Public Conduct in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
6 verified public conduct rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Public Urination
Urinating or defecating anywhere in public view in Chesapeake, including any street, alley, sidewalk or park, is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless you are inside a public restroom facility. City Code Sec. 46-20 applies citywide with no permit and no exception beyond using a restroom.
Chesapeake Public Urination and Defecation Ban
Heavy RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 46-20
Any person who urinates or defecates in public or in a place open to public view, including any street, alley, sidewalk or park, except in public restroom facilities, shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.
Skateboarding Rules
Chesapeake keeps skateboards, roller skates and similar wheeled toys off any street or highway posted above 25 miles per hour, restricting play there to the sidewalk. A companion rule bans skateboarding and roller skating outright inside the Chesapeake Municipal Civic Center Complex and within 50 feet of any other city building, at any hour. Bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from both restrictions.
Chesapeake Skateboarding: Fast Roads, City Buildings Off-Limits
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 74-20
(a)No person shall play on a street or highway, other than on the sidewalks thereof, where the posted speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour within the city. No person shall use, on a highway or street where play is prohibited, roller skates, skateboards, toys or other devices on wheels or runners, except bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.
Loitering Rules
Chesapeake makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to unreasonably obstruct sidewalks, streets or other public places and then refuse to move when a police officer or property owner asks. City Code Sec. 46-13 protects lawful picketing and free speech but requires anyone exercising it after dark to wear reflective clothing or carry a lit flashlight.
Chesapeake Loitering and Sidewalk Obstruction Law
Some RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 46-13(a)-(b)
(a)Any person who in any public place, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, streets, parkways, highways, roadways, medians, curbs, parks, or on any private property open to the public unreasonably or unnecessarily obstructs the free passage of other persons or vehicles to and from or within such place or property and who shall fail or refuse to cease such obstruction or move on when reques...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Chesapeake's smoking ordinance only reaches 'enclosed, indoor' public places, so open-air areas are not covered under City Code Sec. 38-151. Restaurants may let patrons smoke in any outdoor area 'with or without roof covering' as long as it isn't enclosed by walls, doors, or windows, and violators who keep smoking after being asked to stop face a $25 civil penalty.
Chesapeake Outdoor Public Smoking Rules
Few RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 38-151; Sec. 38-157(a)(2)
Public place means any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including but not limited to any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or any locality, public conveyance or public vehicle, educational facility, hospital, nursing facility or nursing home, other health care facility, library, retail store of 15,000 square feet or more, auditorium, arena, thea...
Jaywalking
Chesapeake bars standing, sitting, squatting or lying in or between traffic lanes on any public right-of-way that has four or more lanes or a posted speed limit of 35 mph or higher. Sec. 66-17 treats a violation as a traffic infraction with a fine up to $100, rising to $200 for a third or later offense.
Chesapeake Traffic Lane Standing Restrictions
Some RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 66-17
(a)No person shall stand, sit, squat or lie in or between motor vehicle traffic lanes on any public right-of-way, whether or not there is a raised median or other barrier between any such lanes, that is located: (1)Where the public right-of-way has four or more traffic lanes, including when those lanes are divided by a median or other barrier, or (2)Where the public right-of-way has a posted sp...
Public Alcohol Use
Drinking or offering an alcoholic beverage in a Chesapeake public place, or carrying an open container in a city park, community center, playground or public street, is a Class 4 misdemeanor. City Code Sec. 46-182 exempts licensed on-premises establishments and library events permitted with a $200 deposit.
Chesapeake Open Container and Public Drinking Law
Heavy RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 46-182(a)
(a)If any person takes a drink of alcoholic beverages or offers a drink thereof to another, whether accepted or not, at or in an public place, except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, he or she shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Except as provided in section 50-20 of this Code and in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, if any person shall be in possession of an...