April Showers bring May Flowers and Tall Grass

Spring is officially here and as the temperature gets warmer and the days get longer, Neighborhood Services sees an increase in calls of concern regarding neighborhood properties with tall grass and weeds.

"Tall Grass & Weeds” is defined as grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other foreign growth, other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers and garden vegetables.  Tall weeds detract from the appearance of the neighborhood. 

Neighbors are encouraged to report tall grass/weeds approaching 12 inches in height covering most of the lot. Neighbors have the option of offering to assist their neighbor with their yard, or they can contact Neighborhood Services for enforcement assistance. 

Filing a Weed Complaint

* A resident may report a Tall Grass complaint by using the Complaint Form for Property Code Violations or by calling Neighborhood Services at 703-792-7018.

• A complaint is processed and assigned to an Inspector who will visit the site within 5 business days.  During this visit the Inspector verifies that the grass is over 12 inches and issues a notice to the occupant and/or owner. 
• According to the law, a violator has 14 days from receiving the notice to comply.  The Inspector returns to the site after the compliance date has passed to verify the lawn has been mowed.
• If the occupant still has not complied, the County Contractor will be assigned to cut the grass and a lien will be placed on the property.