Common Town Ordinance Violations

Inoperable Motor Vehicles: Town Code Section 34-1

An inoperable motor vehicle is any motor vehicle which is not in operating condition; or which, for a period of 60 days or longer, has been partially or totally disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels; the engine or other essential parts required for the operation of the vehicle; or on which there are no valid license plates or a valid inspection decal displayed.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, except within a fully enclosed building or structure or otherwise shielded or screened from view, on any property within the corporate limits of the town any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, as such are defined in Code of Virginia, § 46.2-100, which is inoperable.

One such vehicle may be kept outside a fully enclosed building or structure, provided that it is shielded or screened from view.

A non-rigid cover, specifically designed for use as a car cover and is designed for use on the specific model of the vehicle being covered is permitted.

Tall Grass and/or Weeds: Town Code Section 24-65

When grass and/or weeds have grown in excess of 12 inches in height, then the property is in violation of Town Code, which includes uncultivated grass or weeds of any kind, poison ivy, poison oak and honeysuckle.

It shall be unlawful for any person responsible for real property which consists of unimproved or vacant land located within the corporate limits of the town to permit tall grass or tall weeds to grow thereon within a distance of 300 feet of a public street, a residence or commercial property which are located within the town.

This provision shall not apply to property in the A Agricultural Zoning District and in active use for agricultural operations, property owned or controlled by the town, or any local, state or federally recognized conservation area.

Junk and/or Debris: Town Code Section 24-65

Junk and/or debris is defined as cuttings of weeds, trees or bushes; garbage; trash; junk; refuse; litter; discarded motor vehicles or parts thereof, or any other material which may endanger the health and/or safety of the residents of the town and/or which may provide harborage for snakes, rats or mosquitoes; as well as anything or any condition which may be a fire menace; breeding place for rats and mosquitoes; or which gives off obnoxious or offensive odors.

It shall be unlawful for any person who is the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or person responsible for any lot, parcel of land or other premises within the town to permit accumulation of tall grass and tall weeds, or to permit stagnant water, filth, trash, old tires and debris; or to permit the growing or accumulation of cuttings of tall grass or tall weeds on such premises within the town; or to permit unsightly accumulation of trash or rubbish on such premises.

Unsafe Buildings and Structures: Town Code Section 10-54

An unsafe building or structure is classified as an existing structure (i) determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public; (ii) that contains unsafe equipment; or (iii) that is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that partial or complete collapse is likely. A vacant existing structure unsecured or open shall be deemed to be an unsafe structure.

A structure unfit for human occupancy is categorized as an existing structure determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public because (i) of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment, or (ii) the required plumbing and sanitary facilities are inoperable.

The town, its officials, agents or employees may proceed to compel the razing or repair of all unsafe, dangerous or insanitary public or private buildings, walls or structures which constitute a menace to the health and safety of the occupants thereof or the public.