FEMA flood zone rules in Virginia Beach, VA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Virginia Beach regulates floodplain development under Appendix K (Floodplain Ordinance) of the City Code. The city participates in the NFIP Community Rating System with significant flood insurance discounts. Flooding is a major concern due to the city's low-lying coastal geography.
All construction in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas requires a Floodplain Development Permit. New residential structures must elevate the lowest floor at least 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) — exceeding NFIP minimums. The city's CRS participation provides flood insurance premium discounts. Substantial improvements exceeding 50% of market value trigger full compliance. Virginia Beach has extensive V-zones (coastal high hazard) along the oceanfront and A-zones in interior low-lying areas. The city regularly updates flood maps and has invested heavily in flood mitigation infrastructure.
Building in a flood zone without a permit carries fines and potential criminal penalties under state law. NFIP violations may result in denial of flood insurance. The city can require removal of non-compliant construction.
Virginia Beach, VA
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See how Virginia Beach's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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