HB617: Grass; authorizes locality to require by ordinance that owners of certain real estate cut.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 15.2-1215 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 15.2-1215. Authority to cut growth of grass or lawn area.
A. The Counties of Arlington,
Augusta, Campbell, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Frederick, Hanover, Henrico, Henry,
Isle of Wight, James City, Prince William, Roanoke, Rockingham, Spotsylvania,
Stafford, Washington, Wise, and York Any locality 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 locality as
taxes and levies are collected. No such ordinance adopted by the a
county shall have any force and or 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.