§ 15.2-1215 Authority to cut growth of grass or lawn area in counties
A. Any county may by ordinance require that the owner of occupied residential real property therein cut the grass or lawn area of less than one-half acre on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe when growth on such grass or lawn area exceeds 12 inches in height; or may whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice, have such grass or lawn area cut by its agents or employees, in which event, the cost and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be collected by the county as taxes and levies are collected. No such ordinance adopted by the county shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town. Violation of such ordinance may be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
B. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation.
History
This law was first created in 1988. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 625 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1988 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1990, chapter 155; in 1991, chapters 314 and 315; in 1997, chapters 587 and 614; in 1998, chapters 640 and 756; in 2005, chapter 309; in 2006, chapter 700; in 2009, chapter 252; in 2010, chapter 396; in 2014, chapter 385.
1988, c. 625, § 15.1-11.01; 1990, c. 155; 1991, cc. 314, 315; 1997, cc. 587, 614; 1998, cc. 640, 756; 2005, c. 309; 2006, c. 700; 2009, c. 252; 2010, c. 396; 2014, c. 385.