Bill Text: VA HB158 | 2016 | Regular Session | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Grass cutting; Caroline County may apply its ordinance to portions of agricultural land.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2016-03-03 - Defeated by Senate (18-Y 22-N) [HB158 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-HB158-Engrossed.html

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16100542D
HOUSE BILL NO. 158 House Amendments in [ ] -- February 2, 2016 A BILL to amend and reenact §15.2-1215 of the Code of Virginia, relating to grass cutting in certain counties. ---------- Patron Prior to Engrossment--Delegate Orrock ---------- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §15.2-1215 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§15.2-1215. Authority to cut growth of grass or lawn area in counties.

A. Any county may by ordinance require that the owner of occupied residential real property therein cut the grass or lawn area of less than one-half acre on such property or any part thereof at such time or times as the governing body shall prescribe when growth on such grass or lawn area exceeds 12 inches in height; or may whenever the governing body deems it necessary, after reasonable notice, have such grass or lawn area cut by its agents or employees, in which event, the cost and expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of such property and may be collected by the county as taxes and levies are collected. No such ordinance adopted by the county shall have any force and effect within the corporate limits of any town. Violation of such ordinance may be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $100.

B. No such ordinance shall be applicable to land zoned for or in active farming operation.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, such ordinance may be applicable in Caroline County to land zoned for [ or in active farming operation agricultural use ] on those portions of such land that are assessed by the county for residential [ and commercial ] purposes.

[ 2. That if Caroline County has not enacted an ordinance pursuant to this act by July 1, 2019, the provisions of this act shall expire. ]