Norfolk requires vacant lots to be kept clear of tall grass, trash, and debris under the Virginia Maintenance Code and VA Code 15.2-901. Owners face abatement fees and liens when the city mows and cleans after notice.
Norfolk City Code adopts enforcement authority from VA Code 15.2-901, which allows localities to require property owners to cut grass, weeds, and foreign growth in excess of 12 inches and to remove trash, garbage, refuse, and debris from their property. For vacant lots, Norfolk Neighborhood Quality issues a Notice of Violation requiring the owner to cut and clean within a stated period, typically 7 to 14 days. If the owner fails to comply, the city contracts the work and bills the owner plus an administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property collectible with real estate taxes. Vacant lots that become repeated problems can be placed on a high-grass watch list for routine cutting with costs passed through each cycle. Lots adjacent to occupied structures, near schools, or in targeted revitalization areas receive priority. Vacant parcels are also subject to illegal dumping laws under VA Code 33.2-802 (Class 1 misdemeanor for illegal dumping).
Mowing charges plus administrative fee become a property lien. Accumulated violations can escalate civil penalties.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors under City Code Chapter 6 (Animals). A dog barking continuously for 20 minutes or intermittently f...
Norfolk, VA
Amplified music in Norfolk is prohibited if plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or inside another residence. Granby Street, Waterside District, and Gh...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends under City Code Chapter 26. Plainly audible standard applies at 50 feet o...
Norfolk, VA
Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences requ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk requires all dogs off their owner's property to be leashed under City Code Chapter 6. Town Point Park, Ocean View Beach, and most city parks require ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel license. Kennel licenses require zoning approval. Militar...
See how Norfolk's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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