Proactive Property Maintenance Helps Keep Our Neighborhoods Vibrant and Beautiful

Ensuring the homes and neighborhoods in Virginia Beach are safe and well-maintained contribute to keeping our community a vibrant and beautiful place in which to live. Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement division maintains the safety and appearance of existing private properties and structures in the city by addressing a variety of property and building maintenance issues, from overgrown grass and weeds to the accumulation of trash and garbage to siding and fences in disrepair. The division also assists Waste Management to make sure waste disposal regulations on private properties are followed properly. 

When these issues are left neglected, it affects the entire community. For example, unkempt lawns and excessive trash are not only unsightly, but they can also serve as an inviting playground for rodents and vermin. Improperly maintained swimming pools can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread disease. 

In 2024, Code Enforcement addressed more than 18,610 total property maintenance violations. Of these, more than 6,600 cases (36%) were for overgrown grass and weeds. Combined, trash, junk and waste management issues accounted for more than 11,000 cases (60%). 

Property Maintenance Tips and Reminders for Spring 

Entering its busiest seasons of spring and summer, Code Enforcement reminds residents to keep these property maintenance tips and requirements in mind: 

Property Maintenance and Lawn Care 

• To help prevent potential infestations, residents are required to keep their yards maintained in accordance with the City code. Grass and weeds taller than 10 inches must be cut, and all trash, junk and debris stored on your property must be properly disposed of using the waste disposal guidelines listed below from Waste Management. 

• Maintain your swimming pools and filtration systems to prevent mosquito infestations during the warmer months. 

• Code Enforcement recommends residents have the health of large trees on their property evaluated by a licensed professional on a regular basis. Proactive and consistent maintenance of trees can help prevent costly work and removal when trees are deemed hazardous. 

For more information about the City's property maintenance code requirements, contact Code Enforcement at 757-385-4421 or visit VirginiaBeach.gov/CodeEnforcement.  

Waste Disposal 

• Curbside collection of yard waste is provided on your normal collection day (enter your address under “Find My Trash Day”). Grass and leaves (no dirt, rocks, mulch or root balls) should be placed at the front curb of the residence in up to 25 clear plastic bags, not more than 25 pounds per bag. Please do not block drainage.  

• Take the Zero Waste Challenge by reducing, repurposing and rethinking your waste. Eliminate yard debris by mulch mowing or starting a backyard compost pile.  

• Limbs up to 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter will be collected in one pile not to exceed 4 by 4 by 4 feet. Collection of this material can be scheduled online. 

• Planning on doing some spring cleaning? Exercise proper waste disposal practices when cleaning out attics, garages and sheds. Regular bagged household trash can be placed in City-provided trash carts. Place containers at the street by 7 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.  

• Recycle Right! Visit VirginiaBeach.gov/Recycling to learn what is acceptable in our City’s recycling program. Recycling carts are serviced every other week on your normal collection day (enter your address under “Find My Trash Day”).  

• Donate before disposing. Charitable organizations throughout the city allow for easy and convenient ways to donate items, such as furniture and household appliances. For collection of items that can't be donated, call, email or visit Waste Management’s website to schedule a bulk item collection for your next scheduled collection day. Place items on the curb, free of obstructions such as overhead wires, cable boxes, tree limbs and vehicles. Unacceptable bulky items include building materials, carpet, doors, cabinets, toilets, sinks, rocks, dirt, concrete, vehicle parts, tires, paint cans, glass, propane tanks, hazardous materials and more. Residents can safely dispose of these items, free of charge, at the Virginia Beach Landfill and Resource Recovery Center located at 1989 Jake Sears Road. 

Never miss a garbage or recycling pick-up again! Visit VB Connect to enter your address and provide your phone number or email to receive weekly text and email alerts. 

For more information on waste disposal regulations and approved recyclable materials, contact Waste Management at 757-385-4650 or visit VirginiaBeach.gov/WasteMgt.