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Virginia Beach, VA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited acts
Sitting, reclining, or lying down
Locations covered
Streets, sidewalks, alleys, curbs, entrances
Penalty
Class 4 misdemeanor (fine only)
Citation
City Code § 33-10, 1965 Code § 23-36.3
Scope
Citywide, no exception carved out

Summary

Virginia Beach outlaws sitting, reclining, or lying down on any street, sidewalk, alley, curb, or business entrance citywide, making it a class 4 misdemeanor with no exceptions written into the ordinance.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sit, recline or lie down on any street, sidewalk, alley, curb or entrance to any store or other place of business. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

Source: Virginia Beach City CodeView 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 § 33-10 makes it unlawful to sit, recline, or lie down on any street, sidewalk, alley, curb, or entrance to a store or other business anywhere in Virginia Beach. The ban applies at all times and citywide, not just the Oceanfront resort strip or downtown business districts, and the text carries no carve-out for medical need, waiting in line, or momentary rest. A violation is a class 4 misdemeanor, Virginia's lowest criminal tier, enforced by Virginia Beach Police. The section traces back to the 1965 City Code § 23-36.3 and remains active, unamended law today.

Violations & Fines

Violating City Code § 33-10 is a class 4 misdemeanor, Virginia's lowest criminal tier -- fine only, no jail time -- enforced by Virginia Beach Police for each offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sitting on the sidewalk illegal everywhere in Virginia Beach?
Yes. City Code § 33-10 bans sitting, reclining, or lying on any street, sidewalk, alley, curb, or business entrance citywide -- it's not limited to the Oceanfront or downtown.
What's the penalty for violating the sit-lie ordinance?
A class 4 misdemeanor -- Virginia's lowest criminal tier, punishable by fine only, no possible jail time.
Does the ordinance have exceptions for disability or medical need?
No. The text of § 33-10 contains no carve-out for disability, illness, or momentary rest -- it applies as written.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

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All Virginia Beach rules

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

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