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Virginia Beach, VA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Curfew
No sleeping in parks 8pm-8am
Camper rule
No overnight camper on public land
Exception
Designated sites only
Penalty class
Class 4 misdemeanor

Summary

Virginia Beach bans sleeping in public parks or on public property overnight and bars overnight camper occupancy on public land outside designated sites.

Sec. 23-55: "It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person to sleep in any public park or in or on other public property between the hours of 8:00 p.m., and 8:00 a.m." Sec. 23-56: "It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person to park on public property and occupy overnight any camper vehicle, self propelled or trailed, except in areas or sites designated for such occupancy and use."

Source: Virginia Beach DHNPView official code

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

City Code § 23-55 makes it unlawful to sleep in any public park or on other public property between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Section 23-56 separately bars parking on public property and occupying a camper vehicle, self-propelled or trailed, overnight unless it's in an area or site the city has designated for that use. Both are Class 4 misdemeanors, meaning police can cite and clear an encampment on city-owned land at any time outside the areas the city has set aside for overnight vehicle occupancy.

Violations & Fines

Class 4 misdemeanor per violation, fine only (no jail); each night of noncompliance can be cited separately by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can police clear a homeless encampment on city property in Virginia Beach?
Yes. City Code § 23-55 makes sleeping on public property between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. a Class 4 misdemeanor, giving police direct authority to disperse and cite.
Can someone park an RV overnight in a public lot?
No, unless the site is specifically designated for overnight camper occupancy. City Code § 23-56 bans it elsewhere on public property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsSit-Lie RulesHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia homelessness & encampment rules overview

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