How Virginia Beach Handles Special Events & Permits: A Practical Guide

Virginia Beach maintains 161 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with special events & permits. 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.

Parade Permits

Any parade or procession on a Virginia Beach street requires a permit from the city manager under City Code § 33-9.1, with exceptions only for military, police, fire, and funeral processions.

Key details: Permit issuer: City Manager. Governing section: City Code § 33-9.1. Exempt groups: Military, police, fire, funeral processions. Default penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor, up to $2,500/12 mo.. Related rules: Traffic regulations in Chapter 21 may apply.

Section 33-9.1 states no specific penalty, so the Code's default classification applies under § 1-9: a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, or both.

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.

Block Party Permits

Virginia Beach requires a special event permit from the city manager for any block party, parade, or gathering of 200 or more people that uses public streets, sidewalks, or the boardwalk.

Key details: Permit required for: parades, block parties, 200+ gatherings. Apply: 30-180 days ahead of event. Major multi-day events: 60 days advance filing minimum. Fee waiver: no-street-closure noncommercial gatherings exempt. Violation: Class 1 misdemeanor.

Holding an unpermitted parade, block party, or 200-plus-person gathering on public property is a Class 1 misdemeanor; the city manager may also revoke or suspend a permit for violating its conditions.

Street Fair Rules

Virginia Beach charges $300 per event day plus 1% of gross admissions for carnivals, street fairs, and tent shows, requires a city manager permit before any license issues, and holds a $500 cash deposit against the receipts-based tax.

Key details: Daily license tax: $300/day + 1% of receipts. Cash deposit: $500 held by treasurer. Permit issuer: City manager approval required. Nonprofit/charity rate: $200 flat, two weeks. Parade add-on: $150 additional tax.

Operating a carnival, street fair, or tent show without the city manager's permit, or continuing after the gross-receipts tax is assessed but unpaid, is operation without a license: a fine of $100 to $500, with each day a separate offense (§ 18-68(c)).

Compared to other cities, Virginia Beach takes a harder line on street fair rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Park Event Permits

Any city park gathering expected to draw 200 or more people, or one that requires altering the park's normal operations, needs a permit from the Parks and Recreation director before it can happen.

Key details: Permit trigger: 200+ attendees or altered park operations. Apply: 30 days to 12 months ahead. Decision deadline: Within 45 days of application. Fee: Nonrefundable processing fee required. Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor if unpermitted.

Holding a qualifying event without a permit, or violating any permit condition, is a Class 1 misdemeanor under City Code § 24-6(k), and the director can also revoke a granted permit for violations or material misrepresentation.

Sidewalk Dining & Cafés

Virginia Beach requires a written encroachment agreement for outdoor cafes on public sidewalks, and Oceanfront Resort or Resort Tourist District cafes need city council franchise approval under the Resort Open Air Café Guidelines.

Key details: Application fee: $250 encroachment application. Standard districts: City manager written agreement. Oceanfront/Resort Tourist areas: City council franchise required. Late/unauthorized penalty: Up to $100 per day. Resort area rules: Resort Open Air Café Guidelines apply.

Operating a sidewalk cafe without an approved encroachment agreement or franchise is an unauthorized encroachment: the city can order removal, impose a civil penalty of up to $100 per day it continues, or remove it at the owner's cost.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Virginia Beach actively enforces its sidewalk dining & cafés requirements.

The Bottom Line

Virginia Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to special events & permits. Out of the 5 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.

Keep in mind that Virginia Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.