Property Code Enforcement

 

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 make sure our communities are well-kept up 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. State law does not permit us to hold your name in confidence for TALL GRASS/WEEDS POPSICLE SIGNS AND GRAFFITI CASES.

'What happens when I report a possible violation?'

When you contact Neighborhood Services Intake Technicians will determine if your issue requires that a Property Code Enforcement (PCE) case be opened or if your issue needs to be referred to another agency. If a case is opened, we require your contact information but will keep it confidential if you wish. Property Code Enforcement cases are assigned to an inspector who will contact you and let you know how to contact them. You will also be given a PCE case number for tracking on the Web. There is an expectation that the inspector make an initial visit to the problem property within five business days. The inspector will let you know what was found and the outcome of the investigation.

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:

  • Inoperable vehicles on private property

  • Commercial vehicles on private property (please call for clarification on this type of violation)

  • Storage of items outside in the public view including under a porch or deck  or inside a carport such as trash containers car parts tools construction materials etc.

  • Dump heap/trash storage

  • Illegal accessory structures

  • Illegal businesses*

  • Over occupancy

  • Graffiti

*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:

  • Unprotected exterior materials
  • Exterior materials in disrepair
  • Plumbing fixtures leaking or nonfunctional
  • Electrical hazards or nonfunctional equipment
  • Mechanical equipment nonfunctional

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.

Spot Blight Program

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.

Illegal Sign Program

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 

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.

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.