How Virginia Beach Handles Public Conduct: A Practical Guide
Virginia Beach maintains 161 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with public conduct. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Virginia Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Public Alcohol Use
Drinking alcohol in public streets, sidewalks, parks, and on the Atlantic Avenue Boardwalk is generally prohibited under Va. Code Section 4.1-308 and Virginia Beach city code, with limited exceptions inside permitted Resort Area events and licensed establishment patios.
Key details: Classification: Class 4 misdemeanor. Maximum fine: $250. Statute: Va. Code 4.1-308. Boardwalk: Open containers banned.
Public consumption is a Class 4 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250, plus potential ABC license action against any establishment that allowed off-premises consumption.
Compared to other cities, Virginia Beach takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Skateboarding Rules
Virginia Beach bars skateboards and motorized skateboards from every Resort Area sidewalk at any time under City Code § 7-59.1(c); riders face a civil penalty up to $50. Roller blades and roller skates are exempted.
Key details: Resort Area sidewalks: skateboards banned at any time. Penalty: civil fine up to $50. Outside Resort Area/Town Center: skateboarding allowed on sidewalks, bike paths. Exempted: roller blades and roller skates. Town Center: same sidewalk/plaza skateboard ban.
Riding a skateboard on a Resort Area sidewalk draws a civil penalty of up to $50 under § 7-59.1(c); riding one on a Town Center sidewalk or plaza carries the same $50 civil penalty under § 7-59.4.
Compared to other cities, Virginia Beach takes a harder line on skateboarding rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Public Urination
Virginia Beach makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor to urinate or defecate in public or anywhere open to public view, unless you're using an actual public restroom facility.
Key details: Offense: Urinating or defecating in public. Penalty class: Class 4 misdemeanor. Maximum fine: $250, no jail time. Exception: Actual public restroom facilities. Adopted: Ordinance No. 1184, May 1981.
Violating § 22-11.1 is a Class 4 misdemeanor, Virginia's lowest criminal class: a fine of up to $250 only, with no jail time possible, per Va. Code § 18.2-11.
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.
Loitering Rules
Blocking a public place or private property open to the public and refusing to move on when told to is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach.
Key details: Code section: City Code § 23-16. Trigger: Refusing to move on when told. Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor. Applies to: Public places and property open to public.
Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The Bottom Line
Virginia Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 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.