Virginia Beach, VA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum freeboard
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Applies to
- New builds & substantial improvements
- Non-residential option
- Engineer-certified flood-proofing instead
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Planning & Community Development
- Max fine
- $100 per day, per violation
Summary
New and substantially improved buildings in Virginia Beach flood hazard areas must set their lowest floor at least two feet above the base flood elevation, or higher if local drainage data requires it.
A.Residential construction requirements. The lowest floor, including basement, shall be set to the higher of the following:i.A minimum of two (2) feet above the base flood elevation established on the most recent FIRM or by the most recent FIS; orii.A minimum of one (1) foot above the 100-year HGL elevation measured at the nearest existing or proposed public drainage structure or BMP, in the City Stormwater Master Plan.
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 the city's Floodplain Ordinance, residential construction in a special flood hazard area must elevate the lowest floor (including any basement) to whichever is higher: two feet above the FEMA base flood elevation, or one foot above the 100-year hydraulic grade line at the nearest public drainage structure in the City Stormwater Master Plan. Non-residential buildings must meet the same elevation or may be flood-proofed instead, watertight and engineer-certified, in lieu of raising the structure. The Department of Planning and Community Development administers and inspects compliance.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant construction can be denied a certificate of occupancy, ordered to stop work, and fined up to $100 per day per violation; flood insurance may also be withheld from structures built out of compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above flood level must a Virginia Beach house be built?
Can a commercial building be flood-proofed instead of elevated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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