Code Enforcement

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The City of Roanoke strives to create positive customer experiences that meet and exceed our citizens’ expectations. To better achieve this goal, the City has implemented a Citizen Request Management (CRM) System to handle non-Emergency requests for service. 

Use this on-line form to submit your service request or inquiry and it will be routed to the appropriate City department for resolution. If you do not see the request type that you are looking for or need further assistance, please call (540) 853-2000, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or via [email protected].

If this is a time-sensitive issue that may require an immediate response, such as a broken water line, please call the non-Emergency number for the E-911 Communications Center at (540) 853-2411.

Thank You! We look forward to serving you.

The City of Roanoke's weed and trash ordinance establishes a minimum standard for maintenance of parcels by prohibiting the growth of weeds or accumulation of trash:

• Weed or weeds means any plant, grass or other vegetation over ten (10) inches in height growing upon a parcel in the City of Roanoke, including, but not limited to, any sage brush, poison oak, poison ivy, Ailanthus Altissima (commonly called Tree of Heaven or Paradise Tree), ragweed, dandelions, milkweed, Canada thistle, and any other undesirable growth, excluding trees, ornamental shrubbery, vegetable and flower gardens purposefully planted and maintained by the property owner or occupant free of weed hazard or nuisance, cultivated crops, or undisturbed woodland not otherwise in violation.
• Trash means abandoned personal property, garbage, refuse or debris openly lying on any parcel, which might endanger the health of other residents of the city.

Exempt Areas
All parcels located in the city must be maintained, except that in the case of a parcel greater than one acre in area natural vegetation growing more than 50 feet from every property line shall not constitute a public nuisance.

One Notice During Weed Season
During the weed season of April 1 to Nov. 1, if a parcel is cited, that citation is the only warning the owner will receive for that time period. Even if the violation is abated by the owner at the beginning of the season, if maintenance is not kept up the city may send a contractor later in the season to abate a recurring violation without notice. Therefore, it is best to for owners to regularly check their properties to make sure that they are consistently maintained in accordance with the ordinance.

See the full Chapter 33, Article II, of the City Code,  Weed & Trash Ordinance

Roanoke's inoperable motor vehicle ordinance requires that a motor vehicle or trailer located on private property display both a valid license plate and an inspection decal that is not expired by more than 60 days. It must also be in operating condition, capable of being driven.

Vehicles stored within a garage or fully enclosed building, or screened from view by a fence,  are exempt from the ordinance. Vehicles with valid antique tags are exempt from having a Virginia state inspection decal.

See Chapter 20, Article VI, of theCode of the City of Roanoke

The City of Roanoke's rental inspection ordinance sets regulations and designated areas that requires that rental units pass an inspection at least once every four years in order to be rented.

Buildings/units are inspected for compliance with the Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC) requirements.  Upon passing the inspection, the unit is granted a Certificate of Compliance for four years, exempting the unit from a rental inspection during this period.  However, the building must be maintained in accordance with the VMC and may be cited if violations exist.  If the dwelling unit becomes in violation of the VMC during the Certificate Period, the Certificate may be revoked.

See Chapter 7, Article III,  Rental Program Requirements

Rental Inspection Requirements

Rental Inspections are based on the Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC) and are performed by inspectors from the Code Enforcement Department. A quick guidebook, VMC Requirements, to help explain the scope of the inspections.

Rental Inspection Neighborhoods

Belmont
Fallon Park
Forest Hill Avenue Trailer Park
Gainsboro
Gilmer
Harrison
Highland Park
Hurt Park
Kenwood
Loudon
Melrose
Morningside
Mountain View
Orange Avenue, Hanover Avenue, and Staunton Avenue in Washington Park
Tinker Creek Manor Apartments
West side of Lafayette Boulevard in Villa Heights
Westcreek Manor Apartments on Westside Boulevard

Roanoke's property maintenance ordinance adopts the Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC), as the minimum standard with regard to safety, sanitation, security and general maintenance for existing structures. 

See Chapter 7, Article II, of the Code of the City of Roanoke.   The VMC is largely derived from the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) published by the International Code Council (ICC). ICC codes are used in many municipalities throughout the nation and can be found on the ICC website.

Virginia Maintenance Code
For more details of what’s in the Virginia Maintenance Code, the Building Maintenance Requirements Booklet (PDF) is available for your convenience.

The Virginia Maintenance Code is not a detailed code like those used for new construction. It is written in broad language that applies to a wide variety of maintenance issues and unsafe conditions for all types of structures, from houses and outbuildings to commercial buildings.

Common violations cited by inspectors under the Virginia Maintenance Code include: 
A lack of Electricity, water service, or primary heat source
Damaged fixtures and mechanical devices
Damaged/broken windows and screens
Electrical and mechanical hazards
Holes and cracks in walls and other coverings
Inadequate egress
Loose handrails and guardrails
No hot water
Overcrowding
Peeling paint
Roof leakage
Not working or missing smoke detectors
Damaged or torn floor coverings
Unsanitary conditions
Weak structural supports

To determine if your rental property is located in a Rental Inspection District, see this Rental inspection District map or contact Code Enforcement at (540) 853-2344.

 

Roanoke's zoning ordinance establishes regulations that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public. The Zoning Code regulates the use and establishes regulations for development of parcels.

Typical zoning violations are:

• Use not permitted
• Outdoor storage not allowed
• parking of commercial vehicles in residential zoned districts
• construction of fences, pools, and decks without zoning permits

See Chapter 36.2, Article I, of the Code of the City of Roanoke

Roanoke's graffiti ordinance prohibits, on private property, the unauthorized painting or marking of a building or other structure (fences, walls, etc.), without the property owner’s authorization. If the graffiti is not voluntarily removed the graffiti will be abated by the Code Enforcement division.

See Sec.21-25, of the Code of the City of Roanoke