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TextNeighbor’s Tall Grass Got You Down? Here’s What To Do
In Virginia, each season brings its own pleasures and problems. Snow is
beautiful; too much snow causes problems. Too much rain in the spring
causes problems, not enough rain causes different problems. We have
reached the time of the year when too much grass causes problems. Grass,
when left to grow too tall, can harbor living creatures that we would
rather not have to deal with. It can cause visibility issues along
roadways, and in our neighborhoods, it can just be unsightly.
Section 119-3 of the county code establishes the guidelines for
regulations and procedures for grass and lawn care in residential areas.
It is unlawful for any owner of any occupied residential lot or parcel
which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) to permit the
growth of any grass or lawn area to reach more than twelve (12) inches in
height/length.
If a residence in your community is out of compliance, we encourage you
to discuss the situation with your neighbor. They may have an issue that
prevents them from mowing, but are unwilling or afraid to ask for help.
If, on the other hand, the property is vacant or the resident doesn’t
seem to care, you can report the property to the county.
The county has a website that you can access yourself to make the report
at
http://fido.fairfaxcounty.gov/DP1/Metroplex/Fairfaxcounty/customerservice/wiz_csr.asp.
If you do not have computer access, please call our office at
703-425-9300, and we will report it for you. Please Note: The grass
ordinance does not apply to residential lots over 1/2 acre (21,780 square
feet). It also takes up to 30 days or more before the grass can be cut by
the County on properties in violation of the ordinance. This is because
property owners must be given legal notice before the county can take
action.
Well kept yards give our neighborhoods a look that says we care
about our homes and our neighbors. It keeps down the number of unwanted
bugs and critters. It helps us to maintain property values when those
values have dropped. And it just looks nice.
Submit complaints about grass along roads or in medians to the Virginia
Department of Transportation. They are responsible for cutting the grass
along roads. They, too, have a website where you can submit a complaint
directly, or you can call our office. That website is:
http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp.
VDOT Looking For A Few Good Lawnmowers
Due to budget reductions, nearly half of VDOT’s annual mowing budget was eliminated. Consequently, the commonwealth’s transportation department will cut grass along most secondary roads no more than twice. To supplement the reduced state service, VDOT is looking for volunteers by expanding its Adopt-A-Highway effort to include a grass-cutting program. Those looking to get involved must first get a permit through VDOT, which can be found here: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/volunteer_mowing.asp.
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