This section of the County Code also requires that all garbage, trash, refuse and litter be placed in watertight containers and kept covered until it is disposed of in a landfill or removed from the premises by trash or garbage collectors. Section PM-306.1 of the Virginia Building Maintenance Code also prohibits accumulations of garbage or rubbish inside buildings or structures. A Community Maintenance Inspector will respond to a reported violation within three days. The inspectors make every effort to contact the property owner by leaving business cards, brochures and notices at the dwelling and following up by mail. Owners are normally given five to seven calendar days to comply.
Voluntary compliance is a goal on the County's program.
If compliance is not obtained, the County may respond by hiring a contractor to remove garbage, litter, trash and debris and billing the costs of doing so to the property owner. Any unpaid bill will be assessed as a lien against the property and shown on the property tax bill. Section 10-103 specifies that vehicles used to transport litter, trash or debris must be constructed, maintained and loadded to prevent littering. Any chartered neighborhood association, civic association or neighborhood watch can organize a Saturday cleanup through the Keep Henrico Beautiful office. Because We Care provides an opportunity for County residents, scout troops, school groups, church groups, civic groups and businesses to adopt an area of the County that they agree to keep clean and maintain.