Property Maintenance & Code Enforcement
At the heart of our community lies a commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and vibrant environment for all residents. We believe that every property plays a crucial role in shaping the character and well-being of our city. Every property and individual plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe, healthy, and attractive community.
Common Environmental & Nuisance Violations include:
- Inoperable Vehicles – Vehicles unable to operate on public streets compromise the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and can pose safety concerns
- Overgrown Grass – Weeds and tall grass not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of properties but can also harbor pests and other nuisances.
- Solid Waste – Our city ordinance requires all properties to be free of solid waste, trash, and debris to maintain cleanliness and prevent environmental hazards.
- Unsafe or vacant structures — Vacant buildings must be secured and maintained to prevent them from becoming safety hazards or havens for illegal activities.
- Stagnant water – Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, posing health risks to our community.
We want to assure you that our staff strives to work with property owners in a fair and reasonable manner to address issues when we become aware of them. We understand that sometimes circumstances arise beyond your control, and we’re here to help find solutions that benefit everyone.
List Of Regulations
To read the environmental nuisance ordinance for the City of Buena Vista, click here.
Residential Occupancy – the zoning code regulates the occupancy of dwelling units. In most cases, a house or apartment can be occupied by a“family,” defined as
- An individual; or
- Two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship; or
- Two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship and not more than two (2) persons not related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship; or
- A group of not more than four (4) persons not related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship.
For details, see https://library.municode.com/va/buena_vista/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIILADERE_ART7USRE_S711.00GRHOCOUSPERE.
Rental Inspection Program–Residential rental units (houses and apartments) in certain districts of the City must be inspected to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Compliance is the responsibility of landlords. Property owners should contact Alan McMahan, Property Maintenance Official, to determine whether their unit has an inspection certificate on file or to schedule an inspection. Additional details can be found here [insert link to PDF guide to rental inspection program]