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HB 315

Removal of clutter; cutting of grass; agricultural use exemption; Planning District 19.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Otto Wachsmann

HB 315 exempts agricultural properties in Virginia's Planning District 19 from municipal grass-cutting and clutter removal requirements.

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Bill Summary · HB 315

Legislative bill overview

HB 315 proposes exemptions from clutter removal and grass-cutting ordinances for properties engaged in agricultural use within Planning District 19 in Virginia. The bill would allow agricultural operations to maintain their land according to farming practices rather than municipal aesthetic standards.

Why is this important

Local ordinances requiring lawn maintenance and clutter removal can conflict with legitimate agricultural operations, particularly on the urban-rural fringe where Planning District 19 is located. This bill addresses tension between municipal code enforcement and preserving agricultural land use in areas experiencing development pressure.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill may lack precise definitions of what qualifies as "agricultural use," potentially creating disputes over whether hobby farms, hobby livestock, or equipment storage legitimately claim exemptions
  • Municipal authority concerns: Cities and towns may argue that aesthetic and nuisance ordinances protect property values and neighborhood character, and that broad agricultural exemptions undermine code enforcement
  • Implementation challenges: Determining when properties genuinely qualify versus when exemptions are being misused could require administrative resources and create inconsistent enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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