Fire Regulations in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Virginia Beach allows open burning and backyard bonfires only under the state fire code, requires constant monitoring with extinguishing gear ready, and lets the fire chief order any fire out that becomes a hazard or nuisance.
Backyard Fire & Bonfire Rules in Virginia Beach
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 12-4
Open burning, where permitted by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, shall be constantly monitored until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use. The fire chief shall prohibit open burning, otherwise lawful, when smoke may cause reduced visibility on any highway, or when emissions or odors may constitute a hazard or nuisance.
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks are illegal in Virginia Beach and throughout most of the Commonwealth under Virginia Code Section 27-95 and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Only the limited category of permissible sparkling devices is allowed, and launching, possessing, or selling traditional fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and the potential for jail time.
Fireworks Rules in Virginia Beach
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 27-97
fireworks, explosives, or blasting agents, and shall provide for the administration and enforcement of such regulations. The Fire Prevention Code shall require manufacturers of fireworks or explosives, as defined in the Code, to register and report information concerning their manufacturing facilities and methods of operation within the Commonwealth in accordance with regulations adopted by the...
Outdoor Burning
Virginia Beach allows open burning only when permitted under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and the fire must be constantly watched until out. The fire chief can shut down an otherwise-lawful burn that creates smoke or nuisance conditions.
Open Burning Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 12-4
Open burning, where permitted by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, shall be constantly monitored until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use. The fire chief shall prohibit open burning, otherwise lawful, when smoke may cause reduced visibility on any highway, or when emissions or odors may constitute a hazard or nuisance.
Smoke Detectors
Virginia Beach requires smoke detectors in every dwelling, hotel, motel and rooming house, installed to state building code specs, with landlords required to maintain them in common areas and certify them annually to tenants.
Smoke Detector Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 12-52
The smoke detectors installed must be capable of sensing visible or invisible products of combustion and, when activated, the detectors shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants of the building. Smoke detectors installed in dwelling units of said buildings need only sound or alarm suitable to warn occupants within the individual dwelling unit.(b)Appropriate permits as required must ...
Propane Storage
Virginia Beach requires an annual fire department permit to store or use LP-gas under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, with a fifty-dollar annual fee set in the city's fire code fee schedule.
Virginia Beach Propane Storage Permit Required
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Code § 12-49.1(33)
Fees for permits or inspections required by this article or the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code are hereby levied in accordance with the following schedule: ... (33)LP-gas/Liquified petroleum gases - annual permit fee for storage and use of LP-gas .....50.00