Adopted amendments to Chapter 119 (Grass or Lawn Area) to clarify the following:
- The exceptions to the definition of "grass" or "lawn area" regarding ornamental grasses, ferns, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, flowers or wildflowers are intended to be in cultivated areas.
- Complaints are now being filed with the Code Enforcement Branch of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
- Posting of a Notice of Violation in a conspicuous place upon the land or premises in violation is required.
- Unoccupied properties or properties occupied by one other than the owner must also be served with the Notice of Violation by registered mail.
- The grass or lawn area must be cut within 14 days of receipt of the Notice of Violation, and Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is permitted to proceed with cutting the overgrown grass or lawn area within 14 days unless the party files an appeal.
- The requirement for a separate notice that the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services intends to cut the overgrown grass has been deleted.
- A Notice of Violation and/or the decision to have the overgrown grass cut by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services may be appealed the County Executive.
- The ability to appeal the County Executive's decision to the Board of Supervisors has been deleted.
This amendment became effective at 12:01 a.m., April 29, 2008.
For more information contact Penelope Rood in the Code Enforcement Branch at 703-324-1937, TTY 711, or via e-mail.