HB617: Grass; authorizes locality to require by ordinance that owners of certain real estate cut.

HOUSE BILL NO. 617
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 10, 2012
A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-1215 of the Code of Virginia, relating to authority to cut growth of grass or lawn area.
Patron-- LeMunyon

Committee Referral Pending

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.