The Code Enforcement Division enforces the city's property maintenance ordinances citywide. The ordinances apply to undeveloped and developed private properties. The time allowed for correcting most property maintenance violations is seven days. Failure to comply with a notice of violation may result in a summons being issued to appear in General District Court, or abatement by the city's contractor with all costs billed to the property owner. If the bill is not paid, a judgment lien is placed against the property.

Common Property Maintenance Violations

Overgrown grass and weeds
Accumulation of trash or junk
Inoperable vehicles (on private property only)
Waste management violations

Overgrown Grass and Weeds (City Code 23-50) - It is unlawful for any property owner or occupant to allow grass or weeds to grow over 10 inches in height. This code also prohibits any accumulation of trash, garbage or litter on the premises.

Open Storage of Junk (City Code 23-48) - It is unlawful for any property owner or occupant to store dilapidated furniture, appliances, machinery, building materials or any other item which is rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative on private property. Licensed junk dealers are exempt.

Inoperable Vehicle Ordinance (City Code 16-40) - Vehicles must be in operating condition and must have either a valid state license plate or a valid inspection sticker, and cannot be in a dismantled or wrecked condition.

Waste Management (Chapter 31 of the City Code) - Provisions of the code are enforced that govern the preparation, storage and disposal of waste. These provisions also address waste receptacle placement and storage, dumpster screening and private waste collection at the Oceanfront.

Please visit the Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances Web site listed under "Related Links" for more information on city codes.