Virginia Beach, VA Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- City manager or designee
- Single-day filming filing window
- 30 to 180 days ahead
- Multi-day production filing window
- 60 to 180 days ahead
- News media
- Exempt from this permit
- Violation penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
Virginia Beach requires a special event permit before any film, video, or TV production stages vehicles, equipment, props, or personnel on public streets, sidewalks, or other city property.
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: ...(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, including streets and sidewalks, or that uses city equipment, services, or employees, must obtain a special event permit from the city manager. Applications need a nonrefundable processing fee and must be filed 30 to 180 days ahead (60 to 180 days for productions running two or more consecutive days). The city manager grants the permit only if the shoot won't unreasonably interfere with normal street use, poses no safety or health risk, and proof of liability insurance is provided.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of § 4-1 or a permit condition is a Class 1 misdemeanor; the city manager may also revoke or suspend the permit for violations or safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do news crews need a permit to film on Virginia Beach streets?
How far ahead must a film shoot apply for a street closure permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia filming & production overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.