person to let overgrowth exist on any land, occupied or vacant, extending to the alley center line, where it blocks address numerals or mailboxes, obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic on the right-of-way, obstructs sightlines at intersections or driveways, blocks emergency escape openings, or damages a structure. The codes compliance director mails the owner a notice; the vacant-land grass-and-weeds rule of subsection (a) is separate.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected overgrowth lets the city have it cut by city forces or contractor; the actual cost plus a $150 administrative fee is billed to the owner and becomes a lien on the property if unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the overgrowth rule apply to an empty, unbuilt lot?
What triggers a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
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