Virginia Beach, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State permit required
- VA DWR Category I/II-A/B
- By-right zone
- AG-1 and AG-2 only
- Elsewhere
- Conditional use permit needed
- Max hold time
- 180 days per animal
- Cage coverage cap
- 20% of lot area
Summary
Virginia Beach allows home-based wildlife rehabilitation facilities by right only in AG-1/AG-2 districts; elsewhere a conditional use permit is required, and a state permit is mandatory everywhere.
Each operator shall hold a valid category I or category II A or B wildlife rehabilitation permit from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and a migratory bird wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service if the operator rehabilitates migratory birds.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The City Zoning Ordinance lists home-based wildlife rehabilitation facilities as a by-right use only in the AG-1 and AG-2 Agricultural Districts; in every other zoning district that allows the use at all, it requires a conditional use permit (larger, staffed wildlife rehabilitation centers need a conditional use permit even in AG-1/AG-2). Either way, the operator must hold a current Category I or Category II-A/B wildlife rehabilitation permit from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (plus a federal migratory-bird permit if handling migratory species), transfer any animal not covered by the permit within 24 hours, and never hold an animal past 180 days. Cages may cover no more than 20% of the lot, confinement structures are capped at 8 feet, and only one non-illuminated, 1-square-foot identification sign is allowed.
Violations & Fines
Zoning administrator enforces these as conditional-use-permit conditions; operating without the required state/federal permit, exceeding the 180-day hold limit, or violating cage/setback conditions can trigger CUP revocation and zoning code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a wildlife rescue from my Virginia Beach home?
How long can rescued wildlife stay at the facility?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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