The Division of Community Maintenance is responsible for enforcing the zoning ordinance and other code sections that relate to the condition and maintenance of privately owned residential and commercial properties. Our Code Inspectors are highly trained and dedicated professionals who proactively inspect Henrico’s neighborhoods and respond to resident complaints. We work cooperatively with residents through education, volunteer assistance, and communication to gain voluntary compliance with county codes to promote a healthier and safer environment.
Common Violations
Grass and Weeds
- Henrico County Code defines weeds as: “Any grass, weeds, bushes, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other vegetable growth other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers, and garden vegetables.” The County Code restricts weed growth to 12 inches in height on both developed and undeveloped properties. On both developed and undeveloped property, whether vacant or occupied, residential or commercial, weeds and grass must be cut within 150 feet of any adjacent property and public streets.
Inoperable Motor Vehicles
- An inoperable vehicle, as defined by Henrico County Code, is any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is not in operating condition, or does not display valid license plates, or does not display an inspection decal that is valid or displays an inspection decal that has been expired for more than 60 days. One inoperable vehicle may be kept outside a fully enclosed building or structure if it is shielded from view (must not be visible to someone standing at ground level outside of the property). Covering an inoperable motor vehicle does not meet the requirements of the ordinance.
Outside Storage
- In all residential or agricultural districts, household appliances or furniture manufactured and sold for indoor use may not be placed in yards. In addition, building materials may not be stored outside a fully enclosed building unless the materials are being used on the lot for agricultural operations or substantial and continuing construction activities.
Pets and Poultry
- By law, Henrico County allows only four adult pets per residence. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) may be obtained to allow a private kennel in residential districts. A private kennel is defined as premises used by the property’s occupants for the care of four or more dogs, cats, pets, fowl, or domestic animals that are at least four months old for non-commercial purposes. Up to six hens are permitted on private property within the county when an approved CUP is in place. However, roosters are prohibited. For more information on conditional use permits, contact the Planning and Zoning office at 804-501-4602.
Trailers
- In any district used for residential purposes, except RTH, a limited combination of trailer types and quantities may be parked or stored on the same lot with the principal use, provided it shall not be occupied for living or business purposes. No more than two recreational vehicles (RVs), boat trailers, travel trailers, or utility trailers may be stored on any residential lot. Boat, travel, cargo, or utility trailers must not be stored in the front yard, street-side yard, or in any public right-of-way. RVs must not be parked in the right-of-way. Any RV or travel trailer on a residential lot must not be occupied and must not be connected to any utility service, the ground, or other structure in any manner that would prevent its ready removal. Any boat stored outside on a residential lot must be stored on a trailer at all times.
Trash and Debris
- Property owners may not store or accumulate trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter (including mechanical equipment, household furniture, containers, and similar items), and other substances that might endanger the health and safety of other residents. This also includes yard debris (i.e., tree limbs, stumps, etc.). All garbage, trash, refuse, and litter must be placed in watertight containers and kept covered until it is disposed of in a landfill or removed by trash or garbage collectors.
Trucks & Commercial Trailers
- No area in any agricultural or residential district, except on a farm, shall be used for parking any truck or commercial vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds gross weight, any commercial trailer, or any wrecker, except while loading, unloading, or working at or near the location where it is parked.
Help Us Keep Henrico Beautiful!
If you are aware of a property in Henrico County that may be in violation of the County Code, please contact us. You may report a problem by phone at 804-501-7631 or online at https://henrico.gov/services/file-a-zoning-ordinance-complaint/. While you will be required to give your name and phone number, your personal information will always be kept confidential and will not be released under any circumstances.
Community Cleanup Program
The Community Cleanup Program is a courtesy curbside bulk waste pickup service assisting qualifying neighborhoods in Henrico.
Assistance Program
The Assistance Program is a needs-based service that provides limited support to low income residents (earning less than 80% of the area median income), who are over 62 years of age, or are permanently disabled homeowners needing help to resolve a zoning or environmental code violation. The program is designed to address minor property maintenance issues such as trimming shrubbery, hedges, and overgrowth, disposing of trash and debris, and lawn maintenance. Please note that this service does not provide any plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or structural repairs. All work is done within the property’s front, rear, and side yards.
Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements and be able to document a physical or financial hardship. For more information regarding how to apply, please call (804) 501-7632 or (804) 501-7628.
Calling all Volunteers!
Are you interested in giving back to your community? If so, please consider signing up to volunteer to assist neighbors in need. You will be asked to perform light tasks such as:
- Yard Maintenance – Grass cutting and/or trimming of shrubbery or hedges.
- Removal of trash or yard debris from the property.
Scheduling is based on the availability of projects and volunteers.
Most of the materials for these projects will be provided. Volunteers are asked to dress appropriately for exterior yard work and bring their own personal protective equipment (e.g., face mask, and/or safety vest).
If you or your group is interested in volunteering, please contact:
| Aubrey Cox Revitalization Specialist I (804) 501-7628 [email protected] |
Cole Rainey Revitalization Specialist (804) 501-7632 [email protected]
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