Pop. 249,422 · Chesapeake City
Chesapeake generally prohibits exterior signage for home occupations. One small nameplate (1-2 sq ft) may be permitted for professionals. Illuminated or commercial-style signs are not allowed on residential properties.
Virginia Cottage Food Law (VA Code 3.2-5130) allows home production of non-hazardous foods like baked goods and jams for direct sale without a food permit. Chesapeake residents still need a city business license.
Chesapeake requires a home occupation permit through the Planning Department. Use must be clearly incidental to residential use, no outside employees, no customer traffic disturbance, and no external evidence of the business.
Chesapeake requires property owners to clear overgrown brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris. Areas near the Great Dismal Swamp face wildfire concern. Code enforcement inspects on complaint.
Chesapeake allows recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fires must be in an approved pit, 15 feet from structures, attended, and limited to clean firewood. Propane fire pits face fewer rules.
Chesapeake requires smoke detectors in all residential dwellings under the Virginia Fire Prevention Code. Detectors must be in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level including basements.
Chesapeake is not in a federally designated wildfire zone, but Great Dismal Swamp fires (2008, 2011) show real risk. VDOF monitors fire danger and may restrict burning during drought.
Chesapeake outdoor burning follows the Virginia 4 PM Burn Law (VA Code 10.1-1142). From Feb 15 to April 30, open burning within 300 feet of woodland is prohibited before 4 PM. Chesapeake Fire may add stricter local bans.
Backyard fires in Chesapeake are allowed if kept small (3 ft wide, 2 ft high), contained in a proper pit, attended, and not burning trash. The Virginia 4 PM burn law applies Feb 15 to April 30.
Chesapeake prohibits most consumer fireworks under local ordinance, despite VA Code 27-97 permitting certain types statewide. Only sparklers and non-aerial fountains are allowed. Aerial and exploding fireworks banned.
Virginia adopts the Statewide Fire Prevention Code applying uniform NFPA 58 propane storage and handling standards across all jurisdictions, regulating tank placement, capacity, and installation requirements consistently.
Chesapeake does not have a citywide overnight parking ban, but specific neighborhoods, commercial lots, and city parks prohibit overnight parking by posted signs. City parks close at dusk, with 500 dollar fines for overnight occupancy.
Chesapeake requires driveways to be paved with concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers per the Zoning Ordinance. Parking on lawns or unpaved surfaces is prohibited in residential zones, and driveway aprons require a permit from Public Works.
Chesapeake defines abandoned vehicles under City Code Section 70-195 as vehicles left on public property over 48 hours or inoperable vehicles on private property over 60 days. Abandoned vehicles are towed and may be sold at auction after 15-day notice.
Chesapeake permits residential Level 2 EV charger installations with an electrical permit from Development and Permits. Public charging stations are available at City Hall, Greenbrier Mall, and several Wawa and Walmart locations.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR are prohibited from parking in Chesapeake residential districts except for active loading/unloading. Tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and box trucks cannot be stored on residential property overnight.
Chesapeake restricts street parking to 72 consecutive hours in any one location under City Code Chapter 70. Vehicles must be parked with the flow of traffic, within 12 inches of the curb, and cannot block driveways, fire hydrants, or mailboxes.
RVs, boats, and trailers in Chesapeake may be parked on residential property only in side or rear yards, screened from public view. Front-yard or driveway parking of recreational vehicles is limited to 72 hours for loading/unloading.
Chesapeake permits artificial turf on residential properties without a specific permit. Large areas or Bay Resource Protection Area installations may need stormwater review. HOAs commonly restrict turf in front yards.
Chesapeake generally allows tree removal on private property without a permit. Chesapeake Bay Act rules (VA Code 62.1-44) restrict removal within Resource Protection Areas along waterways and wetlands.
Chesapeake limits grass and weeds to 12 inches. Taller growth is a code violation. Notices allow 10 days to cut before the city abates and places a lien on the property for mowing costs plus fees.
Chesapeake prohibits noxious weeds under the same 12-inch rule. Poison ivy, ragweed, kudzu, and other listed nuisance plants must be removed when they affect neighbors. Inspections are complaint-driven.
Chesapeake homeowners may trim trees on their own property without a permit. Right-of-way trees require Public Works coordination. Virginia common law lets you trim encroaching branches up to the property line.
Chesapeake encourages rainwater harvesting for irrigation. Rain barrels and cisterns are allowed without permits for non-potable use. Virginia has no capture restrictions. Bay Act stormwater credits may apply.
Chesapeake encourages native plants for Bay watershed protection. Natives reduce water needs, support pollinators, and qualify for Resource Protection Area buffer credits. No permits needed for homeowner plantings.
Chesapeake Public Utilities imposes water restrictions during DEQ drought stages. Outdoor watering is typically limited to odd/even days and morning/evening hours. Voluntary conservation is common in summer.
Aircraft noise in Chesapeake is federally preempted and governed by the FAA. Residents near NS Norfolk, Naval Station Oceana (Virginia Beach), Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK), and Norfolk International (ORF) fall under federal and military flight patterns. Chesapeake has no ability to restrict aircraft operations.
Chesapeake quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under Chesapeake City Code Chapter 38 (Noise). Unreasonable sound audible at 50 feet from the property line is prohibited, and violations are handled as civil infractions escalating to a Class 3 misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Enforcement is complaint-driven by Chesapeake Police.
Construction noise in Chesapeake is limited to 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with no Sunday or legal holiday work permitted in residential areas. Emergency repairs and utility work are exempt. Commercial sites adjacent to residential zones follow the same limits under City Code Chapter 38.
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) and is permitted during standard daytime hours. HOAs in master-planned communities may set stricter rules.
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes can trigger a citation. Chesapeake Animal Services handles complaints jointly with Police.
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited under City Code Chapter 38. State law (VA 46.2-1049) requires all vehicles to have properly maintained mufflers.
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with amplified sound generally require a special event permit. Car audio systems audible at 50 feet are subject to citation any time of day.
Commercial operations in Chesapeake must keep sound within property boundaries and follow stricter limits adjacent to residential zones. Loading docks, HVAC, generators, and refrigeration units are all regulated under City Code Chapter 38. Industrial sites in South Norfolk and Deep Creek have specific buffer requirements.
Chesapeake does not impose breed-specific restrictions. Virginia prohibits localities from adopting breed-specific bans under VA Code section 3.2-6540.1. Dangerous and vicious dog designations are behavior-based under VA Code section 3.2-6540 regardless of breed.
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is not specifically limited but owners must maintain control. City Park and Chesapeake City Park have designated off-leash areas.
Chesapeake generally limits households to a combined total of four dogs and cats over four months old in residential zones under City Code Chapter 10. Agricultural zones have higher or no limits. Kennel permits are required above the threshold.
Chesapeake prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, bears, and waterfowl under VA Code section 29.1-521.2 and local ordinance provisions. Bird feeders for songbirds are generally allowed. The Great Dismal Swamp proximity makes bear-attractant feeding especially discouraged.
Chesapeake prohibits most exotic and dangerous wild animals as pets under City Code Chapter 10, which aligns with VA Code section 3.2-6500 definitions. Prohibited species include big cats, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and bears. Standard pet reptiles, birds, and small mammals are allowed.
Beekeeping is allowed throughout Chesapeake subject to City Code Chapter 10 setback rules and state-level registration under VA Code section 3.2-4400 et seq. Hives must be registered annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) State Apiarist.
Chesapeake allows backyard chickens on lots meeting minimum size requirements, typically in AG and R-15 or larger residential zones. Coops must be set back from property lines and roosters are restricted in denser residential areas. Check your specific zoning district.
Virginia Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner to provide adequate care for companion animals, with criminal penalties for neglect that often underpin hoarding cases.
Chesapeake STR operators are strongly advised to carry commercial short-term rental liability coverage of at least $500,000 to $1,000,000. CUP conditions may require proof of insurance naming guests as covered.
Chesapeake does not impose a citywide annual night cap on short-term rentals. Individual conditional use permits may set limits, and rentals of 30 or more consecutive days fall outside STR rules.
Chesapeake STR occupancy is typically capped at two guests per bedroom plus two, not to exceed limits in the CUP. Virginia USBC minimum floor area per occupant also applies.
Chesapeake imposes an 8 percent transient occupancy tax on stays under 30 days. State sales tax of 6 percent (5.3 state plus 0.7 Hampton Roads regional) also applies, for a combined tax of about 14 percent.
Chesapeake regulates short-term rentals through its Zoning Ordinance. Operators must obtain a conditional use permit or administrative zoning approval depending on district, plus a city business license and transient occupancy registration.
STR operators in Chesapeake must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for transient occupancy tax and business licensing, obtain zoning approval or a CUP, and display a local contact and emergency info inside the unit.
Chesapeake STR conditional use permits typically require one off-street parking space per bedroom. Street parking for guests may be restricted, and boat or trailer parking is not permitted as guest overflow.
STRs in Chesapeake must comply with the citywide noise ordinance and any CUP conditions. Quiet hours typically run 10 PM to 7 AM. Repeated noise complaints can lead to CUP revocation.
Chesapeake pools must meet USBC safety standards including VGB Act anti-entrapment drain covers, proper electrical bonding per NEC Article 680, and approved barrier plus alarm systems.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Chesapeake require permits and barriers. Pool walls at least 48 inches high can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable.
Chesapeake requires building and electrical permits for all in-ground and above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches. Review is under the Virginia USBC. Separate plumbing and gas permits apply for heaters and spas.
Hot tubs and spas in Chesapeake need electrical and building permits. Spas with a locking safety cover compliant with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the 48-inch barrier requirement.
Chesapeake requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around all residential pools and spas deeper than 24 inches, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Virginia USBC and IRC Appendix G apply.
Chesapeake has no tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the Virginia USBC. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.
Chesapeake permits ADUs in limited residential zones as accessory apartments under zoning ordinance conditions. VA Code 15.2-2292.1 encourages but does not mandate ADUs. Owner occupancy is typically required.
Chesapeake permits attached and detached carports subject to zoning setbacks and building permits. Permanent carports require permits. Temporary fabric carports are often restricted in front yards.
Converting a Chesapeake garage into living space requires building permits and USBC compliance. Space must meet habitability standards: insulation, egress, HVAC, ceiling height. Lost parking may need replacement.
Chesapeake exempts sheds up to 200 sq ft from building permits under the Virginia USBC. Larger sheds need permits. All sheds must meet zoning setbacks (5 ft side/rear typical) and be behind the front building line.
Chesapeake does not have a by-right accessory dwelling unit program. The Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance Article 14 (Accessory Uses and Structures) authorizes accessory structures but does not establish a general ADU use. The Code expressly permits Temporary Family Health Care Structures in single-family districts as required by Virginia state law. A separate detached dwelling on a single-family lot generally requires a rezoning, conditional use permit, or Board of Zoning Appeals variance.
Because Chesapeake does not have a by-right ADU ordinance, owner-occupancy is governed case-by-case through conditional use permits or rezoning conditions. The Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1 program for Temporary Family Health Care Structures expressly requires the caregiver-occupant relationship. Any conditional use permit allowing an accessory dwelling typically imposes owner-occupancy and caretaker conditions through Article 14 and the staff report process.
Because Chesapeake has no general by-right ADU program, there is no dedicated ADU impact fee schedule. Any approved accessory dwelling (typically through rezoning or conditional use permit) pays standard building, plan review, and utility connection fees set by the Department of Development and Permits and Chesapeake Public Utilities. Virginia is not a development-impact-fee state in the broad sense; Virginia Code section 15.2-2317 et seq. authorizes only limited cash proffers and road impact fees.
Chesapeake heavily restricts where short-term rentals are permitted. Under the Zoning Ordinance, short-term rentals operate only in the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation (HC) Overlay District, and only with a Conditional Use Permit. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions on its approval. Operating an unauthorized STR is a zoning violation and a Class 1 misdemeanor for unpaid transient occupancy tax under Code Chapter 30, Article XIV.
Chesapeake requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall, pool fences, and fences in commercial or industrial zones. Standard residential fences at or below 6 feet typically do not need a permit but must still meet zoning setback and height rules. All fences require a free Miss Utility locate.
Virginia has no Good Neighbor Fence law requiring shared cost. Each property owner is responsible for fences on their own property. Chesapeake follows state common law: the fence owner controls maintenance, color, and the finished side typically faces outward (neighbors view).
Chesapeake enforces a sight triangle at all street intersections requiring fences, walls, and landscaping to be no taller than 30 inches within the triangle. The typical triangle extends 25 feet along each street from the corner. Violations create traffic hazards and are strictly enforced.
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and properties abutting arterial roads have additional sight-triangle rules. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.
Chesapeake permits common fence materials including wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, and masonry in residential zones. Barbed wire and electric fencing are restricted in residential zones. Flood zone locations should use flood-resistant materials under FEMA guidelines.
Chesapeake requires 48-inch minimum pool barrier fencing under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Gates must self-close and self-latch with the latch 54 inches above grade. Applies to all residential pools over 24 inches deep including above-ground pools.
Scaffolding in Chesapeake must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and OSHA standards. Building permits are required for scaffolding tied to permitted construction, and right-of-way permits are needed when scaffolds encroach on sidewalks or streets.
Elevators in Chesapeake are regulated under the Virginia USBC and ASME A17.1. Annual inspections and certificates of operation are required. Only DPOR-licensed mechanics may service elevators.
Chesapeake follows EPA RRP and Virginia DPOR lead rules for pre-1978 housing. Contractors disturbing painted surfaces must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Landlords must provide lead disclosure under federal law.
Chesapeake property owners must maintain premises free of rodent and insect infestations under the Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC). Violations can trigger abatement orders from Code Compliance, and severe infestations may result in property condemnation.
Chesapeake HOAs may operate architectural review committees under VA Code §55.1-1819. Decisions must follow adopted guidelines, be in writing, and apply reasonable standards consistently.
Virginia HOA disputes can be escalated through the association complaint procedure and then the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman under DPOR. Court actions are filed in Chesapeake General District or Circuit Court.
Virginia POA Act §55.1-1805 governs HOA assessments. Dues and special assessments must be levied per the declaration. Unpaid assessments can become a lien and, after notice, lead to foreclosure.
Chesapeake HOAs follow the Virginia Property Owners Association Act, VA Code §55.1-1800 et seq. Boards must hold annual meetings, give proper notice, keep minutes, and allow owner comment periods.
Virginia POA Act §55.1-1819 lets HOAs levy charges up to $50 per single violation and $10 per day for continuing violations, after notice and hearing. Self-help and suspension of rights are tightly regulated.
Chesapeake offers scheduled bulk and brush collection for residents on designated weeks. Acceptable bulk items include furniture, appliances, and large household goods. Construction debris, tires, and hazardous materials are excluded and must be taken to the Chesapeake Landfill or household hazardous waste events.
Chesapeake Waste Management provides once-weekly automated curbside collection of household trash using city-issued 95-gallon carts. Service day depends on your collection route; carts must be placed at the curb by 7 AM on pickup day and removed by the end of the collection day. Holidays may shift collection by one day.
Chesapeake provides curbside single-stream recycling in a 95-gallon cart on an every-other-week schedule. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and plastics marked 1 and 2. Plastic bags, food waste, and textiles are not accepted curbside.
Trash and recycling carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before collection and removed from the curb by the end of the collection day. Carts must be stored out of public view between pickups, typically behind the front building line or inside a garage or screened area.
Commercial drone operators in Chesapeake must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and follow all federal airspace rules. Operations near Naval Air Station Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, Chesapeake Regional Airport, and Portsmouth Regional Airport require LAANC authorization; many Hampton Roads zones are restricted military airspace.
Recreational drone use in Chesapeake is governed primarily by FAA rules. Chesapeake airspace is heavily restricted due to proximity to Naval Air Station Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, and Chesapeake Regional Airport. Operators must register drones over 0.55 lb, follow Class C and restricted military airspace limits, and obtain LAANC authorization where required.
Chesapeake food trucks require a Mobile Food Unit permit from the Virginia Department of Health, a city business license, and zoning approval. Operation on private commercial property requires property owner consent and compliance with setback requirements.
Chesapeake food truck vending is permitted in commercial and industrial zones with property owner consent. Public right-of-way and park vending requires a Special Events Permit from the city. Downtown and event vending are concentrated at designated locations.
Chesapeake residential setbacks vary by zoning district: R-6 single-family requires 25 ft front, 8 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks. Lot coverage is limited to 40 percent in most R districts. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas impose additional 100-ft RPA buffers.
Chesapeake limits residential structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories in R-6 and R-8 districts, and 45 feet in R-15. Accessory structures are capped at 15 feet or shorter than the principal dwelling. Airport overlay zones near Chesapeake Regional Airport impose stricter limits.
Chesapeake residential lot coverage is capped at 40 percent for R-6 and 30 percent for R-8 and R-15 districts. Impervious surface limits are stricter in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, where RPA buffers reduce usable building footprint.
Chesapeake has tree preservation requirements in its zoning code for development sites. The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act also protects trees within the 100-foot Resource Protection Area buffer. Individual homeowners may remove trees on private lots outside of protected buffers without a permit, but development projects require tree surveys and preservation plans.
Chesapeake requires tree replacement when protected trees are removed during development. The zoning code specifies replacement requirements based on tree size. Trees removed from the CBPA Resource Protection Area require mitigation planting at specified ratios. Replacement trees must be appropriate native species for the Hampton Roads region.
Chesapeake does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree registry. However, significant trees on development sites and within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area receive enhanced protection. Large specimens of native species like live oaks, bald cypress, and tulip poplars are valued during development review. The Great Dismal Swamp area contains ecologically significant tree stands.
Chesapeake requires full-cutoff exterior lighting for new commercial and multifamily development under Zoning Ordinance Section 19-800. Residential lighting is less regulated but cannot create glare or light trespass onto neighboring properties.
Chesapeake prohibits lighting that creates glare or exceeds 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines under Zoning Ordinance 19-800. Complaints go to Code Compliance, which can order shielding or reduction within 30 days.
Virginia prohibits local rent control under VA Code 55.1-1204. Chesapeake cannot cap rents or limit rent increases. Landlords must provide 30-day written notice for rent increases under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA).
Chesapeake follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) for all evictions. Virginia is a Dillon's Rule state, so Chesapeake cannot impose local just-cause eviction rules beyond what state law allows. Landlords must provide proper statutory notice and file an unlawful detainer action in Chesapeake General District Court.
Chesapeake does not operate a general rental property registration or licensing program for standard long-term rentals. Rental housing is governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Virginia Maintenance Code. Short-term rentals are regulated separately under the city zoning ordinance and Transient Occupancy Tax provisions.
Chesapeake Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards under the Virginia Maintenance Code and City Code provisions. Common blight violations include deteriorated structures, accumulation of trash or debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown vegetation. Property owners receive a notice of violation with a time to cure before civil penalties attach.
Trash and recycling carts must be kept in good condition, stored out of public view between collection days, and not overflowing. Damaged city-issued carts are replaced free by the Waste Management Division; lost carts may incur a replacement fee.
Chesapeake does not have an ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow or ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Significant snowfall is rare in coastal Virginia, and the city relies on voluntary clearing and VDOT snow response on primary routes.
Chesapeake allows residential garage sales without a city permit or business license for occasional private sales of personal household items. Frequent sales may be treated as an unlicensed business. Signs are regulated under the city sign ordinance and must be removed promptly after the sale.
Vacant lots in Chesapeake must be maintained free of trash, debris, and overgrown vegetation. Grass and weeds on undeveloped lots must be kept below 12 inches. The city can mow and bill the owner under VA Code Section 15.2-900 if a notice to cure is ignored.
Chesapeake does not impose a dedicated ordinance on residential holiday lighting timing or brightness. The Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance regulates signs in Sections 14-700 through 14-710, but private residential holiday lighting itself is not regulated as signage. Permanent exterior wiring requires an electrical permit through Development and Permits. Some Chesapeake subdivisions enforce display windows through recorded HOA covenants.
Chesapeake does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property at the city level. Ornaments must stay within the property line and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Permanent free-standing structures above accessory thresholds require permits under Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance. Virginia Code section 55.1-1819 protects flag display in HOA-governed communities.
Chesapeake does not impose specific restrictions on residential inflatable holiday displays. Displays must remain on private property and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Commercial inflatable advertising (air dancers, advertising blimps) is regulated as temporary signage under Sections 14-700 through 14-710 of the Zoning Ordinance. Some subdivisions restrict yard inflatables through HOA covenants.
Chesapeake enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), based on the 2021 International Fire Code, through Chapter 34 of the City Code and the Community Risk Reduction Division of the Chesapeake Fire Department. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and LP-gas grills with cylinders over 1-pound capacity on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings. One- and two-family homes are exempt.
Chesapeake treats pellet, wood, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, adopted at Chapter 34 of the City Code and based on the 2021 IFC. Section 308.1.4 prohibits smokers on combustible multi-family balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family homes are exempt, and sprinklered buildings have an exception.
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Chesapeake require building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits through the Department of Development and Permits when they include gas line connections, electrical service, plumbing, or significant structural elements. Work must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). Accessory structure setbacks are set by Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance. Portable BBQs do not require permits.
Virginia permits licensed medical cannabis pharmaceutical processors but has not yet opened recreational cannabis retail sales. Chesapeake does not host a medical dispensary location, and no recreational retail framework is operating statewide. Any future retail is subject to both state licensing and Chesapeake zoning.
Virginia legalized adult possession and home cultivation of cannabis in 2021. Chesapeake residents 21 and older may grow up to 4 plants per household for personal use, out of public view, with tags identifying the grower. Sale, public consumption, and underage use remain prohibited.
Chesapeake is subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (9VAC25-830) and Virginia Stormwater Management Program. All land-disturbing activity over 2,500 square feet requires a stormwater permit with water quality treatment meeting phosphorus load reduction standards.
Chesapeake has extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Elizabeth River, Intracoastal Waterway, Great Dismal Swamp, and tidal tributaries. Base Flood Elevation plus 2 feet of freeboard is required for new construction, with strict elevation and breakaway wall standards.
Chesapeake regulates coastal development through the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) program and local ordinances. The city enforces Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) with 100-foot buffers along tidal waters, wetlands, and perennial streams. Development in RPAs is heavily restricted, requiring water quality impact assessments and mitigation. The city's extensive tidal creek and wetland systems make coastal development regulations significant.
Chesapeake enforces the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law (VA Code 62.1-44.15:51) for all land-disturbing activity over 2,500 square feet. Approved E&S plans, silt fencing, and construction entrance stabilization are required before any grading begins.
Chesapeake grading requires a permit for any cut or fill over 100 cubic yards or land disturbance over 2,500 square feet. Positive drainage away from structures and neighbor properties is mandatory, with tidal shoreline work requiring VMRC approval.
Chesapeake requires a building and electrical permit for all rooftop solar installations under the Virginia USBC. Permits are reviewed in 10-15 business days with fees around 100-300 dollars. Ground-mount systems require additional zoning review.
Virginia Code 55.1-1820.1 prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels on member property. HOAs may establish reasonable aesthetic rules (placement, screening) but cannot prohibit solar installation or impose requirements that significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency.
Holiday decorations and seasonal displays on residential property are generally permitted without a permit in Chesapeake, provided they do not create a public nuisance, obstruct sight lines, or violate HOA rules. Lighted displays must comply with general electrical and noise ordinances.
Garage sale signs are allowed on the sale property without a permit but cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends.
Political signs are protected speech under the First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Chesapeake allows political signs on private property with standard size limits applicable to temporary signs. The city cannot regulate political signs more strictly than other temporary signs based on content.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Chesapeake must obtain a solicitor or peddler permit from the Commissioner of the Revenue and a business license. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is protected speech and does not require a commercial permit, though registration may still apply.
Chesapeake residents may post No Soliciting or No Trespassing signs to bar door-to-door solicitation. Commercial solicitors who ignore posted signs commit trespass. Religious and political canvassers must also respect posted signs and leave when asked.
Chesapeake does not require a permit for residential garage sales when sales are occasional (typically 3-4 per year at the same address) and involve personal household goods. Frequent or high-volume sales may require a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Chesapeake yard sales should be conducted during daylight hours. Sales must comply with the city's noise ordinance and not disturb neighbors. Weekend mornings are the most common times. Items and displays must be removed after the sale concludes.
Chesapeake limits the number of yard sales per household per year to prevent residential properties from operating as ongoing retail businesses. Each sale is typically limited to a few consecutive days. Exceeding the annual limit may trigger enforcement and require a business license.
Chesapeake imposes a juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 from being in public places between 11 PM and 6 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 AM Friday and Saturday. Exceptions exist for minors with a parent, traveling to or from work, or responding to an emergency.
Chesapeake public parks are closed from sunset or 10 PM until 6 AM or sunrise depending on the facility. Entry to a closed park is trespassing and subject to Class 4 misdemeanor charges. Special event permits can extend hours for sanctioned activities.
Virginia Code 40.1-28.10 sets a statewide minimum wage that exceeds the federal floor and preempts localities from establishing their own higher minimum wage rates for private sector workers.
Virginia Code 40.1-33.3 et seq. requires paid sick leave only for certain home health workers; no general statewide paid leave mandate exists, and broad local paid leave ordinances face preemption.
Virginia has no statewide predictive scheduling law, and Dillon Rule limits leave localities without authority to impose fair workweek or scheduling premium ordinances on private employers.
Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards administered by circuit courts; localities cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements.
Virginia preempts most local firearm regulation under Code 15.2-915, but a 2020 amendment lets localities restrict firearms in specific public buildings, parks, recreation centers, and permitted events.
Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, though Code 18.2-287.4 restricts certain loaded high-capacity weapons in named public areas of larger localities.
Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed compartment lawful without a permit; localities are preempted by Code 15.2-915.
Code 40.1-11.2 requires every Virginia state agency and any employer with more than an enumerated workforce performing public contracts over $50,000 to enroll in and use the federal E-Verify program for new hires.
Code 19.2-83.7 requires Virginia jails to notify ICE before releasing inmates subject to detainers, while 2020 reforms barred state agencies from inquiring into immigration status for service eligibility absent legal requirement.
Virginia Code 15.2-2288 and 15.2-2288.3 limit how localities may zone agricultural land, preserving by-right production and restricting special use permit requirements for bona fide farms.
Virginia Code 3.2-301 establishes the Right to Farm Act, shielding established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and limiting local ordinances that would restrict bona fide farming activities.
Virginia Code 58.1-1745 authorizes counties and cities to impose a 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores within their borders.
Virginia Code 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene single-use food service containers, with chain restaurants required to comply by July 1, 2025 and all food vendors by July 1, 2026.
Virginia has no statewide plastic straw ban; straws remain available on request, and localities have limited authority to regulate single-use service items beyond state environmental statutes.
Virginia Code 18.2-371.2 prohibits selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products to anyone under 21, with active duty military members 18 and over exempted under state law.
Virginia has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or menthol products; sales remain lawful to adults 21 and over subject to general tobacco regulations under Code 18.2-371.2.
Virginia requires retail tobacco and liquid nicotine sellers to comply with state licensing under Code 58.1-1021.04:1 and prohibits sales to anyone under 21 per Code 18.2-371.2.