Virginia Beach, VA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Manager
- Governing section
- City Code § 33-9.1
- Exempt groups
- Military, police, fire, funeral processions
- Default penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor, up to $2,500/12 mo.
- Related rules
- Traffic regulations in Chapter 21 may apply
Summary
Any parade or procession on a Virginia Beach street requires a permit from the city manager under City Code § 33-9.1, with exceptions only for military, police, fire, and funeral processions.
No procession or parade, excepting the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of the state, the forces of the police and fire departments of the city and funeral processions, shall occupy, march or proceed along any street or highway in the City, except in accordance with a permit issued by the city manager and such other regulations as are set forth in Chapter 21 which may apply.
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
Virginia Beach City Code § 33-9.1 bars any procession or parade from occupying, marching, or proceeding along a city street or highway without a permit issued by the city manager. Military and naval forces, the city's own police and fire departments, and funeral processions are the only groups exempted from the permit requirement. Organizers must also comply with any applicable traffic regulations set out in Chapter 21 of the Code. The section itself sets no fee schedule, application deadline, or approval criteria, so the city manager's office handles applications and conditions on a case-by-case basis.
Violations & Fines
Section 33-9.1 states no specific penalty, so the Code's default classification applies under § 1-9: a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Virginia Beach?
Who issues parade permits in Virginia Beach?
What happens if a parade is held without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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