Fire Regulations in Virginia Beach, VA

If you live in Virginia Beach or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Virginia Beach has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Propane Storage

Virginia Beach requires an annual fire department permit to store or use LP-gas under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, with a fifty-dollar annual fee set in the city's fire code fee schedule.

Key details: Annual permit fee: $50.00. Enforced by: Virginia Beach Fire Marshal. Base code adopted: Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Violation penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor.

Storing or using LP-gas without the required fire department permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 12-49; each ten days a violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Smoke Detectors

Virginia Beach requires smoke detectors in every dwelling, hotel, motel and rooming house, installed to state building code specs, with landlords required to maintain them in common areas and certify them annually to tenants.

Key details: Enforced by: Fire Marshal. Repair deadline: 5 days after written notice. Landlord certification: Written, at move-in and annually. Covers: Dwellings, hotels, rooming houses. Default penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor, up to $2,500.

No specific penalty class is set for this article, so violations fall under the Code's default penalty, § 1-9(b): a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, or both.

Outdoor Burning

Virginia Beach allows open burning only when permitted under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and the fire must be constantly watched until out. The fire chief can shut down an otherwise-lawful burn that creates smoke or nuisance conditions.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 12-4. Monitoring: Must watch fire constantly. Equipment: Extinguishing gear required on-site. City authority: Fire chief can order extinguished. Default penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor, up to $2,500.

No class is specified in § 12-4, so the citywide default in § 1-9 applies: a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,500 in fines, up to 12 months in jail, or both. The fire chief can also order the fire extinguished on the spot.

Fireworks

Consumer fireworks are illegal in Virginia Beach and throughout most of the Commonwealth under Virginia Code Section 27-95 and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Only the limited category of permissible sparkling devices is allowed, and launching, possessing, or selling traditional fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and the potential for jail time.

Key details: Fireworks: Consumer aerial and explosive fireworks illegal citywide. Only permissible sparkling: Only permissible sparkling devices and fountains allowed. Violation is a: Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties: Up to 12 months jail and 2,500 dollar fine. Public displays require: Public displays require a Fire Marshal permit.

This is one of the stricter rules in Virginia Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Virginia Beach allows open burning and backyard bonfires only under the state fire code, requires constant monitoring with extinguishing gear ready, and lets the fire chief order any fire out that becomes a hazard or nuisance.

Key details: Governing law: City Code § 12-4. Monitoring: Must be watched until fully extinguished. Permit fee: $50 per open burning/bonfire event. Enforcement: Fire chief can order it extinguished. Beach fires: Banned outright under § 12-5.

Failing to monitor a fire, keep extinguishing equipment ready, or comply with a fire chief's order to extinguish it is enforced by the fire marshal; an open burning or bonfire permit runs $50 per event site.

Compared to other cities, Virginia Beach takes a harder line on fire pits & backyard fires. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Virginia Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Virginia Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Virginia Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.