Richmond requires vacant lots to be maintained free of trash, overgrowth, and standing water. Grass and weeds over 12 inches violate City Code 34-50. Vacant buildings must be registered annually under vacant building ordinance.
Owners of vacant or boarded buildings must register with the Property Maintenance Division and pay an annual registration fee that escalates with years of vacancy. First year modest, rising to several hundred dollars for long-term vacant structures. Securing requirements include board-up to HUD MPS-style standards. Lot maintenance failures trigger city mow-and-bill with lien attachment.
Overgrowth: city mows at owner expense plus $150 administrative fee, lien on property. Unregistered vacant building: $250 plus daily penalties.
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See how Richmond's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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