{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-901.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-901.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-901.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-901.html"}],"law_id":69383,"edition_id":1,"section_id":69383,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-901","catch_line":"Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-14; 1962, cc. 400, 623, \u00a7 15.1-11; 1964, c. 31; 1968, c. 423; 1974, c. 655; 1978, c. 533; 1983, cc. 192, 390; 1990, c. 177; 1992, c. 649; 1994, c. 167; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 174; 2000, c. 740; 2001, c. 750; 2003, c. 829; 2006, c. 275; 2009, c. 446; 2010, cc. 161, 403, 641; 2011, cc. 542, 695; 2012, cc. 311, 403, 430, 431; 2013, cc. 189, 490, 508; 2014, cc. 383, 384, 385; 2017, cc. 118, 213, 392, 610; 2020, cc. 13, 136, 399, 597; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 125; 2023, c. 724; 2024, c. 731.","full_text":"A\n\nAny locality may, by ordinance, provide that:1\n\nThe owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other substances that might endanger the health or safety of other residents of such locality, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice, have such trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other like substances that might endanger the health of other residents of the locality removed by its own agents or employees, in which event the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this section, “clutter” includes mechanical equipment, household furniture, containers, and similar items that may be detrimental to the well-being of a community when they are left in public view for an extended period or are allowed to accumulate.2\n\nTrash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other debris shall be disposed of in personally owned or privately owned receptacles that are provided for such use and for the use of the persons disposing of such matter or in authorized facilities provided for such purpose and in no other manner not authorized by law.3\n\nThe owners of occupied or vacant developed or undeveloped property therein, including such property upon which buildings or other improvements are located, shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance adopted by any county shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town. No such ordinance adopted by any county having a density of population of less than 500 per square mile shall have any force or effect except within the boundaries of platted subdivisions or any other areas zoned for residential, business, commercial, or industrial use. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation. However, in any locality located in Planning District 6 or in Planning District 22, no such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for agricultural use unless such lot is one acre or less in area and used for a residential purpose. In any locality within Planning District 23, such ordinance may also include provisions for cutting overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation.4\n\nThe owners of any land, regardless of zoning classification, used for the interment of human remains shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land owned by an individual, family, property owners’ association as defined in § 55.1-1800, or church.B\n\nEvery charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property shall have been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens were imposed.C\n\nThe governing body of any locality may by ordinance provide that violations of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50 for the first violation, or violations arising from the same set of operative facts. The civil penalty for subsequent violations not arising from the same set of operative facts within 12 months of the first violation shall not exceed $200. Each business day during which the same violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense. In no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same set of operative facts result in civil penalties that exceed a total of $3,000 in a 12-month period or, in the case of property that is zoned or utilized for industrial or commercial purposes, $6,000 in a 12-month period.D\n\nExcept as provided in this subsection, adoption of an ordinance pursuant to subsection C shall be in lieu of criminal penalties and shall preclude prosecution of such violation as a misdemeanor. The governing body of any locality may, however, by ordinance provide that such violations shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor in the event three civil penalties have previously been imposed on the same defendant for the same or similar violation, not arising from the same set of operative facts, within a 24-month period. Classifying such subsequent violations as criminal offenses shall preclude the imposition of civil penalties for the same violation.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":250940,"text":"Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":250941,"text":"The owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other substances that might endanger the health or safety of other residents of such locality, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice, have such trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other like substances that might endanger the health of other residents of the locality removed by its own agents or employees, in which event the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this section, “clutter” includes mechanical equipment, household furniture, containers, and similar items that may be detrimental to the well-being of a community when they are left in public view for an extended period or are allowed to accumulate.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":250942,"text":"Trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other debris shall be disposed of in personally owned or privately owned receptacles that are provided for such use and for the use of the persons disposing of such matter or in authorized facilities provided for such purpose and in no other manner not authorized by law.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":250943,"text":"The owners of occupied or vacant developed or undeveloped property therein, including such property upon which buildings or other improvements are located, shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance adopted by any county shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town. No such ordinance adopted by any county having a density of population of less than 500 per square mile shall have any force or effect except within the boundaries of platted subdivisions or any other areas zoned for residential, business, commercial, or industrial use. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation. However, in any locality located in Planning District 6 or in Planning District 22, no such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for agricultural use unless such lot is one acre or less in area and used for a residential purpose. In any locality within Planning District 23, such ordinance may also include provisions for cutting overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":250944,"text":"The owners of any land, regardless of zoning classification, used for the interment of human remains shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land owned by an individual, family, property owners’ association as defined in § 55.1-1800, or church.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":250945,"text":"Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property shall have been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens were imposed.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":250946,"text":"The governing body of any locality may by ordinance provide that violations of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50 for the first violation, or violations arising from the same set of operative facts. The civil penalty for subsequent violations not arising from the same set of operative facts within 12 months of the first violation shall not exceed $200. Each business day during which the same violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense. In no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same set of operative facts result in civil penalties that exceed a total of $3,000 in a 12-month period or, in the case of property that is zoned or utilized for industrial or commercial purposes, $6,000 in a 12-month period.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":250947,"text":"Except as provided in this subsection, adoption of an ordinance pursuant to subsection C shall be in lieu of criminal penalties and shall preclude prosecution of such violation as a misdemeanor. The governing body of any locality may, however, by ordinance provide that such violations shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor in the event three civil penalties have previously been imposed on the same defendant for the same or similar violation, not arising from the same set of operative facts, within a 24-month period. Classifying such subsequent violations as criminal offenses shall preclude the imposition of civil penalties for the same violation.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13288,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Health and Safety; Nuisances","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13058,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:34","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:34","permalink":{"id":156359,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13288,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13058,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Powers of Local Governments","identifier":"9","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","permalink":{"id":156357,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13058,"identifier":"9","token":"15.2\/II\/9","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":81812,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; 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removal of such vehicles; penalty","url":"\/15.2-904\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-904","metadata":false},{"id":61931,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-905","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles","url":"\/15.2-905\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-905","metadata":false},{"id":73739,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","url":"\/15.2-906\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","metadata":false},{"id":60153,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-906.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/15.2-906.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906.1","metadata":false},{"id":85083,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-907","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring illegal drug use or other criminal activity","url":"\/15.2-907\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907","metadata":false},{"id":62717,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; 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curfew; penalty","url":"\/15.2-925\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925","metadata":false},{"id":55521,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-925.1","catch_line":"Local notifications","url":"\/15.2-925.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925.1","metadata":false},{"id":81894,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926","catch_line":"Prohibiting loitering; frequenting amusements and curfew for minors; penalty","url":"\/15.2-926\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926","metadata":false},{"id":57829,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.1","catch_line":"Bounties for coyotes","url":"\/15.2-926.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.1","metadata":false},{"id":64538,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.2","catch_line":"Adoption of ordinances prohibiting obscenity","url":"\/15.2-926.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.2","metadata":false},{"id":78125,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.3","catch_line":"Local regulation of certain aircraft","url":"\/15.2-926.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.3","metadata":false},{"id":69443,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-926.4","catch_line":"Regulation of smoking in outdoor amphitheater or concert venue; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-926.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81812,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; recovery of costs","url":"\/15.2-900\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-900","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":84118,"structure_id":13288,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-901.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-901\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 25 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1962, chapters 400 and 623; in 1964, chapter 31; in 1968, chapter 423; in 1974, chapter 655; in 1978, chapter 533; in 1983, chapters 192 and 390; in 1990, chapter 177; in 1992, chapter 649; in 1994, chapter 167<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 174<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 740<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 750<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 829<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 275<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 446<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 161<\/a>, 403<\/a>, and 641<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 542<\/a> and 695<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 311<\/a>, 403<\/a>, 430<\/a>, and 431<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 189<\/a>, 490<\/a>, and 508<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 383<\/a>, 384<\/a>, and 385<\/a>; in 2017, chapters 118<\/a>, 213<\/a>, 392<\/a>, and 610<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 13<\/a>, 136<\/a>, 399<\/a>, and 597<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 724<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 731<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62143,"section_number":"15.2-1132","catch_line":"Volunteer property maintenance and zoning inspectors in certain cities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1132\/"},{"id":84118,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-901.1\/"},{"id":66460,"section_number":"19.2-76.2","catch_line":"Mailing of summons in certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-76.2\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84118,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-901.1\/"},{"id":65321,"section_number":"55.1-1800","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1800\/"},{"id":72311,"section_number":"58.1-3940","catch_line":"Limitation on collection of local taxes","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3940\/"},{"id":70850,"section_number":"58.1-3965","catch_line":"When land may be sold for delinquent taxes; notice of sale; owner's right of redemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3965\/"}],"permalink":{"id":156365,"object_type":"law","relational_id":69383,"identifier":"15.2-901","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901","url":"\/15.2-901\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-901\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901","dublin_core":{"Title":"Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-901","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any locality<\/span> may, by ordinance<\/span>, provide that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the governing body<\/span> may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter<\/span>, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other substances that might endanger the health or safety of other residents of such locality<\/span>, or may, whenever the governing body<\/span> deems it necessary, after reasonable notice, have such trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter<\/span>, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other like substances that might endanger the health of other residents of the locality<\/span> removed by its own agents or employees, in which event the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality<\/span> as taxes are collected. For purposes of this section, “clutter<\/span>” includes mechanical equipment, household furniture, containers, and similar items that may be detrimental to the well-being of a community when they are left in public view for an extended period or are allowed to accumulate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter<\/span>, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other debris shall be disposed of in personally owned or privately owned receptacles that are provided for such use and for the use of the persons disposing of such matter or in authorized facilities provided for such purpose and in no other manner not authorized by law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The owners of occupied or vacant developed or undeveloped property therein, including such property upon which buildings or other improvements are located, shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1<\/a>, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body<\/span> shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body<\/span> deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality<\/span>, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality<\/span> as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance<\/span> adopted by any county<\/span> shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town<\/span>. No such ordinance<\/span> adopted by any county<\/span> having a density of population of less than 500 per square mile shall have any force or effect except within the boundaries of platted subdivisions or any other areas zoned for residential, business, commercial, or industrial use. No such ordinance<\/span> shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation. However, in any locality<\/span> located in Planning District 6 or in Planning District 22, no such ordinance<\/span> shall be applicable to land zoned for agricultural use unless such lot is one acre or less in area and used for a residential purpose. In any locality<\/span> within Planning District 23, such ordinance<\/span> may also include provisions for cutting overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The owners of any land, regardless of zoning classification, used for the interment of human remains shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1<\/a>, on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body<\/span> shall prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body<\/span> deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as determined by the locality<\/span>, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth 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 locality<\/span> as taxes are collected. For purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance<\/span> shall be applicable to land owned by an individual, family, property owners’ association as defined in § 55.1-1800<\/a>, or church. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such property shall have been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien<\/span> against such property ranking on a parity with liens<\/span> for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3 (§ 58.1-3940<\/a> et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 58.1. A locality<\/span> may waive<\/span> such liens<\/span> in order<\/span> to facilitate the sale of the property. Such liens<\/span> may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated by blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the owner. All such liens<\/span> shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the property at the time the liens<\/span> were imposed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The governing body<\/span> of any locality<\/span> may by ordinance<\/span> provide that violations of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty<\/span>, not to exceed $50 for the first violation, or violations arising from the same set of operative facts<\/span>. The civil penalty<\/span> for subsequent violations not arising from the same set of operative facts<\/span> within 12 months of the first violation shall not exceed $200. Each business day during which the same violation is found to have existed shall constitute a separate offense<\/span>. In no event shall a series of specified violations arising from the same set of operative facts<\/span> result in civil penalties that exceed a total of $3,000 in a 12-month period or, in the case of property that is zoned or utilized for industrial or commercial purposes, $6,000 in a 12-month period. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Except as provided in this subsection, adoption of an ordinance<\/span> pursuant to subsection C shall be in lieu of criminal penalties and shall preclude prosecution<\/span> of such violation as a misdemeanor<\/span>. The governing body<\/span> of any locality<\/span> may, however, by ordinance<\/span> provide that such violations shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor<\/span> in the event three civil penalties have previously been imposed on the same defendant<\/span> for the same or similar violation, not arising from the same set of operative facts<\/span>, within a 24-month period. Classifying such subsequent violations as criminal offenses<\/span> shall preclude the imposition of civil penalties for the same violation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLOCALITY MAY PROVIDE FOR REMOVAL OR DISPOSAL OF TRASH AND CLUTTER, CUTTING OF\nGRASS, WEEDS, AND RUNNING BAMBOO; PENALTY IN CERTAIN COUNTIES; PENALTY (\u00a7\n15.2-901)\n\nA. Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that:\n\n 1. The owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the\n governing body may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage,\n refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming\n operation, and other substances that might endanger the health or safety of\n other residents of such locality, or may, whenever the governing body deems it\n necessary, after reasonable notice, have such trash, garbage, refuse, litter,\n clutter, except on land zoned for or in active farming operation, and other\n like substances that might endanger the health of other residents of the\n locality removed by its own agents or employees, in which event the cost or\n expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such\n property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For\n purposes of this section, “clutter” includes mechanical equipment,\n household furniture, containers, and similar items that may be detrimental to\n the well-being of a community when they are left in public view for an\n extended period or are allowed to accumulate.\n\n 2. Trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zoned for or in\n active farming operation, and other debris shall be disposed of in personally\n owned or privately owned receptacles that are provided for such use and for\n the use of the persons disposing of such matter or in authorized facilities\n provided for such purpose and in no other manner not authorized by law.\n\n 3. The owners of occupied or vacant developed or undeveloped property therein,\n including such property upon which buildings or other improvements are\n located, shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign growth, including\n running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such property or any part\n thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe, or may,\n whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice as\n determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or other foreign growth\n cut by its agents or employees, in which event the cost and expenses thereof\n shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be\n collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For purposes of this\n provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner of record of the\n subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No such ordinance\n adopted by any county shall have any force and effect within the corporate\n limits of any town. No such ordinance adopted by any county having a density\n of population of less than 500 per square mile shall have any force or effect\n except within the boundaries of platted subdivisions or any other areas zoned\n for residential, business, commercial, or industrial use. No such ordinance\n shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation. However,\n in any locality located in Planning District 6 or in Planning District 22, no\n such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for agricultural use unless\n such lot is one acre or less in area and used for a residential purpose. In\n any locality within Planning District 23, such ordinance may also include\n provisions for cutting overgrown shrubs, trees, and other such vegetation.\n\n 4. The owners of any land, regardless of zoning classification, used for the\n interment of human remains shall cut the grass, weeds, and other foreign\n growth, including running bamboo as defined in § 15.2-901.1, on such\n property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall\n prescribe, or may, whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after\n reasonable notice as determined by the locality, have such grass, weeds, or\n other foreign growth cut by its agents or employees, in which event the cost\n and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such\n property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected. For\n purposes of this provision, one written notice per growing season to the owner\n of record of the subject property shall be considered reasonable notice. No\n such ordinance shall be applicable to land owned by an individual, family,\n property owners’ association as defined in § 55.1-1800, or church.\n\nB. Every charge authorized by this section with which the owner of any such\nproperty shall have been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a\nlien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real\nestate taxes and enforceable in the same manner as provided in Articles 3\n(§ 58.1-3940 et seq.) and 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of\nTitle 58.1. A locality may waive such liens in order to facilitate the sale of\nthe property. Such liens may be waived only as to a purchaser who is unrelated\nby blood or marriage to the owner and who has no business association with the\nowner. All such liens shall remain a personal obligation of the owner of the\nproperty at the time the liens were imposed.\n\nC. The governing body of any locality may by ordinance provide that violations\nof this section shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50 for the\nfirst violation, or violations arising from the same set of operative facts. The\ncivil penalty for subsequent violations not arising from the same set of\noperative facts within 12 months of the first violation shall not exceed $200.\nEach business day during which the same violation is found to have existed shall\nconstitute a separate offense. In no event shall a series of specified\nviolations arising from the same set of operative facts result in civil\npenalties that exceed a total of $3,000 in a 12-month period or, in the case of\nproperty that is zoned or utilized for industrial or commercial purposes, $6,000\nin a 12-month period.\n\nD. Except as provided in this subsection, adoption of an ordinance pursuant to\nsubsection C shall be in lieu of criminal penalties and shall preclude\nprosecution of such violation as a misdemeanor. The governing body of any\nlocality may, however, by ordinance provide that such violations shall be a\nClass 3 misdemeanor in the event three civil penalties have previously been\nimposed on the same defendant for the same or similar violation, not arising\nfrom the same set of operative facts, within a 24-month period. Classifying such\nsubsequent violations as criminal offenses shall preclude the imposition of\ncivil penalties for the same violation.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-14; 1962, cc. 400, 623, \u00a7 15.1-11; 1964, c. 31; 1968,\nc. 423; 1974, c. 655; 1978, c. 533; 1983, cc. 192, 390; 1990, c. 177; 1992, c.\n649; 1994, c. 167; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 174; 2000, c. 740; 2001, c. 750; 2003,\nc. 829; 2006, c. 275; 2009, c. 446; 2010, cc. 161, 403, 641; 2011, cc. 542, 695;\n2012, cc. 311, 403, 430, 431; 2013, cc. 189, 490, 508; 2014, cc. 383, 384, 385;\n2017, cc. 118, 213, 392, 610; 2020, cc. 13, 136, 399, 597; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c.\n125; 2023, c. 724; 2024, c. 731.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}