Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County has a zoning ordinance to ensure that drivers stopped at an intersection can see traffic coming from the right or left.  Corner yards have an area where the shrubs must be trimmed no taller than 3 1/2 feet tall and tree branches must hang no lower than 10 feet.  The area is a triangle with two 30-foot sides that meet at the corner of the intersection and run along the edge of the property.

If you know of a neighbor who is in violation of this little-known ordinance, please give them several weeks to read this article and to trim their shrubs and tree branches.

If this newsletter doesn't work, call Zoning Enforcement at 324-1300 and file a complaint on behalf of the Westlawn Civic Association.  An inspector will inspect the property and will give the resident a 30-day notice if a violation exists.  If the problems are not fixed in 30 days, the county can take the homeowner to court or fix the problems and bill the homeowner.

If you live in a corner house, you have an extra responsibility to keep the neighborhood safe for you and other drivers.  Don't wait for your neighbors or county inspectors to complain--take care of your shrubs and trees now!