TABLE OF CONTENTS

• MISSION
• CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS
• AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS
  • Notices of Violation
  • Emergency and Corrective Action
• HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

MISSION

The mission of the Arlington County Code Enforcement Division is to protect all citizens and visitor’s health and safety. We also assist in the support of vibrant, economically strong neighborhoods and communities through education and enforcement of Virginia Statewide Building Codes and other applicable local codes and ordinances.

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THE CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS        

The Code Enforcement process begins with an inspection of the property including, but not limited to:

• General Exterior- (Broken windows; peeling paint; defective gutters)
• General Interior- (Peeling paint; defective handrails (stair elements))
• Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations- (Defective windows; defective exhaust fans)
• Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements- (Supply & volume of water; adequacy of fixtures)
• Mechanical and Electrical Requirements- (Defective electrical system/defective heating; defective receptacle(s))
• Fire Safety Requirements- (Defective/missing smoke detectors; Egress (walking room)

Owners whose properties are in violation will receive notices of violation specific to the type of violation found. The notice will allow a specified period of time to correct violations; in some cases, repairs may require a building permit.

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AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS       

In accordance with the Virginia Maintenance Code of the Code of Virginia, the Department of Code Enforcement may inspect and enforce the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code for existing buildings and structures whether occupied or not.

If the department receives a complaint that a violation of this code exists that is an immediate and imminent threat to the health or safety of the owner or tenant of a residential dwelling unit, and the owner or tenant of the residential dwelling unit has refused to allow the code official or his agent(s) to have access to the subject dwelling, the code official or his agent(s) may present an inspection warrant granted by the court to enter a dwelling for the purpose of determining whether violations of this code exists.

Notices of Violation:

Any violation of the Arlington County Code Chapter 10 Article II requires Code Enforcement to notify the owner of the violation and order that corrective action be taken. The notice must:

• be in writing;
• describe the corrective action that needs to be taken;
• provide reasonable time for performance of action;
• be served on or mailed to the owner/agent; or
• be posted on or near the property affected by the notice.

Emergency and Corrective Actions

The Code Enforcement Staff investigates emergency complaints that present a threat to the health and welfare of the community within 24 hours. If it’s determined that a violation exists resulting in the serious and imminent threat to the life and safety of the occupants of a dwelling, the staff may order the owner to take immediate action to correct the condition.

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HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT        

So here’s how you can help us help you……

To make a complaint please call (703) 228-3232 between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday or email us. All complaints will be taken and addressed by one of our administrative staff personnel. You can also file a complaint on-line by clicking our Investigation Request Form   and the request will be sent to our staff in a timely manner.

You can help in our investigation of your concern by:

• Reporting to staff the correct address where the problem is located. Having the exact address is very critical and most helpful to inspectors when investigating the complaint.
• Clearly state the problem as it deals with Code Enforcement. Remember, we cannot see the problem you see while on the phone. Give specific details and problems as it relates to the nature of your call.
• Our administrative staff will initiate a case and assign it to the district inspector for that area. We will service that case in 3-5 business days.

Sometimes other agencies or departments are responsible for investigating your complaint. We will advise you of that department’s phone number and contact name if possible and you can speak directly with that agency.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Does Arlington County allow junk cars to be stored openly in residential districts?
   • NO. Inoperative or junk vehicles may only be stored inside of a fully enclosed building.
2. Can old furniture, appliances, tires or building materials be stored on private property?
   • These types of items may be stored on private property if they are inside an enclosed building. To discard these and other miscellaneous items, contact the Department of Environmental Services (703 228 6570) to get details to arrange for a special trash collection. Not all items may be collected by the County and some may have a fee for collection.

3. Does Arlington County allow sidewalks and roadways to be obstructed with low branches, shrubs and other foliage from private property?
   • NO. Any type of foliage on private property should be kept within the property line and sidewalks and roadways should be kept free of foliage from the ground surface and upward 10 (ten) feet.

4. What time can construction work begin?
   • Construction activities can begin at any time; however, there are noise limits by time of day for construction. The normal noise decibel level can be exceeded from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays. This would include the use of power equipment and other activities.

5. How tall can my grass be?
   • Arlington County ordinance states that grass/weeds can be no taller than twelve (12) inches in height in the front, sides and rear of the property.

6. What happens if I do not comply?
   • Code Enforcement Officers in Arlington County have the authority to summons a owner(s) to General District Court, write citations or have the property cleaned by an outside contractor. Fines in court can be as high as \o,500.00. Additional cost will be assessed depending on the nature of the violation.

7. Where can I find the County’s Codes and Ordinances?
   • The Arlington County Codes and Ordinances can be located at www.arlingtonva.us. This website allows you to perform a search and review all the local ordinances and codes.
8.  What do I do if I’ve received a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?
   • If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Arlington County’s Code, please contact the Inspector assigned to your case. The inspector’s name is listed at the bottom of the notice you received. You can also call our main number at (703) 228-3232 and ask to speak to the Code Enforcement Inspector for your area.

The goal of Code Enforcement is to preserve the quality and value of public and private property, and maintain a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety, and general welfare of the public. The department recognizes that this goal is most effectively achieved through the education of, and cooperation with, the citizens of Arlington County.

REFERRALS FOR ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT

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