Code Enforcement

The Community Development & Planning Department is responsible for enforcing the Town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, and certain land-based sections of the Town Code.  Specific information about some of the most commonly-reported violations can be found below:

Tall Grass/Weeds

Smithfield Town Code (STC) Section 86-2 states:

It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or occupant, or the agent, representative, or employee of any owner, lessee, or occupant, having control of any parcel of land within the Town, whether developed or undeveloped, or subdivided or not subdivided, to allow, permit, or maintain any growth of weeds, grass, or other natural growth thereon which exceeds an average of fourteen inches (14”) from the general level of the ground.  Bona fide agricultural land, wooded parcels of land, and marshland are exempt from this section.

It is important to note that Town staff welcome the growth of weeds, grass, and other natural growth within the one-hundred foot (100’) Resource Protection Area.

Inoperative Vehicles

STC Section 78-14(a) states:

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, except within a fully-enclosed building or structure, or otherwise shielded or screened from view, on any property zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes, any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, as such are defined as inoperative . . . “Shielded or screened from public view," shall not include the use of a tarp or car cover . . . an "inoperative motor vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle which is not in operating condition; or which for a period of sixty (60) days or longer has been partially or totally disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine, or other essential parts required for the operation of the vehicle, or on which there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a valid inspection decal . . .

For suspected inoperative vehicles located within public rights-of-way, please contact the Police Department at 1-(757)-357-3247.

Boats, Motor Homes, Recreational Vehicles & Trailers

Smithfield Zoning Ordinance Section 2.P.3 states:

In residential districts, no motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers, or boats shall be parked in the right-of-way.  No more than two (2) of any combination of the above-cited vehicles shall be parked on a residential lot.  No parking of any of the above-cited vehicles shall be permitted in a front yard or side yard setback of a residential lot.  No such vehicle shall be used for any form of habitation on a residential lot, and no such vehicle may be connected to a private or public utility.

As a general rule, boats, motor homes, recreational vehicles, and trailers should be kept in rear yards.

File a Complaint

Written complaints can be emailed to Joseph Reish, Planning Technician & Code Enforcement Officer, mailed to the Town of Smithfield, Virginia, PO Box 246, Smithfield, VA 23431, or hand-delivered to Town Hall, 310 Institute St, Smithfield, VA 23430.  Pursuant to Section 2.2-3705.3.8 of the Code of Virginia, the identities of all complainants are exempted from the mandatory disclosure provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

To file verbal complaints, or for general information on code enforcement matters, please contact the Community Development & Planning Department at 1-(757)-365-4200.

For code enforcement matters related to erosion and sediment control measures other than single-family dwellings, wetlands permitting, stormwater management, building codes (to include property maintenance), or land conservation, please contact Isle of Wight County at 1-(757)-365-6211.