Virginia Beach, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Tree removal regulations in Virginia Beach depend heavily on the tree's location and the property's regulatory context. For single-family residential properties outside protected areas, tree removal is generally unrestricted — homeowners may remove trees on their own land without city permits. However, several layers of restriction apply: Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Resource Protection Areas (RPA), typically within 100 feet of tidal waters, wetlands, streams, and drainage ditches leading to tidal waters, prohibit tree removal without Exception Review. Trees within RPAs provide critical water quality function, and removal typically requires replacement with equivalent canopy. Site plan tree preservation areas, designated on approved plans for subdivisions, multi-family developments, and commercial sites, prohibit removal and require preservation of specified trees. Streetscape trees along major corridors (Virginia Beach Boulevard, Laskin Road, General Booth Boulevard) may be protected. Public right-of-way trees are city property; removal requires city arborist approval and may require replacement. Trees in wetlands or dune areas may be protected under the Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches Act (VA Code §28.2-1400+) and require Wetlands Board approval. HOA covenants commonly restrict removal of trees above certain diameters in newer subdivisions. Specimen or heritage trees of unusual size or significance may have additional protections. For permitted removals in regulated areas, replacement trees are typically required at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the diameter of the removed tree. Emergency removal of hazardous or hurricane-damaged trees is generally allowed without prior permit but may require documentation; post-event removal during declared emergencies often has streamlined procedures. Licensed, insured arborists are strongly recommended — Virginia does not require state licensing for tree companies, but ISA-certified arborists meet professional standards. Call 811 (Miss Utility) 3 days before stump grinding or excavation. Tree debris disposal is handled through the Virginia Beach Landfill and Resource Recovery Center (Bulk Waste) or private haulers. Contact Planning at (757) 385-4621 to verify whether a tree is in a regulated area before removal.