Property Maintenance Code

The property maintenance code is a part of the International Code Council. The International Property Maintenance Code 2009 applies to all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitutes minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing structures and premises, and for administration, enforcement and penalties.

Who enforces the existing Building Maintenance Code in the City of Chesapeake?

The Department of Development & Permits, Code Compliance enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) maintenance provisions that apply to existing dwellings and other buildings and structures. The VUSBC is enforced through complaint responses, inspectors patrolling and through systematic exterior neighborhood inspections.

Common Violations of the Code

Exterior Violations:

• Paint peeling and flaking paint
• Loose and missing roof shingles
• Missing or deteriorated siding
• Sheds of fences in disrepairs
• Gutters rusted or hanging loose
• Vacant, open buildings
• Street number not displayed

Interior Violations:

• Gas appliance red tagged by Virginia Natural Gas (VNG)
• Plumbing leaks
• Electrical system hazards
• Inoperative heating systems
• Damage from leaking roofs
• Pest infestation
• Smoke detector missing or inoperative

Whenever the property is determined that there has been a violation of the code or has grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, notice of violation will be served to the occupant or the property owner to correct violations. The compliance of code violations must be completed within thirty-day time period. It is unlawful for the owner who has received a compliance order or upon whom a notice of violation has been served to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of the dwelling unit or structure to another until the provisions of the compliance order or notice of violation have been complied.

What should I do if I can't complete correcting code violation to meet the deadline?

You may request an extension. A written request of extension can be submitted with the following information:

• Property Address of Violations
• Brief explanation of extension request
• A reasonable estimated completion date

Send a written request of extension to:

Development & Permits
Code Compliance Division
P.O. Box 15225
Chesapeake, VA 23328

What is an Unsafe Building?

An unsafe building is a structure, or part of a structure, or a premises that is a danger to public safety because of the following reasons:

• Open
• Dilapidated
• Vacant

Open, vacant buildings are required to be secured. Failure to comply may result in the building being secured by the City. If necessary to protect public, unsafe building may be demolished by the City at property owner's expense.

Any questions regarding the property maintenance code compliant and complaint, please call 757-382-6378 or email to: develop-permits@cityofchesapeake.net.