Business Licensing & Operations in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
8 verified business licensing & operations rules for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Virginia Beach permits adult bookstores only in the RT-3 Resort Tourist District, and only when the store sits at least 500 feet from any residential or apartment zone, church, park, or school.
Adult Bookstore Zoning Rules in Virginia Beach
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 1521 (RT-3 Resort Tourist District, Use Regulations)
Retail establishments, provided that adult bookstores shall be prohibited from locating within five hundred (500) feet of any Apartment or Residential zoning district, single- or multiple-family dwelling, church, park, or school P Satellite wagering facility C Short-term rental X Short-term rental within an STR Overlay District, meeting all of the requirements of section 241.2 and, where app...
Massage Establishments
Virginia Beach requires every massage provider to hold state certification under Code of Virginia § 54.1-3029 and post it at the massage establishment; giving a massage for pay without certification is a Class 3 misdemeanor under City Code § 18.5-2.
Virginia Beach Massage Establishment Rules
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 18.5-2
Except as provided in section 18.5-5 of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to give a massage in exchange for consideration within the city unless the person giving the massage is a certified massage therapist.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Tattoo parlors and body piercing shops need a $1,200 annual permit from the Virginia Beach health department and are allowed only as a conditional use in the B-2 Community Business District.
Tattoo & Body Piercing Permits in Virginia Beach
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 23-51
No person shall control, operate, conduct or manage any tattoo parlor, whether actually performing the work of tattooing or not, without first obtaining a permit from the department of public health. ... The permit fee shall be one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200.00) for a one-year licensing period from January 1 to December 31.
Tobacco Retail License
Virginia Beach tobacco retailers must hold a state retail tobacco license and a city Business Professional and Occupational License, sell only to customers 21 or older under Va. Code Section 18.2-371.2, and post required age-restriction signage.
Tobacco Retailer License Rules
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 18.2-371.2(C), (D), (F)
C. A violation of subsection A or B by an individual or by a separate retail establishment is punishable by a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for a first violation and a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period. If applicable, upon a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period, the Department of Taxation may suspend ...
Secondhand Dealers
Virginia Beach junk and secondhand dealers must get a police permit before receiving a business license, then file daily electronic transaction reports with the police department.
Secondhand & Junk Dealer Licensing in Virginia Beach
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 18-86(b)
No license to engage in business as a junk dealer or secondhand dealer in the city shall be issued until the applicant therefor has obtained a permit from the chief of police in accordance with section 18-32. If the chief of police refuses to issue such permit, he or she shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the reasons therefor and the applicant may appeal such refusal to the city council...
Pawnbrokers
Virginia Beach limits the city to fifteen licensed pawnshops at any one time, and won't issue a local license until the operator already holds the state pawnbroker license required by Virginia law.
Virginia Beach Caps Pawnshop Licenses at 15
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 25-12
No more than fifteen (15) pawnshops shall be licensed to operate in the city at any one time.(b)Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), any pawnshop licensed to operate in the city as of the date of adoption of this section may remain so licensed as long as such pawnshop shall remain continuously in operation.(c)The commissioner of revenue shall not issue any license to operate a pawn...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Virginia Beach's zoning ordinance expressly excludes auto repair shops from the list of permitted home occupations, so residents cannot run a car repair business out of a house, garage, or accessory structure in a residential district.
Auto Repair Barred as Home Occupation in Virginia Beach
Heavy RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 234(e)
An occupation may be conducted in a dwelling unit, provided that: ... The following uses are specifically excluded: Convalescent or nursing homes, tourist homes, massage parlors, radio or television repair shops, auto repair shops, or similar establishments.
Towing Companies
Tow companies that remove vehicles from private property without the owner's consent must hold a city business license, post specific warning signs, and cap fees at rates set by City Code Chapter 21.
Non-Consent Towing Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 21-404(a)
No tow truck service or operator shall remove any vehicle from public or private property unless the tow truck service possesses a valid business license issued in accordance with Chapter 18 of this Code.(b)All tow trucks operated by a tow truck service shall display the name, address and telephone number of the owner thereof on both sides of the tow truck on permanently mounted signs or painte...