Does Virginia Beach, VA have its own political signs ordinance?

No. Virginia Beach, VA does not appear to have a local political signs ordinance, Virginia state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from VA Code §15.2-2209.1 — Political Signs.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Light Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Cap in residential/ag/historic districts: 16 sq ft per lot
Cap in other districts: 32 sq ft per lot
Max height: 8 feet above grade
Governing provision: CZO Sec. 211(b)(5)

Summary

Virginia Beach treats political signs as content-neutral temporary signs, capped at 16 or 32 square feet total per lot depending on the zoning district.

Temporary signs other than those allowed by the provisions of subdivisions (1) through (4), subject to the following provisions: a. Within a Preservation, Agricultural, Residential, Apartment, or Historic and Cultural District, or a noncommercial area of a PD-H1 or PD-H2 Planned Development District, a total of sixteen (16) square feet of temporary signage shall be allowed on a lot. Within all other districts, a total of thirty-two (32) square feet of temporary signage shall be allowed on a lot. No such sign shall be higher than eight (8) feet above grade directly below such sign.

Source: VA Code §15.2-2209.1 — Political SignsView 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

The Zoning Ordinance does not single out political signs by name: they fall under Sec. 211(b)(5)'s general temporary-sign allowance. On a lot in a Preservation, Agricultural, Residential, Apartment, or Historic and Cultural District, or a noncommercial PD-H1/PD-H2 area, total temporary signage (including yard/campaign signs) is capped at 16 square feet; every other district allows 32 square feet. No such sign may exceed 8 feet in height above grade. The rule applies per lot, not per candidate or per sign, so multiple small signs on one property must add up within the cap.

Violations & Fines

Zoning enforcement can order removal of temporary signage exceeding the 16 or 32 square-foot per-lot cap or the 8-foot height limit; oversized or excess signs are treated as zoning violations subject to removal notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Virginia Beach ordinance specifically for political signs?

No. The Zoning Ordinance folds them into its content-neutral temporary-sign rule at Sec. 211(b)(5), applying the same footage and height limits to any noncommercial temporary sign.

How much political signage can I put on my property?

Up to 16 square feet total in residential, agricultural, apartment, or historic districts, or up to 32 square feet in other districts, per lot, no taller than 8 feet.

Sources & Official References

[1]Virginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 211

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