Virginia Beach, VA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Virginia Beach, VA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- For filming on public property
- Standard filing window
- At least 30 days ahead
- Major productions (2+ days)
- At least 60 days ahead
- Unpermitted filming
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Issuing authority
- City manager or designee
Summary
Virginia Beach requires a city permit before filming any motion picture, video, or broadcast production on public property, including streets, sidewalks, and buildings, or whenever city equipment or employees are used.
No person or entity shall hold, organize or sponsor any of the following events or activities unless a permit therefor has been granted by the city:(1)Parades, processions, marathons, bicycle races and other events utilizing the sidewalks or vehicular travel portion of city streets and highways, or the boardwalk.(2)Carnivals, bazaars and similar events which offer such activities as amusement rides or devices, games of skill, animal rides or exhibitions, food concessions, and informal live entertainment.(3)Outdoor festivals or other musical entertainment offering live or recorded music for public or private audiences in other than a fully enclosed building, with the exception of outdoor musical entertainment at any private residence attended by fewer than one hundred fifty (150) persons.(4)Motion picture, video or broadcast television productions, other than news media, involving the staging of vehicles, equipment, props or personnel on public property, including buildings, streets and sidewalks, or requiring the use of city equipment or services, or the participation of city employees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 4-1(a)(4), any motion picture, video, or broadcast television production (other than news media) that stages vehicles, equipment, props, or personnel on public property, or that requires city equipment, services, or employee participation, needs a special event permit from the city manager. Applications go through the city manager's office with a nonrefundable processing fee, must be filed at least 30 days ahead (60 days for productions running two or more consecutive days), and require proof of liability insurance. The city manager can attach conditions on crowd/traffic control, fees for city resources, and can revoke a permit for violations.
Violations & Fines
Filming on public property without the required permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 4-1(k), and the city manager may revoke or suspend an issued permit for violations or misrepresentation in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film on Virginia Beach's boardwalk or streets?
How far ahead must I apply?
What happens if I film on public property without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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