Pop. 238,005 · Norfolk City
Norfolk allows family day homes as home occupations in most residential districts subject to state licensing. Virginia requires state licensure for care of 5+ unrelated children; Norfolk zoning permits in-home child care with conditional use requirements for larger operations.
Norfolk allows home occupations in all residential zones subject to operational standards. The business must be incidental to residential use, occupy under 25 percent of floor area, and have no more than one non-resident employee.
Norfolk home occupations cannot generate customer traffic exceeding normal residential patterns. No retail walk-ins, no classes over small group size, and no deliveries beyond typical household levels. Violations trigger enforcement.
Norfolk prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 3/4-ton rated capacity, tractors, and semi-trailers in residential districts. Naval contractor vehicles and military government vehicles are exempted when operating under federal duty. Active-duty personnel with POV work vehicles should review zone.
Norfolk on-street parking is regulated by Department of Parking. Meters operate Mon-Sat 8 AM-6 PM in Downtown, Ghent, and NEON District. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones protect neighborhoods around EVMS, ODU, and Downtown. 72-hour limit applies to all unmetered streets.
Norfolk prohibits parking of RVs, boats, and trailers on residential streets overnight. On private property, RVs and boats must be stored in rear or side yard behind front building line, on improved surface. Given Norfolk waterfront, boat storage enforcement is active citywide.
Norfolk driveways require zoning compliance and a curb cut permit from Public Works. Single-family lots limited to one curb cut typically 10-24 feet wide. Driveways must be paved with dustless material (concrete, asphalt, pavers). Coastal flooding considerations apply to driveway grading in AE/VE flood zones.
Norfolk does not impose a citywide blanket overnight parking ban but enforces the 72-hour rule. RPP zones near ODU, EVMS, and Downtown require overnight permits. Commercial districts and certain marina lots prohibit overnight street parking.
Norfolk declares vehicles abandoned after 48 hours on public property or 10 days on private property without owner consent, per VA Code §46.2-1200. Inoperable vehicles on residential property must be stored in a fully enclosed structure or be removed. City contracts with towing operators for removal.
Norfolk encourages EV charging infrastructure. Residential Level 2 chargers require a simple electrical permit. Public charging available at Waterside District, MacArthur Center, Norfolk Premium Outlets, and Downtown garages. New construction follows Virginia USBC EV-ready provisions.
Norfolk has no breed-specific legislation. VA Code 3.2-6540.1 expressly preempts localities from banning dogs by breed. Norfolk relies on the behavior-based dangerous-dog framework under VA Code 3.2-6540.
Norfolk prohibits feeding of deer, foxes, raccoons, and waterfowl under City Code Chapter 6. Coastal feeding of gulls and pelicans along Ocean View and Willoughby beaches is discouraged and can draw nuisance enforcement. Songbird feeders are allowed.
Norfolk requires all dogs off their owner's property to be leashed under City Code Chapter 6. Town Point Park, Ocean View Beach, and most city parks require leashes. Violations carry fines up to 250 dollars and civil penalties for repeat offenses.
Norfolk prohibits dangerous exotic animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and constrictors over 6 feet under City Code Chapter 6. VA Code 4VAC15-30 lists regulated species statewide; Norfolk adopts stricter local limits.
Beekeeping is allowed in Norfolk on residential and agricultural lots subject to setback rules. State Apiarist registration under VA Code 3.2-4400 is required. Hives typically must be set back from property lines with water sources on-site.
Norfolk limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel license. Kennel licenses require zoning approval. Military families at NS Norfolk follow on-base rules separately.
Norfolk allows up to 6 hens on residential lots with no roosters. Coops must be set back 25 feet from neighboring dwellings and kept in sanitary condition. Permits through the City may be required; sale of eggs restricted to on-site.
Virginia Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner to provide adequate care for companion animals, with criminal penalties for neglect that often underpin hoarding cases.
Norfolk permits leaf blower use during general construction and landscaping hours (7 AM to 7 PM) with no fuel-type ban. Gas and electric blowers are both allowed. Operators must comply with plainly-audible noise rules near residential property lines.
Construction noise in Norfolk is restricted to 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday work generally prohibited except for emergency repairs. Downtown and Naval Station Norfolk area projects may obtain variances for night work with advance notice to neighbors.
Norfolk prohibits modified exhausts, engine braking without need, and car audio plainly audible at 50 feet. VA Code 46.2-1049 (mufflers) and 46.2-1050 (exhaust modifications) apply statewide and are enforced by Norfolk Police.
Norfolk prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors under City Code Chapter 6 (Animals). A dog barking continuously for 20 minutes or intermittently for one hour can trigger a nuisance summons. Animal Protection officers handle complaints alongside police.
Amplified music in Norfolk is prohibited if plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or inside another residence. Granby Street, Waterside District, and Ghent entertainment venues operate under special entertainment-district rules with extended hours and sound-permit requirements.
Aircraft noise in Norfolk is federally preempted by the FAA. Naval Station Norfolk (Chambers Field, NGU) operations, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) departures, and Navy helicopter training over the Elizabeth River generate steady overflight noise not regulable by the city.
Norfolk enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends under City Code Chapter 26. Plainly audible standard applies at 50 feet or across a property line during quiet hours. Backed by VA Code 18.2-416 for profane language nuisance.
Commercial noise at property lines in Norfolk residential zones is limited to 55 dBA at night and 65 dBA day under Chapter 26. Loading-dock activity, HVAC rooftop units, and bar/restaurant operations must meet boundary standards.
Norfolk allows sheds under 256 square feet without a building permit under Virginia USBC Section 102.3. Setback requirements apply: typically 3 feet from side/rear lot lines. Sheds over 256 square feet require full permitting.
Norfolk allows carports in most residential zones subject to setback rules and building permits for permanent structures. Temporary fabric carports face restrictions in front yards and historic districts. Coverage rules apply.
Norfolk allows Accessory Dwelling Units in most residential zones under the 2018 zoning ordinance rewrite. ADUs up to 900 square feet allowed with owner occupancy, off-street parking, and building permit. No rental cap.
Garage conversions to living space in Norfolk require building permits, zoning review, and replacement off-street parking. If the conversion creates a second dwelling unit, ADU rules apply. Historic districts need ARB approval.
Tiny homes on foundations are treated as dwellings in Norfolk and must meet Virginia USBC minimum standards (typically 120 sq ft minimum habitable room, full kitchen/bath). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences.
Norfolk allows Accessory Dwelling Units by right in most residential districts under the 2018 zoning ordinance rewrite. ADUs route through the Department of City Planning and Codes Administration with a zoning permit, building permit, and trade permits. Virginia has no statewide ADU preemption — Va. Code §15.2-2280 grants Norfolk broad zoning authority. ADUs must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffer requirements.
Norfolk does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Virginia state law tightly limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to Codes Administration building permit fees, Department of Utilities water and sewer connection fees, and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) Facility Charges. Cash proffers apply only in connection with rezoning, not as-of-right ADU permits.
Norfolk allows ADUs to be rented long-term to a single household subject to owner-occupancy of the other unit. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a separate STR registration under the Norfolk zoning ordinance STR provisions and remittance of the 8 percent transient occupancy tax. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §55.1-1200) governs long-term leases. Va. Code §15.2-2208 preempts municipal rent control.
Norfolk requires owner-occupancy for properties with an ADU: the property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their principal residence. Pure investor ADUs (renting both units to separate tenants) are not allowed. Virginia has no state preemption of local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California or Oregon). Violation can result in loss of the ADU zoning certificate.
Norfolk requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and annual STR registration. STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts and generally prohibited in single-family residential areas without CUP approval.
Norfolk STRs must collect 8 percent Transient Occupancy Tax plus state sales tax of 6 percent, totaling about 14 percent. CUP application fees, annual registration fees, and business license BPOL tax also apply.
Norfolk STRs must comply with city noise ordinance quiet hours and include noise compliance terms in rental agreements. Repeated noise complaints can result in CUP revocation.
Norfolk requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance of at least 500,000 dollars covering short-term rental activity. Proof of insurance is required at CUP application and annual registration.
Norfolk does not impose a strict annual night cap on STR rentals, but non-owner-occupied (whole-home) STRs face stricter CUP scrutiny. Owner-occupied STRs are preferred under the ordinance.
Norfolk requires annual STR registration in addition to the one-time CUP approval. Registration includes fee payment, insurance verification, tax account confirmation, and operator contact updates.
Norfolk STRs must provide off-street parking sufficient for the permitted occupancy, generally one space per bedroom. Street parking cannot be relied upon to satisfy STR parking requirements.
Norfolk caps STR occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional, with total occupancy subject to USBC fire safety limits. Large events and parties are prohibited.
Norfolk permits fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards without special approval. Heights above 6 feet require a zoning permit. Coastal flood-prone neighborhoods may require wind-rated fencing.
Norfolk requires a zoning permit for fences over 6 feet, fences in historic districts, and any fence on a corner lot within the sight triangle. Fences under 6 feet on interior residential lots generally need no permit.
Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences require neighbor consent. Good neighbor (finished-side-out) is custom but not mandated by code.
Norfolk allows wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, and masonry fences citywide. Barbed wire and electrified fencing are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts restrict materials to wood picket, wrought iron, and approved alternatives.
Norfolk requires 48-inch minimum barrier around residential pools under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Self-closing and self-latching gates mandatory. Fence applies to pools deeper than 24 inches including above-ground and inflatable.
Norfolk requires a clear sight triangle at intersections: no fence, wall, shrub, or obstruction over 3 feet tall within 25 feet of each corner of a street intersection. Enforced strictly due to pedestrian safety concerns near ODU and residential grid streets.
Norfolk residential pools must meet Virginia USBC anti-entrapment, barrier, and electrical safety rules. Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain cover standards apply to all pools.
Norfolk hot tubs and spas require building and electrical permits. Lockable safety covers compliant with ASTM F1346 can substitute for a 48-inch barrier under the Virginia USBC.
Norfolk requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around all residential pools with self-closing, self-latching gates under the Virginia USBC. Openings cannot exceed 4 inches to prevent child access.
Norfolk requires a building permit for all in-ground and most above-ground swimming pools under the Virginia USBC. Electrical and plumbing permits are also required, and final inspection is mandatory before use.
Norfolk above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches require building permits and USBC-compliant barriers. Pool walls 48 inches tall can serve as the barrier with ladder removal or lockable steps.
Norfolk is not designated a high-risk wildfire zone by the Virginia Department of Forestry. The urbanized coastal geography and limited wildland interface keep wildfire risk low, though VDOF still tracks brush fire statistics citywide.
Norfolk prohibits all consumer fireworks within city limits despite Virginia state permissiveness. Only fireworks approved by the Fire Marshal for public displays are allowed. Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor under VA Code 27-97.
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Norfolk under IFC 307.4.2 with the same rules as fire pits: under 3 feet diameter, 2 feet tall, 25 feet from structures. No permit required. Complaints of excessive smoke can trigger extinguishment orders.
Norfolk requires working smoke detectors in all residential dwellings under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and VA Code 15.2-922. Rental properties must have hardwired or 10-year sealed battery detectors with Fire Marshal inspection available.
Norfolk prohibits most open burning within city limits under City Code Chapter 16 and the Virginia Statewide Air Pollution Control Regulations. The Virginia 4 PM Burn Law (Feb 15 to April 30) applies but is largely superseded by the urban burn ban.
Norfolk requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris under City Code Chapter 27 (Weeds and Grass). Fire Marshal can order clearance when conditions pose wildfire or arson risk.
Norfolk allows residential fire pits under Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 307. Recreational fires must be under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet tall, and at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material per IFC 307.4.2.
Virginia adopts the Statewide Fire Prevention Code applying uniform NFPA 58 propane storage and handling standards across all jurisdictions, regulating tank placement, capacity, and installation requirements consistently.
Norfolk regulates public tree trimming through the Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space. Street trees and trees in the right-of-way require a permit to prune. Private property trees generally require no permit except in Chesapeake Bay buffers.
Norfolk treats weeds under the same 12-inch rule as grass in City Code Chapter 27. Noxious weeds identified by Virginia Department of Agriculture must be controlled regardless of height. Poison ivy and invasive species are owner responsibility.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Norfolk. Virginia has no state-level restrictions and actively supports rainwater capture through the Virginia DEQ stormwater programs. Systems under 5,000 gallons typically require no permit.
Norfolk limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on residential and commercial lots under City Code Chapter 27 (Weeds, Grass and Refuse). Violations trigger notice, abatement, and property liens.
Artificial turf is allowed in Norfolk residential yards under zoning code but faces limits under Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area rules because it counts as impervious surface. Front yard turf may be restricted in historic districts.
Norfolk requires permits to remove any tree in the public right-of-way, Chesapeake Bay buffer, or protected canopy area. Private trees outside these zones can generally be removed, but replacement rules apply for site plan properties.
Norfolk encourages native plant landscaping and offers it as an exemption from the 12-inch grass rule when properly designed. The city partners with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on native plant programs.
Norfolk is served by the Norfolk Department of Utilities, which can impose water use restrictions during drought under the City Drought Management Plan. The city draws from Lake Prince, Lake Smith, and other reservoirs. Voluntary conservation is promoted year-round.
Norfolk elevators are regulated under the Virginia USBC and VA Elevator Safety regulations. Annual inspections and current operating certificates are required for all elevators in commercial, multifamily, and condo buildings.
Norfolk pre-1978 housing is subject to federal lead-based paint disclosure and EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) requirements. Many historic Norfolk neighborhoods have substantial lead paint exposure risk.
Norfolk Property Maintenance Code requires owners to keep buildings free of rodents, insects, and vermin. Chapter 27 housing code mandates extermination when infestations exist. Given Norfolk coastal climate, mosquito abatement handled by Norfolk Department of Public Health in coordination with Virginia Department of Health.
Norfolk scaffolding must comply with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and OSHA standards. Public right-of-way encroachment requires permit from Department of Public Works. Pedestrian protection (overhead canopies) required for scaffolding over sidewalks on any downtown or Ghent corridor project.
Norfolk HOAs can levy annual and special assessments under the Virginia POA Act. Unpaid assessments become liens and, if unpaid, can lead to judicial foreclosure. Late fees and interest are regulated by statute.
Norfolk HOA architectural committees must act on applications within time limits set by governing documents and cannot impose arbitrary denials under the Virginia POA Act. Written decisions and appeal rights are required.
Norfolk HOAs enforce CCRs through notice, fines, and ultimately lawsuits under the Virginia POA Act. Due process requires written notice, opportunity to be heard, and consistent enforcement.
Norfolk HOAs and condo associations operate under the Virginia Property Owners Association Act (VA 55.1-1800 et seq.) and Condominium Act. Boards must follow notice, quorum, and meeting rules set by statute and governing documents.
Norfolk HOA disputes can be filed with the Virginia Common Interest Community Board Ombudsman or pursued in Norfolk Circuit Court. The POA Act requires associations to establish internal complaint procedures.
Norfolk has no specific municipal ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit residential balcony smokers fall under IFC §308.1.4 prohibitions on combustible balconies. Excessive smoke crossing property lines may be addressed under Norfolk nuisance provisions and Va. Code §15.2-900 (general nuisance authority).
Norfolk enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas cylinders over 1 pound on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with 3 or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is unrestricted by city code. NFPA 58 governs propane cylinder storage statewide.
Outdoor kitchens in Norfolk require separate trade permits from Codes Administration: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lines, plumbing permit for water and sinks, and electrical permit for outdoor outlets. The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies, with coastal high-wind and FEMA flood requirements on much of the Norfolk waterfront. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffers may restrict placement.
Norfolk has no specific city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act, the Norfolk noise ordinance for blower and music sound, ARB review in historic districts for permanent installations, and practical hurricane/coastal wind considerations during Atlantic hurricane season.
Norfolk has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Real restrictions arise from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act (Va. Code §55.1-1800), Architectural Review Board review for permanent fixtures in historic districts (Ghent, Freemason, Brambleton), and the citywide noise ordinance for sound-synchronized displays.
Norfolk's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Political signs are protected as free speech with content-neutral size limits. HOA covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act may impose private rules. Architectural Review Board review applies to permanent installations in historic districts (Ghent, Freemason, Brambleton).
Norfolk operates a Rental Inspection District program under VA Code 36-105.1:1, requiring landlords in designated blighted areas to register rental units and obtain periodic safety inspections. Registration is handled through Norfolk Neighborhood Quality.
Virginia prohibits local rent control. Norfolk cannot impose rent caps or rent stabilization under Dillon Rule. Landlord-tenant relationships governed by Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code §55.1-1200 et seq.). Military tenant protections apply given large Navy population.
Norfolk follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) for evictions. Virginia is not a just-cause eviction state and Dillons Rule prevents Norfolk from enacting local just-cause protections. Landlords may decline to renew leases without stating a reason.
Norfolk is subject to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, and local coastal management regulations. As one of the most flood-vulnerable cities in the U.S., Norfolk has adopted aggressive coastal resilience standards for development along the Elizabeth River, Lafayette River, and Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
Norfolk has extensive FEMA flood zones with about 30% of city in Special Flood Hazard Area (AE, VE, AO). Freeboard of 3 feet above Base Flood Elevation required for new residential construction. Flood insurance mandatory for federally backed mortgages in SFHA. Norfolk is a Community Rating System Class 7 community.
Norfolk enforces Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law for any land disturbance of 2,500 sq ft or more. Silt fencing, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances required. Certified Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) must be designated on project. Tidal shoreline work triggers Virginia Marine Resources Commission permits.
Norfolk is a Phase I MS4 permit holder under VA DEQ and federal EPA rules. Chapter 26.1 Stormwater Ordinance requires water quality and quantity controls for projects disturbing 2,500 sq ft or more. Stormwater utility fee funds flood mitigation given Norfolk severe sea-level rise and tidal flooding.
Norfolk grading must not divert stormwater onto adjacent properties. Positive drainage away from foundations required by VA USBC. Given extensive flooding and high water table, French drains and sump pumps common. Fill within AE/VE zones tightly regulated under floodplain rules.
Political signs in Norfolk are protected First Amendment speech under Reed v. Town of Gilbert and VA Code 15.2-109. The city allows temporary political signs on private property with size limits and a setback from the public right-of-way. No permit required.
Norfolk allows residential holiday decorations and lighting under a permissive approach. No permit is required, but displays cannot obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or create traffic hazards. Lighting should not shine directly into neighboring windows.
Norfolk permits temporary garage sale directional signs on private property with owner permission. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or stapled to trees are prohibited and subject to removal without notice.
Norfolk actively enforces property blight under VA Code 36-49.1:1 and the Spot Blight Abatement program. Owners of blighted properties receive notices to repair; failure can lead to forced rehabilitation, liens, and in extreme cases city acquisition.
Norfolk property maintenance code requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view between collections. Front yard or driveway storage visible from the street can trigger code enforcement notices from Neighborhood Quality.
Norfolk has no ordinance compelling homeowners to clear snow from sidewalks within a set time. The city encourages voluntary clearing for safety, and businesses in downtown and waterfront districts are expected to maintain storefront walkways.
Norfolk requires vacant lots to be kept clear of tall grass, trash, and debris under the Virginia Maintenance Code and VA Code 15.2-901. Owners face abatement fees and liens when the city mows and cleans after notice.
Norfolk allows residential garage and yard sales with no permit for occasional sales. Most sales are limited to a few per year, from dawn to dusk, with no sidewalk or right-of-way obstruction.
Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis home cultivation on July 1, 2021 under VA Code 4.1-1101. Norfolk residents 21 and older can grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household (not per person) out of public view with identification tags.
Virginia has no operational adult-use retail cannabis market as of 2026. Only medical cannabis dispensaries licensed under the Cannabis Control Authority operate. Norfolk is in Health Service Area V served by one pharmaceutical processor with permitted dispensing locations.
Norfolk permits rooftop solar under Virginia USBC. Residential PV requires building and electrical permits issued through ePermitting portal. Virginia net metering (VA Code §56-594) available via Dominion Energy. Historic district installations require Architectural Review Board approval.
Virginia protects homeowner solar rights under VA Code §67-701 (effective 2020). HOAs cannot prohibit solar, though they may impose reasonable restrictions on location and appearance. Many Norfolk-area HOAs in Ocean View and East Beach have updated covenants for compliance.
Norfolk does not have formal dark-sky ordinance but zoning requires full-cutoff fixtures for commercial and multifamily exterior lighting. Light trespass onto adjacent residential property limited. Naval Station and Naval Base Complex have federal blackout-compatible lighting standards.
Norfolk code treats intrusive artificial lighting as a nuisance. Zoning limits light spillover to roughly 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines from commercial sources. Residential-to-residential complaints handled under general nuisance provisions. Shielding required on new commercial fixtures.
Norfolk Waste Management provides once-weekly automated curbside trash collection using city-issued 95-gallon carts. Collection day depends on neighborhood. Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours.
Norfolk offers twice-weekly bulk waste pickup on yard waste days for items like furniture, appliances, and up to 10 cubic yards of material. Schedule by calling 311 or using MyNorfolk app. No tires, hazardous waste, or construction debris.
Norfolks curbside recycling program is operated through SPSA regional partnership with biweekly pickup using 95-gallon blue carts. Single-stream accepting paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Glass not accepted curbside.
Norfolk requires carts at curb with 3-foot clearance on all sides for automated arm pickup. Carts must be stored out of public view between collections. Between-collection storage in front yards is prohibited under the property maintenance code.
Commercial drone operators in Norfolk must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and secure LAANC authorization for nearly every flight due to Class C airspace from KORF plus Navy restricted areas. Operations near NS Norfolk require prior DoD coordination.
Recreational drone operation in Norfolk is heavily constrained by federal airspace restrictions surrounding Naval Station Norfolk, Chambers Field, and Norfolk International Airport. Most of the city lies in restricted or controlled airspace requiring FAA authorization.
Norfolk requires mobile food vendor business license, Virginia Department of Health mobile food unit permit, and zoning permit for operating locations. Fire Marshal inspection needed for propane equipment. Multiple designated food-truck zones in Downtown, NEON District, and near Norfolk Naval Station gates.
Norfolk designated food truck zones are located in Downtown, NEON District, and at permitted events. Operation on residential streets prohibited. Waterside District and MacArthur Square host regular food truck rallies. Time limits typically 4 hours per spot.
Norfolk honors No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs. Solicitors who ignore posted signs can be charged with trespass under VA Code 18.2-119 and lose their Solicitors Permit. Homeowners can also opt into the FTC Do Not Call list separately.
Norfolk requires door-to-door peddlers and solicitors to obtain a Solicitors Permit from the Police Department including background check and photo ID. Commercial solicitation is limited to daytime hours. Noncommercial speech has stronger protections.
Norfolk enforces a juvenile curfew under City Code restricting minors under 18 from public places between 11 PM and 6 AM Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 6 AM on Friday and Saturday. Parents can be held responsible for violations.
Norfolk parks close from dusk to dawn, typically 10 PM to 6 AM, unless a specific park has posted alternative hours or a permitted after-hours event. Presence in a closed park is trespassing under VA Code 18.2-119.
Norfolk regulates tree removal under Chapter 45 (Trees and Other Vegetation) of the City Code. The city's Urban Forester oversees tree preservation and may require permits for removal of significant trees, particularly on public property and in protected areas.
Norfolk requires tree replacement when significant trees are removed during development or when public trees are damaged. The city's replacement policy aims to maintain and expand Norfolk's urban tree canopy.
Norfolk recognizes and protects heritage and significant trees through Chapter 45 of the City Code and the city's Urban Forestry program. Heritage trees are those of exceptional size, age, or historical significance that receive enhanced protection.
Norfolk setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical R-6 and R-7 single-family zones: 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 25 ft rear. Waterfront lots follow Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act 100-foot Resource Protection Area buffer from shoreline. Historic districts have contextual setback requirements.
Norfolk residential height typically 35 feet (2.5 stories). Downtown and mixed-use districts allow much higher (several districts uncapped). Naval Station approach airspace triggers FAA Part 77 height review for areas near Chambers Field and Norfolk International Airport.
Norfolk lot coverage typically limited to 40-50% in single-family residential districts, with higher allowances in townhouse and multifamily zones. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act limits impervious surface on waterfront lots. Flood zone rules may further restrict ground footprint.
Norfolk does not require a permit or business license for occasional personal garage sales. Sales are limited to a few per year at a private residence during daytime hours. Commercial-scale selling requires a business license and zoning review.
Norfolk expects residential garage sales to be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. While no strict hours are codified, sales should respect residential quiet hours and neighborhood norms.
Norfolk limits the frequency of residential garage sales to prevent what amounts to commercial retail activity in residential zones. While no strict numerical limit is codified, continuous or very frequent sales may trigger enforcement.
Virginia Code 40.1-28.10 sets a statewide minimum wage that exceeds the federal floor and preempts localities from establishing their own higher minimum wage rates for private sector workers.
Virginia Code 40.1-33.3 et seq. requires paid sick leave only for certain home health workers; no general statewide paid leave mandate exists, and broad local paid leave ordinances face preemption.
Virginia has no statewide predictive scheduling law, and Dillon Rule limits leave localities without authority to impose fair workweek or scheduling premium ordinances on private employers.
Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards administered by circuit courts; localities cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements.
Virginia preempts most local firearm regulation under Code 15.2-915, but a 2020 amendment lets localities restrict firearms in specific public buildings, parks, recreation centers, and permitted events.
Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, though Code 18.2-287.4 restricts certain loaded high-capacity weapons in named public areas of larger localities.
Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed compartment lawful without a permit; localities are preempted by Code 15.2-915.
Code 40.1-11.2 requires every Virginia state agency and any employer with more than an enumerated workforce performing public contracts over $50,000 to enroll in and use the federal E-Verify program for new hires.
Code 19.2-83.7 requires Virginia jails to notify ICE before releasing inmates subject to detainers, while 2020 reforms barred state agencies from inquiring into immigration status for service eligibility absent legal requirement.
Virginia Code 15.2-2288 and 15.2-2288.3 limit how localities may zone agricultural land, preserving by-right production and restricting special use permit requirements for bona fide farms.
Virginia Code 3.2-301 establishes the Right to Farm Act, shielding established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and limiting local ordinances that would restrict bona fide farming activities.
Virginia Code 58.1-1745 authorizes counties and cities to impose a 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores within their borders.
Virginia Code 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene single-use food service containers, with chain restaurants required to comply by July 1, 2025 and all food vendors by July 1, 2026.
Virginia has no statewide plastic straw ban; straws remain available on request, and localities have limited authority to regulate single-use service items beyond state environmental statutes.
Virginia Code 18.2-371.2 prohibits selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products to anyone under 21, with active duty military members 18 and over exempted under state law.
Virginia has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or menthol products; sales remain lawful to adults 21 and over subject to general tobacco regulations under Code 18.2-371.2.
Virginia requires retail tobacco and liquid nicotine sellers to comply with state licensing under Code 58.1-1021.04:1 and prohibits sales to anyone under 21 per Code 18.2-371.2.