Environmental Rules in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Virginia Beach requires a land-disturbance approval before any project disturbing 2,500 square feet or more can break ground, backed by an approved erosion and stormwater management plan and civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation per day.
Virginia Beach Stormwater & Land-Disturbance Permits
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code, App. D (Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance), § 3.3(A)
Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity until land disturbance approval has been issued by the VESMP Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and the Regulation.
Erosion Control
Virginia Beach requires a land-disturbance approval from the VESMP Administrator before any grading, clearing, or land-disturbing activity of 2,500 square feet or more begins, under the city's Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Virginia Beach Land-Disturbing Activity Permits
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code, App. D (Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance), § 3.3
Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity until land disturbance approval has been issued by the VESMP Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and the Regulation.
Flood Zones
Any fill, building, or substantial improvement inside a mapped Virginia Beach flood zone needs a floodplain development permit, and new homes must set their lowest floor above the base flood elevation.
Floodplain Development Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code, App. K (Floodplain Ordinance), § 4.3.A
Residential construction requirements. The lowest floor, including basement, shall be set to the higher of the following: i. A minimum of two (2) feet above the base flood elevation established on the most recent FIRM or by the most recent FIS; or ii. A minimum of one (1) foot above the 100-year HGL elevation measured at the nearest existing or proposed public drainage structure or BMP, in the ...
Boat Dock Permits
Virginia Beach requires a $230 permit from the Department of Planning before building, altering, or repairing any dock, pier, wharf, or bulkhead in city waters or adjacent marshland.
Boat Dock Permits Required in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 6-136
It shall be unlawful for any person to build, erect, construct, alter, extend or repair any landing, wharf, dock, pier, bulkhead, jetty or like structure in the waters, adjacent marshlands and lowlands in the city, without a permit. Any person failing or refusing to obtain such permit shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes in Virginia Beach's mapped floodplains must set the lowest floor at least 2 feet above base flood elevation, per the city's Floodplain Ordinance.
Flood Elevation Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code, App. K (Floodplain Ordinance), Art. IV, § 4.3.A
Residential construction requirements. The lowest floor, including basement, shall be set to the higher of the following:i.A minimum of two (2) feet above the base flood elevation established on the most recent FIRM or by the most recent FIS; orii.A minimum of one (1) foot above the 100-year HGL elevation measured at the nearest existing or proposed public drainage structure or BMP, in the City...