Virginia Beach's Urban Forest Management Plan sets a 45 percent citywide canopy goal with priority replanting in lower-canopy neighborhoods and along Atlantic Avenue, implemented through CZO Section 215 landscape standards and Tree Code Chapter 33.
The City's Urban Forest Management Plan, adopted by Council and updated through Sustainability Office workstreams, targets a 45 percent canopy cover citywide and prioritizes equity by directing replanting funds to neighborhoods below the citywide average and to heat-vulnerable corridors near the Resort Area. CZO Section 215 sets landscape, screening, and replacement requirements for development sites; Chapter 33 governs city right-of-way trees. The plan is aspirational and not parcel-binding, so existing properties have no canopy mandate. Development projects must satisfy CZO landscape standards before final certificate of occupancy.
Removing a regulated street tree without a permit triggers Chapter 33 penalties up to $2,500 per tree plus replacement at 1:1 to 3:1 ratio depending on caliper size.
Virginia Beach, VA
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See how Virginia Beach's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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