Virginia Beach Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Virginia Beach, VA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
459,470
Total Zone Types
30
Planning Department
Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
City of Virginia Beach (independent city)
Metro Area
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News
Virginia Beach Zoning System
The Virginia Beach zoning system includes 30 total zone classifications: 13 residential zones (R-40, R-30, R-20, R-15, R-10, and others) and 8 commercial zones (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (B-4, RT-3) and 2 industrial zones (I-1, I-2). Virginia Beach's zoning is governed by the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 11 of the Virginia Beach City Code, administered by the Department of Planning and Community Development. Virginia Beach is the largest independent city in Virginia and the most populous city in the state. Its unique geography includes suburban inland areas, the Oceanfront Resort District, the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, the Back Bay wildlife refuge, and Green Line development restrictions separating urban from rural areas. Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291 mandates accessory apartment allowance. Resort zone STR regulations are notably different from residential areas, reflecting the Oceanfront's tourism economy. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Virginia Beach Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Virginia Beach Building Department (Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development — Permits and Inspections) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (757) 385-4211 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development at (757) 385-4621. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development — Permits and Inspections
(757) 385-4211
Visit WebsitePlanning Department
Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development
(757) 385-4621
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my Virginia Beach home on Airbnb or VRBO?
It depends on location. In the Oceanfront Resort Tourist (RT) zones, short-term rentals are permitted by right — a significant advantage for Oceanfront property owners. In residential zones inland, short-term rentals require a conditional use permit. All STR operators must register with the city ($250/year) and collect Virginia's 7% Transient Occupancy Tax plus any local Virginia Beach TOT. STR platforms handle tax collection automatically.
What is the Green Line and how does it affect my property?
The Green Line is a boundary established in Virginia Beach's Comprehensive Plan separating the urban service area (northern portion of the city) from the rural and agricultural southern portion. Properties north of the Green Line have full urban services (water, sewer, urban zoning). Properties south of the Green Line are in agricultural zones (AG-1, AG-2) with rural character. Development standards are significantly different in the two areas.
Does my Virginia Beach property have flood risk?
Many Virginia Beach properties, especially near the oceanfront, bay, or in low-lying areas, are in FEMA-designated flood zones. The city sits near sea level and faces tidal flooding, hurricane surge, and increasingly frequent nuisance flooding. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center with your address. Properties in Zones AE or VE require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages. Virginia Beach's Flood Zone rules may require elevation certificates and floodproofing for new construction.
Can I build an accessory apartment (ADU) in Virginia Beach?
Yes — Virginia state law requires Virginia Beach to allow accessory apartments in residential zones. You'll need a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission and a building permit. The unit can be up to 1,200 sqft. Owner-occupancy of either unit is required. ADUs are a popular option in Virginia Beach given the area's strong rental market, particularly near the Oceanfront.
What permits are needed for coastal/oceanfront construction in Virginia Beach?
Oceanfront and bay-front construction in Virginia Beach has additional requirements beyond standard permits. These include compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Resource Protection Areas, 100-ft buffers), FEMA flood zone requirements (elevation certificates, flood-resistant construction), coastal construction zone standards (wind-rated materials, ASCE 7 coastal category), and Virginia Beach's Shoreline Management Plan.
How do I look up the zoning of a property in Virginia Beach?
Use Virginia Beach's online zoning lookup tool at vbgov.com/planning. You can search by address to find the zoning designation, overlay districts, and applicable development standards. The Planning Department at (757) 385-4621 can also assist with zoning questions. Virginia Beach's interactive zoning map shows all zones including the Oceanfront Resort District, agricultural southern areas, and development corridors.
Source: Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 11 — Zoning Ordinance; Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source