Spotsylvania County, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Sec. 13-3(5) declares two related things nuisances: obstructions caused or permitted on any street or sidewalk that endanger or annoy the public, and stones, rubbish, dirt, filth, slops, vegetable matter or other articles thrown or placed in a street, sidewalk or other public place that cause injury or annoyance. Both fall under Sec. 13-2's general nuisance prohibition, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor to cause, harbor or maintain the obstruction anywhere in the county. Enforcement runs through Chapter 13, Article II: the health officer investigates conditions or complaints under Sec.

13-26 and has the right to enter private premises to inspect for a suspected obstruction under Sec. 13-27, after giving reasonable advance notice unless doing so would defeat the inspection's purpose. If the obstruction is an ongoing activity, such as continued dumping, the health officer can issue an immediate cease-and-desist order under Sec. 13-28. For a standing physical obstruction, Sec. 13-29 requires written notice to the owner, occupant or person in charge of the premises describing the condition and directing them to remove it within a period the notice sets, capped at 10 days, unless the health officer states the obstruction is an imminent hazard to health, safety or welfare, in which case immediate compliance is required.

The addressee has 2 days from service of the notice to appeal to the board of supervisors, which stays the notice pending the board's final decision. If the obstruction remains after the notice period or after an unsuccessful appeal, Sec. 13-30 lets the county remove it directly and bill the cost to the responsible party through the same collection process used for county taxes.