County Codes Enforcement

Code Enforcement works in partnership with citizens to ensure, improve and maintain safe and desirable neighborhoods.

If you believe that there is a violation near your home or business, you can submit a complaint for investigation.

Include the specific location to be investigated (including street address and directions if possible) and your name, address, and phone number(s). All complaints are maintained as anonymous information within the Department and are protected from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. However,  we may be unable to follow up on the complaint if we have questions or can not find the location and you have not submitted your name and contact information with your complaint. You can email this form to kmarshall@iwus.net or submit to the office at 17140 Monument Circle, Suite 101, Isle of Wight VA 23397.

Complaint Form
If you have any questions please email kmarshall@iwus.net or call (office)757-357-5231 or (cell)757-272-9320

Commonly Asked Code Enforcement Questions

•  When is a zoning permit required?

• What is the difference between a zoning permit and a building Permit?

For more specific information, please visit our Permits page, or  email planreview@iwus.net.

• Do I need a permit for a fence/sign/shed/horse barn?

Yes, you need a zoning permit for all of the above.

• My neighbor’s grass is really tall. Don’t they have to cut it?

Yes  they do. Chapter 8, Article II,  Section 8-3.B and C of the County Code requires the landowner to maintain the property and ensure grass, weeds, or other growth does not exceed twelve (12) inches high.

• My neighbor still hasn’t cut their grass/cleaned their junk/moved their car. How long does the enforcement process take?

There is no set time frame.  Each case is different as it depends on factors such as severity of violations, amount of violations, and progress in rectifying each violation.

• My neighbor has junk vehicles sitting in their yard. Don’t they have to move them?

Yes, Chapter 11,  Article I, Section 11-2.A of the County Code states that vehicles that are inoperable or vehicles which are not economically practical to operate must be in a fully enclosed structure.

• My neighbor has trash/litter/scrap metal/junk in their yard. Don’t they have to clean it up?

Yes, Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8-3.A of the County Code states that the owner, agent, or lessee of the property is responsible for removing trash garbage, and other refuse from the property. Bona fide agricultural uses are exempt.

• My neighbor built their shed/barn/garage right on the property line. Are they allowed to do that?

No, your neighbor must obtain a zoning permit through our office prior to the erection of any shed, barn, or garage.  The permit issued will state the approved setbacks for the structure.