Code Enforcement - FAQ's : Inspection Services : Arlington, Virginia

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Code Enforcement - FAQ's

Community Code Enforcement responds to thousands of inquiries about possible violations of Arlington County's Zoning Ordinance, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code\Existing Structures/Property Maintenance, Condition of Private Property and Noise Control Ordinance. Inspectors have the authority to enforce these ordinances not only as a result of inquiries, complaints received from residents, or referrals from other County agencies, but also as a result of proactive monitoring of neighborhoods throughout the County. Every neighborhood in the County has an assigned Inspector. To make a complaint, inquiry, or to find out who the Inspector for your neighborhood is, you may contact the Code Enforcement Office at 703 228 3232 or email inquires to the Code Enforcement Office.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions received by Code Enforcement staff:

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.

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.

Does Arlington County regulate where you can operate a business?

YES. The Zoning Ordinance defines what types and where business activities may be conducted.

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.

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.

Can my neighbor direct their gutter downspouts onto my property?