Resident Responsibilities

The City of Fredericksburg has ordinances intended to protect the rights and privileges of all residents of Fredericksburg. In neighborhoods made up of young adults, families, and senior citizens, the observance of these laws is key to creating harmony among residents. The Fredericksburg Police Department and Code Enforcement Officers will frequently patrol and strictly enforce City ordinances. Individuals violating the laws regarding parking, alcohol consumption, disorderly conduct, noise, litter/trash, pets, and occupancy limitations, or who otherwise create a public nuisance, are subject to prosecution.

Rights and Responsibilities

As a resident, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Every dwelling in Fredericksburg must meet the minimum housing code. The place where you live should be weather tight, watertight, and rodent proof. If you have concerns about the physical condition of your rented home, the Building Services Division can help you. As a Fredericksburg resident, you are expected to help maintain the appearance of your neighborhood. The City of Fredericksburg provides a variety of municipal services to all residents of Fredericksburg. When you have a question or a concern, give us a call at 540-372-1080. We are here to serve you!

City Decal/Parking Permit information

No decal is required for residential parking within the City of Fredericksburg. A decal will still be available to residents who wish to have the city identification on their cars, and for residents needing to park in areas during restricted hours as indicated by signs stating "No Parking 5:00 am to 8:00 am except residents". City residents desiring to use the city-only VRE parking lot MUST display the City decal, and others may wish to keep the decal for easier access to the Belman Road recycling center.

Parking Enforcement & Parking Permits

Litter/Trash

The City of Fredericksburg provides optional residential trash and recycling collection for a fee. Residents can sign up with the Utility Billing Department for these services. If you live in an apartment complex, commercial dumpster service must be provided by the landlord. It is illegal to throw or deposit any type of litter or household trash upon any street or sidewalk, or upon any private property. Handbills, flyers or signs posted on poles and trees in the public right of way are a form of litter. They can result in a minimum $50 fine issued by the Zoning Department.

Pets

Fredericksburg has a "leash law" that prohibits owners from letting their dogs run free at any time, outside of the Dog Park. Owners are required to keep dogs under control when walking and to have pets inoculated. Dogs must also have a license, issued annually for $5.00. They go on sale November 1st at the Treasurer's Office. It is wise to consider the responsibility in having a pet. Please understand the cost and care involved BEFORE you adopt an animal. Consider and plan appropriately what you will do with a pet if you cannot take it with you when you move.

Noise

Fredericksburg has a noise ordinance that applies to all areas of the city. It applies to the sound generated within an apartment or single property, as well as to amplified stereo sound in automobiles. It applies to indoor and outdoor sound. It also applies to animals that, by habitually howling, barking, or crying, disturb nearby residents. Anyone who wants to exceed the allowed decibel level must apply for a permit. The use of outdoor sound amplifying equipment requires a separate "Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit" issued by the Fredericksburg Police Department. Violation of the City of Fredericksburg Noise Ordinance will result in a Class 3 Misdemeanor.

Alcohol

Violation of laws that address underage alcohol purchase, consumption, and sales will result in a criminal penalty. It is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to or purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. It is illegal to provide a fake ID to someone under 21 in order to purchase alcohol or gain admittance to a private club. It is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit. If you are going to have a party in which alcohol is served, YOU will be responsible for the actions and safety of your guests. It is illegal for any person to be intoxicated and disruptive in public.

Roommates

The zoning office uses the zoning ordinance definition of a family to determine occupancy of a dwelling unit. According to the City Code, Chapter 78, Definitions, a family means "one person or two or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, with no more than two boarders, or a group of not more than three unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit." For more information on this, please see the Planning & Community Development Department's flyer on Residential Occupancy (PDF).

Pay your taxes

Pay your Bills Online! Pay your water bills or parking tickets online at our eServices.

Landlord

Any person renting real property in the City is required to obtain a City of Fredericksburg Landlord License (Business License) from the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office. Please see the Fredericksburg City Code, Section 70-363, for more details or contact the Real Estate division at 540-372-1207.

Sidewalks

Residents and business owners are required to clear snow/ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. Anyone with brick sidewalks adjacent to their property should avoid using salt (Sodium Chloride) on snow/ice. Salt will damage brick sidewalks and also cause staining of the red bricks. Please use sand or Magnesium Chloride.

When clearing sidewalks and driveways, please do not throw snow into public streets or alleys. Snow should be thrown into yards or piled around the base of trees where possible. Depositing snow on roadways is a safety hazard and is not permitted. When shoveling driveways, piling snow to the right of your driveway when facing the street will help prevent snow plows from re-depositing the snow across the entrance to your driveway as it passes by. In periods of snowy/icy weather, please be aware our crews may not be able to collect trash/recycling from an area other than the curb...particularly if the pathways to the trash location are not clear of snow/ice. The purpose of this policy is to prevent injury to City crews and protect property owners from potential liability associated with an employee falling or otherwise being injured on private property.