Hampton, VA Local Taxes & Fees: Vacancy Tax (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacancy trigger
- 12+ continuous months, plus one condition
- Initial/annual fee
- $100.00
- Non-registration penalty
- $200.00 civil fine
- Notice before penalty
- 30 days
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 24-0017, Dec. 11, 2024
Summary
Hampton requires owners of derelict, criminally-blighted, or squatter-occupied buildings vacant 12+ months to register annually with the code official, pay a $100 fee, and maintain a rodent-abatement plan or face civil penalties.
The owner of a building that has been vacant for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more and that meets one of the following, (i) is a derelict building; (ii) is determined to be the situs of criminal blight in accordance with section 24-112 of the city code; or (iii) it is determined that an unauthorized person is living in the building, must register such building on an annual basis. ... The building owner shall pay an annual registration fee of $100.00 ... Failure to register shall result in a $200.00 civil penalty.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code § 9-13, adopted by Ord. No. 24-0017 (12-11-24), requires owners of buildings vacant 12 or more consecutive months to register annually with the code official if the building is derelict, cited as the situs of criminal blight under § 24-112, or found to house an unauthorized occupant. Registration discloses the owner's contact information, an estimated vacancy timeline, planned maintenance measures, and proof of an ongoing rodent-abatement plan. The owner pays a $100.00 fee at initial registration and a nonrefundable $100.00 each following year; failing to register brings a $200.00 civil penalty after thirty days' written notice.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register brings a $200.00 civil penalty, assessed after at least 30 days' written notice mailed to the owner or agent; the annual $100.00 registration fee itself is nonrefundable once paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vacant buildings must register in Hampton?
What does registration cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia local taxes & fees overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.