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Property Code Enforcement Helps Keep Prince William County Looking its Best Neighborhood Services assists all citizens in an effort to improve quality of life in the County. Property Code Enforcement, a branch of the Neighborhood Services Division, helps to prevent deterioration in our neighborhoods by enforcing the following:
What about the Sense of Neighborhood? What options are open to citizens who notice possible violations in the neighborhoods? Certainly, a complaint can be lodged, and instructions follow. But consider this - when a resident is told that a neighbor has complained about his or her property, any sense of neighborhood feeling begins to unravel. Distrust and suspicion make living in the neighborhood much more uncomfortable, and are harder to undo than temporarily hurt feelings that result from talking directly to the neighbor. Consider taking advantage of the advice in a Neighborhood Services publication, "Approaching Neighbors on Difficult Topics." If talking to your neighbor seems unwise, then citizens may report a concern or possible violation by phone at 703-792-7018, or use the online Complaint Form for Property Violations. Please provide as much information as possible. Enforcement of the PWC Zoning Ordinance Property Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing the Zoning Ordinances of the Prince William County Code. The goal of this program is to ensure properties in Prince William County are maintained and used in accordance with the County's land use requirements. The most common issues which may result in violations are:
*Illegal businesses are those that change the nature of the residential neighborhood. When a business is given zoning approval, there may be further restrictions put on customers coming to the home, number of deliveries per day, storage of items outside the home and more. Please note two things: 1) Inoperable vehicles on the public streets should be reported to the Prince William County Police non-emergency number at 703-792-6500. 2) Neighborhood Services does not issue any zoning permits or approvals. Permits and approvals are issued by Zoning Administration within the Planning Office. Enforcement of the Building Maintenance Code Property Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) as it relates to existing structures. Our goal is to ensure all existing structures are in a structurally sound and safe condition. Common violations are:
Neighborhood Services does not issue any building permits. Permits are issued by the Building Development Division (703-792-6930), which has responsibility for all new construction. Property Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing the Spot Blight Ordinance where unsafe or rundown structures are identified for abatement. The Virginia Code definition of a "blighted property" includes terms that describe a structure as one that endangers the public's health, safety or welfare due to dilapidation, deterioration or violation of minimum health and safety standards. Due process in these cases takes a significant amount of time, but is an effort in which Neighborhood Services invests to prevent deterioration in our neighborhoods. Frequently called "Popsicle" signs, these are the temporary advertising signs on wire or stick-style wood posts. This program governs this type of illegal, temporary advertising signs placed close to a public roadway without a VDOT permit. Regular enforcement sweeps by Property Code Enforcement are conducted throughout the County, and signs are removed by Neighborhood Services' Litter Control Crews. Fines up to $100 may be imposed for each sign in violation. Weeds and Tall Grass - is it 12" Tall? Tall grass and weeds are unsightly, can lead to rodent populations and reflect that the property isn't cared for - a potential invitation to crime. Owners of residential property of less than two acres must keep grass and weeds cut to a maximum height of 12 inches. Property owners who do not comply may have their property mowed at the expense of the owner. Further details can be found at the page concerned with tall grass and weeds. Other Assistance Other agencies may be able to help with issues or concerns not enforced by Neighborhood Services. Contact the following organizations for the listed concerns.
For more information about Neighborhood Services Division, click here. |
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