Neighborhood Services Department - Neighborhood Inspections

Property Maintenance Code

The property maintenance code is a part of the International Code Council. The International Property Maintenance Code 2000 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 Neighborhood Services, Neighborhood Inspections Division enforces the City Code, the Virginia Statewide Building Code and the International Code Council Property Maintenance 2000 to ensure that existing structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use.

Violation of the Code

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 for a designated time period. Penalties for noncompliance with orders and notices will be as described in the PM Section 106.4 "Any person who shall violate a provision of this code, or fail to comply therewith, or with any of the requirement thereof, shall be prosecuted within the limits provided by state or local laws. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense."

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.

Any questions regarding the property maintenance code compliant and complaint, please call (757) 372-6378 or email to: neighborserv@cityofchesapeake.net.