Landscaping Rules in Virginia Beach, VA

If you live in Virginia Beach or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Virginia Beach has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Trimming

Cutting, trimming or spraying trees or shrubs on, under or over a city street requires a permit, and vegetation blocking sightlines at intersections or driveways must be cleared within 14 days of notice.

Key details: Permit fee: $100 flat. Inspection fee: $50 flat. Minimum guarantee fee: $25. Visibility-obstruction cure period: 14 days after written notice. Issuing authority: City manager or designee.

Working without a permit is unlawful under § 33-51 and, absent a stated class, defaults to a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to $2,500 fine and/or 12 months jail) under § 1-9. Miss the 14-day deadline on a visibility-obstruction notice and the city does the trimming or removal itself and bills the property owner (§ 33-59).

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

New residential development in Virginia Beach must plant trees or provide canopy cover scaled to lot size, protect existing trees during construction, and pass inspection before occupancy under City Code Appendix E.

Key details: Governing law: City Code, Appendix E. Smallest-lot requirement: 2 small trees under 5,000 sq ft. Largest-lot requirement: 2,000 sq ft canopy on largest lots. Construction rule: Undisturbed buffer required around retained trees. Penalty: $10-$1,000 fine per day of violation.

Violating Appendix E is a misdemeanor: fines run $10 to $1,000, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense, and the city can withhold a certificate of occupancy until the required trees are planted.

Weed Ordinances

Virginia Beach bars grass, weeds, or brush over 10 inches tall on any property, including the strip out to the curb. Code enforcement gives owners a notice with seven days to cut it before citing them.

Key details: Height limit: 10 inches. Notice period: 7 days to cut. Violation: Class 4 misdemeanor. City mowing fee: $150 administrative charge. Enforced by: Housing & Neighborhood Preservation Dept..

Missing the seven-day deadline is a Class 4 misdemeanor. The city can also cut the vegetation itself and bill a $150 administrative fee, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid within 30 days.

Water Restrictions

Virginia Beach has no standing odd/even watering schedule. But once city council declares a water-supply emergency, the city manager or public utilities director can limit lawn and shrub watering to a hand-held container of three gallons or less.

Key details: Trigger: City council-declared water shortage emergency. Watering limit: 3-gallon container only, hand-carried. Penalty: Class 3 misdemeanor. Enforced by: City Manager / Dept. of Public Utilities. Normal times: No standing watering-day restriction.

Watering beyond the 3-gallon container limit while an emergency order is active is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 37-21(e); the city manager or utilities director may also terminate water service for the duration of the emergency.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Virginia Beach actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.

The Bottom Line

Virginia Beach's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Virginia Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Virginia Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.