Department of Permits & Inspections
Weeds/Tall Grass

If you have questions or wish to complain about a specific property
please contact staff at (757) 393-8522 or fax(757) 393-5108

Chapter 23 of the City Code requires the property owner to cut the weeds and grass on his/her property.    This is to include the area between the sidewalk and the street and the ditches.  The city code states it to be unlawful and constitutes a nuisance for the owner or occupant to permit weeds to grow to a height exceeding ten (10) inches.   If the owner fails to cut the grass after a violation notice is sent, then the inspector can use the services of one of several contractors on the City's bid list to cut the grass.  All charges are then billed back to the owner in the form of a lien against the property.  In addition to the actual charge of cutting the weeds and grass an administrative fee of $150.00 will be added to the bill.  Only one notice per calendar year will be issued.  After a notice is issued if at any time the grass is discovered to be over 10 inches the city will contract the grass to be cut be a private contractor.