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Virginia Beach regulates tree trimming on public right-of-way and in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. Trimming of street trees in city right-of-way requires permission from the city arborist. On private property, trimming is generally allowed except where trees are protected by subdivision regulations, CBPA buffer rules, or tree preservation requirements of an approved site plan. Trees overhanging neighbors' property can be trimmed to the property line under Virginia common law. Call 811 (Miss Utility) before any work involving digging around roots. Dominion Energy handles trimming near power lines.
Virginia Beach Public Utilities supplies potable water under a long-term contract with Lake Gaston and the City of Norfolk. Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions are triggered by drought declarations from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, not by standing year-round schedules. During a declared drought watch, warning, or emergency, outdoor irrigation is limited to specific days and hours, and non-essential uses such as street washing and ornamental fountains may be curtailed. Violations carry civil penalties under City Code Chapter 37.
Sheds 256 square feet or smaller in Virginia Beach do not require a building permit but must meet zoning setbacks and HOA architectural rules. Anything larger requires a permit and engineered anchoring for coastal wind loads. Sheds cannot be used as dwellings and must match rear/side yard placement rules.
Converting a garage to living space in Virginia Beach requires a building permit, zoning compliance review, and replacement parking if the district has off-street parking minimums. Conversions to a rental unit are effectively ADUs and trigger conditional use review. AICUZ overlays may prohibit creating new dwelling space near NAS Oceana.
Tiny homes on foundations are allowed in Virginia Beach if they meet the Virginia USBC minimum standards including egress, ceiling heights, and sanitation. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings outside a licensed RV park. AICUZ overlays further restrict new small dwellings near NAS Oceana.
Carports in Virginia Beach require a building permit regardless of size because they are roofed structures with wind-load exposure. Placement must meet front, side, and rear setbacks, and attached carports are treated as building additions. HOAs widely prohibit freestanding metal carports in suburban neighborhoods.
Virginia Beach permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in limited residential districts subject to lot size, owner-occupancy, and conditional use permit requirements. AICUZ accident potential zones around NAS Oceana restrict or prohibit new residential units, which materially limits ADU siting in the southern and western portions of the city.
Virginia Beach permits accessory dwelling units through the City Zoning Ordinance Sections 102 (definitions) and 401 (use regulations), generally requiring a Conditional Use Permit or compliance with specific district rules. Virginia has no statewide ADU preemption — Va. Code §15.2-2280 grants broad municipal zoning authority. ADUs typically require an existing principal dwelling, owner occupancy, and lot size minimums.
ADUs in Virginia Beach can be rented long-term subject to Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §55.1-1200 et seq.). Short-term rentals are heavily regulated under the City's Short-Term Rental Overlay Districts — only specific areas (Sandbridge, Oceanfront Resort, North End) permit STRs as-of-right; elsewhere, a Conditional Use Permit is required, and STRs are also subject to the 8% transient occupancy tax.
Virginia Beach does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Virginia state law strictly limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to Permits and Inspections building permit fees, Public Utilities water/sewer connection fees, and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) facility charges. Cash proffers may apply only in connection with rezoning.
Virginia Beach typically requires the property owner to reside in either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their primary residence. The owner-occupancy requirement is a standard condition of Conditional Use Permits for ADUs and is enforced through deed restrictions recorded with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk before the certificate of occupancy is issued.
Virginia state law prohibits feeding bears year-round and deer from September 1 through the first Saturday in January under Virginia Code §29.1-521.2 and DWR regulation 4VAC15-40-285. Virginia Beach also discourages feeding of other wildlife including raccoons, foxes, and feral cats that can become public nuisances. Feeding waterfowl at city parks and beaches is generally discouraged and may be prohibited at specific sites. Violations of state wildlife feeding laws are Class 3 misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Bird feeders for songbirds are permitted but should be managed to avoid attracting bears.
Livestock in Virginia Beach is restricted to Agricultural zoning districts AG-1 and AG-2, covering the rural southern portion of the city (Pungo, Blackwater, Creeds areas below the Green Line). Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, and similar animals require minimum lot sizes (typically 1 acre or more) with stocking density limits. Manure management, fencing, and setbacks from property lines are regulated. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) oversees livestock health under Virginia Code Title 3.2. Animal cruelty laws under VA Code §3.2-5506 apply to all livestock.
Virginia Beach permits beekeeping in residential zones under Virginia state apiary law (VA Code §3.2-4400 through §3.2-4419). Beekeepers must register apiaries with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State Apiarist. The city generally follows state law without imposing hive number limits, though setbacks from property lines (typically 10-25 feet) and requirements for water sources and flyway barriers are common best practices. Managed honey bees are protected — localities cannot prohibit residential beekeeping under Virginia law. HOA restrictions may still apply.
Virginia Beach City Code requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the oceanfront boardwalk. Dogs are prohibited from the Resort Area beaches (2nd to 42nd Streets) from Memorial Day through Labor Day between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Off-leash activity is only permitted in designated dog parks (Red Wing Park, Woodstock Park, Bayville Farms Park, and others). Violations carry fines starting at $50 plus Animal Control fees. Leash law enforcement is handled by Animal Control at (757) 385-4444.
Virginia Beach prohibits most exotic and wild animals as pets under City Code and Virginia state law. Virginia Code §29.1-521 and §3.2-6571 restrict possession of dangerous wildlife including large cats, bears, primates, wolves, venomous reptiles, and most non-native wildlife. Native wildlife generally cannot be possessed without a permit from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Small exotic pets like ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most parrots, and non-venomous reptiles are generally allowed. Rabies vaccination requirements apply to ferrets.
Virginia Beach permits backyard chickens in most residential zones with restrictions on flock size, coop setbacks, and roosters. Typically 4-6 hens are allowed on standard residential lots with no roosters permitted due to noise. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) are generally restricted to Agricultural districts (AG-1, AG-2) which cover the rural southern portion of the city. Coops must be set back from property lines, maintained sanitarily, and secured against predators. Enforcement is by Animal Control at (757) 385-4444.
Virginia Beach does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL). No dog breeds are banned or restricted by breed alone. However, Virginia Beach enforces dangerous dog and vicious dog laws under Virginia Code §3.2-6540 and §3.2-6540.01, where any dog of any breed can be declared dangerous or vicious based on behavior. Owners of declared dangerous dogs must register the animal, carry liability insurance, use secure enclosures, and muzzle the dog in public. Landlords, HOAs, and insurance companies may impose their own breed restrictions independent of city law.
Virginia Beach enforces state animal cruelty law against hoarding, where someone keeps more animals than they can humanely care for, leading to suffering, neglect, or unsanitary conditions citywide.
Virginia Beach requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months but does not mandate licensing or leashing. Free-roaming cats are allowed, though trespassing complaints can prompt animal control responses.
Virginia Beach does not require pet microchipping, but the Animal Care and Adoption Center microchips all adopted pets and strongly recommends voluntary chipping for any cat or dog citywide.
Virginia Beach limits dogs to four per household in most residential zones unless the property qualifies as agricultural or the owner obtains a kennel license through Planning and Animal Control.
Coyotes are established in Virginia Beach, particularly near Pungo, Back Bay, and First Landing State Park. The city follows Virginia DWR guidance, focusing on hazing, secure trash, and limited lethal removal.
Veterinary clinics in Virginia Beach are permitted in B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 business districts under the City Zoning Ordinance, with overnight boarding triggering additional kennel-style review and noise standards.
Virginia Beach follows Va. Code section 27-98 and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, which require operable smoke alarms in every residential dwelling unit. Alarms must be installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements. Rental properties must have alarms certified within one year of tenancy and after each change. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in units with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. Battery and hardwired alarms must be replaced at least every 10 years.
Virginia Beach requires property owners to keep lots free of overgrown vegetation, tall grass, and accumulated brush that creates fire or nuisance hazards. The city's property maintenance code enforces cutting of weeds and grass over 12 inches on developed parcels and abatement of dead wood near structures. Coastal humidity keeps wildfire risk low, so there is no defensible-space zone rule, but routine clearance around homes is still required. Violations trigger notice, city abatement, and a lien on the property.
Consumer fireworks are illegal in Virginia Beach and throughout most of the Commonwealth under Virginia Code Section 27-95 and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Only the limited category of permissible sparkling devices is allowed, and launching, possessing, or selling traditional fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and the potential for jail time.
Virginia Beach prohibits open burning of yard debris, trash, or construction waste within city limits under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Small recreational and cooking fires are allowed when contained and attended. Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law (Va. Code section 10.1-1142) adds a statewide restriction each spring. Fire Marshal permits are required for any burn larger than a contained recreational fire, bonfires, and ceremonial burns. Enforcement is active because urban density and sandy pine duff can still spread embers.
Virginia Beach is not in a designated high-risk wildfire zone. The city sits in a humid subtropical coastal plain with sandy soils, high rainfall, and extensive tidal wetlands that limit wildfire spread. The Virginia Department of Forestry classifies the area as low wildfire risk. There are no WUI overlay districts, no defensible-space ordinances, and no hazardous-brush mapping. Routine open-burning rules and the statewide 4 PM Burning Law provide adequate protection without zone-specific requirements.
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in Virginia Beach without a permit. The fire must be under 3 feet diameter and 2 feet high, contained in a pit, chiminea, or approved appliance, burn only clean seasoned wood, and stay at least 25 feet from any structure. An adult must attend the fire with water or an extinguisher until fully extinguished. Burning yard debris or trash is prohibited year-round, and the statewide 4 PM Burning Law restricts any open flame near woodlands each spring.
Virginia Beach allows recreational fire pits using clean wood when contained in approved pits or chimineas, kept twenty-five feet from structures, and attended at all times under Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
Virginia Beach limits residential propane storage to two cylinders no larger than twenty pounds each on covered porches, balconies, or attached structures, following Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Chapter 61.
Virginia Beach enforces residential swimming pool barrier requirements under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). All pools over 24 inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from the pool. Latches must be at least 54 inches above the ground. Pool covers and door alarms can substitute for one side only under specific conditions.
Hot tubs and spas in Virginia Beach require a building permit and electrical permit when hardwired. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 exempts spas from the 48-inch barrier requirement. HOA architectural review is commonly required for deck-mounted or visible installations, and AICUZ noise zones near NAS Oceana do not restrict private hot tubs.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit, barriers, and electrical inspection in Virginia Beach. Many HOAs restrict or prohibit above-ground pools outright, particularly in front yards or visible from the street. Placement must respect setbacks from lot lines and septic systems, common in older unsewered neighborhoods.
Virginia Beach requires all residential swimming pools over 24 inches deep to have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The city enforces Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) Appendix G standards through Permits and Inspections. HOA communities often impose stricter fencing and supervision rules in CC&Rs.
Virginia Beach requires a building and electrical permit for all in-ground swimming pools and for above-ground pools more than 24 inches deep or holding more than 5,000 gallons. Permits are issued by the Permits and Inspections Division under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Plan review addresses setbacks, barriers, electrical bonding, setbacks from septic systems, and CBPA impervious cover.
Virginia Beach permits residential Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers as accessory electrical installations under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. An electrical permit is required for any hardwired charger over 50 amps. New commercial and multifamily construction must install EV-capable conduit for a percentage of parking spaces under USBC 2021 Appendix F. Public charging stations are growing at city-owned garages and Dominion Energy participating sites. Blocking a marked EV charging stall without charging is a $50 violation.
Overnight parking is permitted on most Virginia Beach residential streets without a permit, subject to the 72-hour maximum and general no-parking restrictions. The Oceanfront Resort Area has different rules: metered lots close between 2 AM and 6 AM, and some residential streets within the Resort District require a decal under the Residential Permit Parking program. Sleeping in a vehicle on a public street or in a beach parking lot is prohibited. Commercial trucks over 12,000 pounds GVW may not park overnight in residential zones.
Virginia Beach residential driveways must connect to a public street with a city-permitted curb cut. Only one driveway apron is allowed per single-family lot unless the lot exceeds 100 feet of frontage. Parking on the unimproved front yard (grass or dirt) is prohibited: vehicles must rest on a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt, pavers, or approved gravel. Maximum driveway width in the front yard is generally 24 feet or 40% of the lot frontage, whichever is less. Driveways must be set back at least 5 feet from side property lines.
Virginia Beach prohibits parking commercial vehicles over 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight in residential zoning districts. This includes tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks over 26 feet, and buses. One service truck, work van, or pickup up to 9,000 pounds GVW is allowed if it is the resident's personal work vehicle, parked on the driveway, and displays no more than two exterior signs. Trailers, RVs, and boats follow separate rules. Violations can escalate to towing after 48-hour notice.
Under Va. Code section 46.2-1200 and Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 21, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left on public property for more than 48 hours without a current registration or in a condition indicating no intent to reclaim, or on private property without the owner's consent for 10 days. Inoperable vehicles stored in residential yards must be shielded from view or kept inside a structure. The city can tow abandoned vehicles after a 48-hour warning tag and assess storage fees. Unpaid tow and storage costs become a lien on the title.
Virginia Beach allows free on-street parking on most public residential streets subject to 72-hour limits, no-parking zones, and posted signs. Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of fire hydrants, 20 feet of crosswalks, and 30 feet of stop signs. Oceanfront Resort Area streets have metered paid parking and seasonal residential permit zones. Parking during declared hurricane evacuations or snow emergencies is prohibited to keep corridors clear. Vehicles left over 72 hours may be tagged as abandoned.
Virginia follows the common-law rule that a property owner may build a fence up to the property line without the neighbor's permission, as long as it stays on the builder's side. There is no partition-fence statute requiring cost-sharing between neighbors in urban Virginia Beach. The finished side does not have to face outward, though many HOAs require it. Boundary disputes are civil matters governed by Va. Code Title 55.1 (Property and Conveyances). Trees and branches crossing the line can be trimmed up to the boundary at the neighbor's property.
Virginia Beach City Code and Zoning Ordinance regulate fence height, materials, and setbacks. Fences up to 4 feet are permitted in front yards, and up to 6 feet in side and rear yards in most residential zones. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit. Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts. In oceanfront and dune areas, additional restrictions apply to protect primary sand dunes. The finished side of the fence must generally face the neighboring property or street.
Virginia Beach enforces the Virginia Residential Code (Appendix G) and VUSBC requirements for swimming pool barriers. All pools, spas, and hot tubs capable of containing water 24 inches or deeper must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Pool alarms or power safety covers are required for pools accessible directly from a dwelling. Permits are required for pool installation and barrier compliance is verified at final inspection.
Virginia Beach requires building permits for retaining walls over 3 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge such as a driveway, pool, or structure. Walls must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) and the Virginia Residential Code. In coastal and dune areas, additional Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) review may apply. Engineered drawings sealed by a Virginia-licensed professional engineer are required for walls over 4 feet or any wall with a surcharge. Proper drainage, weep holes, and geotextile fabric are standard requirements.
Residential fences 6 feet or shorter do not require a building permit in Virginia Beach, but they must still meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation rules. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and any fence in the Resource Protection Area buffer require a permit and sometimes engineered drawings. Pool barrier fences always require compliance with the USBC Appendix G and pool permit package. Property-line surveys are the owner's responsibility; cities do not verify ownership disputes.
Virginia Beach limits residential fences to 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-distance rules at intersections. Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and engineered design. Oceanfront and Shore Drive lots face extra constraints from dune protection, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area rules, and wind loads from coastal storms. Barbed wire and electric fencing are prohibited in residential zones.
Virginia Beach prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and electrified fencing in residential districts. Acceptable materials include wood, vinyl, composite, aluminum, wrought iron, masonry, and chain-link (without barbed arms). Salt-air corrosion and hurricane wind loads make material durability a practical concern. Temporary construction fencing is allowed with permits. Agricultural zones (AG-1, AG-2) may use electric fencing for livestock control. All materials must comply with the Virginia Residential Code and VUSBC for structural integrity.
Virginia Beach regulates home-based businesses as Home Occupations under the Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance, typically Section 234 and residential district provisions. Home occupations are permitted as accessory uses in all residential zoning districts provided the use is incidental to the residential character, conducted by occupants, does not generate more than one non-resident employee, and shows no visible evidence from the street. A Home Occupation Permit is required.
Virginia Beach requires every home-based business to obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Department Zoning Administration plus a separate business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue. The Home Occupation Permit is a zoning clearance verifying compliance with the Zoning Ordinance home-occupation standards. Application includes a sketch plan, affidavit of compliance, and a modest fee. HOAs may require separate architectural or covenant review.
Home occupations in Virginia Beach must not generate customer traffic that is out of character with a residential neighborhood. The Zoning Ordinance permits only limited client visits by appointment, caps on-site employees at one non-resident, and prohibits retail sales, drop-in customer traffic, or deliveries beyond those typical for a residence. Family day homes under Virginia Code §22.1 are treated separately and explicitly permitted.
Family day homes in Virginia Beach are authorized by Virginia Code §15.2-2292 and regulated by the Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety, under Virginia Code §22.1-289.02 et seq. Homes caring for up to four children unrelated to the provider are exempt from licensing; five to twelve children require a state license. Localities cannot prohibit licensed family day homes, and Virginia Beach treats them as permitted home occupations with notice requirements.
Virginia's Home Food Processing Exemption under Virginia Code §3.2-5130 and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) regulations allows residents to make and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from a home kitchen with gross sales under $3,000 per month without VDACS inspection. Virginia Beach allows cottage food as a home occupation if customer traffic and signage rules are followed. Products must be labeled and sold directly to consumers.
Virginia Beach prohibits exterior signage for home occupations in residential districts. Under the Zoning Ordinance, home occupations must show no exterior evidence of the business, including no signs, display windows, or outdoor advertising. The only on-site identification allowed is the standard residential address marker. Violations are enforced by Code Enforcement under Zoning Ordinance provisions with civil penalties.
Virginia Beach imposes specific nighttime quiet requirements on short-term rentals on top of the general noise ordinance. STRs must observe a quiet window from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and the operator must provide a 24-hour contact who can respond to complaints within 30 minutes. Repeated violations can lead to revocation of the STR Conditional Use Permit.
Virginia Beach requires short-term rental operators to maintain liability insurance of at least 1 million dollars in coverage that specifically covers short-term rental activity. Proof of coverage must be submitted with the Conditional Use Permit application, and the policy must remain current for the life of the permit.
Short-term rentals in Virginia Beach must collect and remit Virginia state sales tax and the city transient occupancy tax (lodging tax) under Virginia Code Section 58.1-3825. The combined lodging tax rate in Virginia Beach exceeds 14 percent on the room charge, and operators must also pay a flat per-room-night tourism fee in addition to the annual STR permit application fee.
Virginia Beach does not set a fixed maximum number of rental nights per year for short-term rentals operating under a Conditional Use Permit, but state law under Virginia Code Section 15.2-983 defines an STR as a rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators outside the Sandbridge Special Service District must run under a CUP, and the CUP can include custom nightly caps in specific neighborhoods.
Virginia Beach caps STR occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons overall, with the total never exceeding the number allowed by the building code for the dwelling. Daytime-only gatherings at the property are also capped, and large events such as weddings and receptions are prohibited at STRs by the Conditional Use Permit conditions.
Virginia Beach requires every short-term rental outside of the Sandbridge Special Service District to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the City Council and to register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for lodging tax. The CUP process includes a zoning review, a Planning Commission hearing, and a City Council vote, and CUPs must be renewed annually.
Virginia Beach generally does not require an STR operator to live onsite, except where overlay districts or conditional-use permit conditions specifically demand owner-occupancy or local agent availability.
Virginia Beach does not impose a primary-residence-only rule citywide. The Sandbridge Special Service District has long permitted investor-owned vacation rentals as a core part of the local tourism economy.
Virginia Beach allows owner-occupied home-sharing through the same CZO Section 209 permitting pathway used for whole-house rentals. Hosts who rent rooms while present generally face the same registration steps.
Virginia Beach can revoke a short-term rental conditional-use permit when an operator accumulates documented violations such as overoccupancy, noise, or parking complaints. City Council reviews revocation cases on the public docket.
Virginia Beach requires short-term rentals to provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, and all guest parking must be accommodated on the property itself. Guests may not park on the lawn, block sidewalks, or rely on public on-street parking in residential neighborhoods. Failure to meet parking rules is one of the most common reasons for STR Conditional Use Permit denial.
Booking platforms operating in Virginia Beach generally collect and remit transient occupancy tax under VA Code §58.1-3826, but underlying hosts remain liable for zoning compliance, registration, and operational rule violations on their listings.
Virginia Beach regulates short-term rentals (STRs) primarily under Zoning Ordinance §241.2 and the STR Overlay District provisions in Article 23. All STR operators must obtain an annual STR Zoning Permit ($500 per address) administered by Zoning Administration. New STRs in the Oceanfront Resort STR Overlay District require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approved by City Council before the zoning permit is issued; CUPs expire five years from adoption. STRs are permitted by-right (with annual zoning permit) inside the Sandbridge Special Service District.
Virginia Beach does not have a dedicated leaf blower ordinance, but gas and electric leaf blowers must comply with the citywide noise standards in City Code Chapter 23, Article II. Use is generally acceptable during reasonable daytime hours, and commercial landscapers should be mindful of the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet window and residential zone sound limits.
Amplified music in Virginia Beach is regulated under City Code Chapter 23, Article II, which prohibits sound that is audible beyond property lines at unreasonable levels, especially between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The Oceanfront Resort Area has additional rules tied to entertainment permits, and outdoor concerts require a special event permit from the city.
Outdoor music in Virginia Beach is regulated by City Code Chapter 23 and by specific zoning conditions at Oceanfront venues. Residential outdoor music is permitted during daytime hours, while commercial outdoor music at restaurants, hotels, and event spaces requires an entertainment permit and must end by the curfew written into that permit.
Virginia Beach does not rely on a single fixed-decibel table in its noise ordinance. Instead, City Code Chapter 23 uses a plainly audible and unreasonable-noise standard, supplemented by performance standards in the zoning code. Officers enforce the ordinance based on whether sound crosses the property line and disturbs a reasonable person, rather than by carrying a decibel meter to every call.
Industrial noise in Virginia Beach is regulated through the general noise provisions of City Code Chapter 23 combined with zoning performance standards for the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts. Industrial operations must not produce sound beyond their property line that is unreasonable for the zoning district, and noise that spills into adjacent residential areas is subject to stricter review.
Naval Air Station Oceana's Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) overlay restricts residential density and noise-sensitive uses across much of central and southern Virginia Beach, with the strictest limits in 75+ dB DNL contours.
Virginia Beach City Code Sec. 23-69 caps sound entering another residential dwelling at 55 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 65 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Measurements are taken inside the receiving residence at least four feet from the wall nearest the source, with doors and windows closed.
Virginia Beach HOAs may levy regular and special assessments under Virginia Code §55.1-1805. Unpaid assessments become a statutory lien on the lot. Associations must provide a disclosure packet within 14 days of a resale request under §55.1-1809, disclosing all fees, violations, and financial status to prospective buyers.
Virginia Beach HOAs enforce CC&Rs through notice, hearing, and fines under Virginia Code §55.1-1819. Fines are capped at $50 per violation or $10 per day for continuing violations by statute. Owners have due process rights including written notice, a hearing, and appeal before any charge becomes a lien.
Virginia Beach HOA disputes are handled first through internal association procedures, then through the Common Interest Community Board ombudsman, and finally in Virginia Beach Circuit or General District Court. Owners can file association complaints with the CICB after exhausting internal remedies, and courts may award attorney's fees to the prevailing party.
Virginia Beach HOAs operate under the Virginia Property Owners' Association Act (Code §55.1-1800 et seq.) or the Virginia Condominium Act (§55.1-1900 et seq.). Boards must hold at least one annual meeting, provide meeting notice with agenda, allow owner comment, and keep minutes available. Open meeting and record inspection rights are statutory.
Virginia Beach HOAs commonly operate an Architectural Review Board (ARB) or committee governing exterior modifications. Under Virginia Code §55.1-1819, review decisions must follow written standards, be issued in writing, and offer an appeal path. Owners have the right to install solar panels under §55.1-1820.1 subject to reasonable placement restrictions.
Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, fire sprinklers are required in townhouses with four or more units and most multi-family buildings, but Virginia preempts mandates for one and two-family dwellings.
Elevators in Virginia Beach buildings require annual inspections by a certified elevator mechanic and a current operating certificate posted in each cab, enforced by Permits and Inspections under the Virginia USBC.
Virginia Beach follows federal and state lead-based paint rules requiring disclosure for pre-1978 housing sales and rentals, plus EPA RRP-certified contractors for any disturbance over six square feet.
Virginia Beach requires termite inspection and treatment certificates for new construction and substantial additions under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, given coastal Hampton Roads' high subterranean termite pressure.
Scaffolds in Virginia Beach require permits when erected on public right-of-way and must comply with Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Standard 16 VAC 25-175, mirroring federal OSHA Subpart L scaffolding rules.
Childcare centers in Virginia Beach must meet Virginia USBC Group E or I-4 occupancy standards, plus Virginia Department of Education licensing including playground fencing, fire egress, and CPR-trained staff ratios.
Egress doors in Virginia Beach commercial and multi-family buildings must use single-action hardware that releases without key, tool, or special knowledge under Virginia USBC and adopted International Building Code Section 1010.
Virginia Beach landlords must follow VA Code §55.1-1226, which caps security deposits at two months of rent and requires return within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions taken.
Virginia HB 2541 (2024) expanded just-cause termination protections statewide, narrowing landlords' ability to refuse lease renewal without a stated reason. Virginia Beach landlords must align notices with the expanded VRLTA framework.
Virginia Beach tenants are shielded by VRLTA prohibitions on self-help eviction, utility shut-offs, and lockouts. Landlords must use General District Court for any removal, and harassment can void notices.
Since 2020, the Virginia Fair Housing Law bars landlords from refusing applicants based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Virginia Beach landlords must accept vouchers as valid income.
The Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation administers Housing Choice Vouchers locally. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass Housing Quality Standards inspections and sign a HAP contract.
Virginia Beach does not require relocation assistance for displaced tenants outside narrow VRLTA scenarios involving uninhabitable conditions or condemnation. Dillon's Rule prevents the city from adopting broader local payments.
Virginia Beach has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Virginia landlord-tenant law (VA Code §55.1-1200 et seq.) allows termination of month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' notice without cause. Virginia does not require landlords to state a reason for non-renewal.
Virginia Beach requires rental property registration through its Rental Inspection Program in designated conservation areas. Not all rental properties citywide require registration, but properties in targeted neighborhoods must register and pass inspections.
Virginia Beach has no rent control ordinance. Virginia state law (VA Code §55.1-1204) preempts local rent control. Landlords may set and increase rents without government caps, subject only to notice requirements.
Virginia Beach does not have a citywide sit-lie ordinance, but Resort Area boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue rules restrict lying down, blocking pedestrian flow, and overnight presence in tourism corridors during peak season.
Virginia Beach addresses encampments through a coordinated response involving Public Works, Police, the Community Services Board, and ForKids outreach. Property is generally stored, not destroyed, and notice precedes most clearances.
Virginia Beach supports bridge and emergency housing through the Lighthouse Center, ForKids family shelters, and partnerships with the Hampton Roads Continuum of Care. Most placements run through coordinated entry rather than walk-in intake.
Adults 21 and older in Virginia Beach may grow up to four marijuana plants per household for personal use, following Virginia Code §4.1-1101 statewide cultivation rules.
Future Virginia Beach cannabis retailers will need to maintain state-mandated buffers from schools, daycares, and substance-use facilities under Virginia Cannabis Control Authority licensing rules.
Direct delivery of recreational cannabis to Virginia Beach addresses remains restricted under Virginia state law until the Cannabis Control Authority adopts retail and delivery regulations.
Virginia legalized recreational cannabis possession and limited home cultivation in 2021. Adults 21+ may grow up to 4 plants per household for personal use. Plants must not be visible from public spaces and must be tagged with the grower's information.
Virginia has not yet authorized retail cannabis sales as of 2025, so Virginia Beach has limited dispensary zoning rules. Medical cannabis dispensaries (pharmaceutical processors) operate under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Local zoning for future retail sales is still being developed.
Virginia Beach retailers must verify ID and refuse tobacco, nicotine vapor, and hemp-product sales to anyone under 21, following Virginia Code §18.2-371.2 statewide age rules.
Virginia Beach vape retailers must obtain a Virginia retail tobacco license, follow flavored-product display rules, and limit youth-oriented marketing under Virginia ABC and Department of Taxation oversight.
Virginia Beach has not enacted a local flavored tobacco or vape ban; flavored products remain legal for sale to adults 21+ subject to FDA premarket authorization rules and Virginia tobacco law.
Virginia Beach imposes a five-cent disposable plastic bag tax at grocery, convenience, and drug stores under Virginia Code §58.1-1745, with revenue funding environmental cleanup and reusable bag distribution.
Virginia Code §10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene single-use food service containers for Virginia Beach restaurants, with chain operators already restricted and small businesses following by mid-decade.
Virginia Beach has no specific ordinance limiting plastic straws; restaurants may distribute them freely, though many resort-area businesses voluntarily switch to paper or compostable alternatives.
Virginia Beach has no upon-request mandate for plastic forks, knives, or condiment packets; restaurants choose whether to default to providing or asking customers if they need utensils.
Virginia Beach does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers, but their use is governed by general noise ordinance Section 23-65 limits, with daytime hour restrictions in residential zones and stricter limits near hospitals and schools.
Virginia Beach adopted a Sea Level Rise and Recurrent Flooding Plan that drives capital projects, freeboard requirements for new construction, and overlay districts in vulnerable coastal areas like Sandbridge and Shore Drive.
Virginia regulates diesel idling statewide under 9VAC5-40-5650, capping non-essential idling at three minutes for trucks. Virginia Beach enforces the state rule but adds no city-specific idling ordinance for passenger vehicles.
Virginia Beach's sustainable procurement policy directs city purchasing agents to favor EnergyStar, WaterSense, recycled-content, and EV-capable products when life-cycle costs are competitive, but does not impose binding mandates on private vendors.
Virginia Beach requires erosion and sediment control on all land-disturbing activities under the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law and city code. The city's location in the Chesapeake Bay watershed means enhanced protections apply to prevent sediment pollution of waterways.
Virginia Beach regulates floodplain development under Appendix K (Floodplain Ordinance) of the City Code. The city participates in the NFIP Community Rating System with significant flood insurance discounts. Flooding is a major concern due to the city's low-lying coastal geography.
Virginia Beach enforces comprehensive stormwater management under Appendix D of the City Code (Stormwater Management) and Virginia's Stormwater Management Act. The city operates under an MS4 NPDES permit issued by Virginia DEQ, with strict Chesapeake Bay TMDL pollutant reduction requirements.
Virginia Beach is a major coastal city subject to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, and the city's own coastal management regulations. The resort area along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline faces enhanced development standards.
Virginia Beach regulates grading and drainage through the city code and Virginia Stormwater Management Program. The city's flat coastal terrain and high water table make proper drainage critical. Projects must not increase stormwater runoff to adjacent properties.
Virginia Beach Health Department inspects restaurants under Virginia Department of Health rules; results are posted online but the city does not assign letter grades like A, B, or C.
Virginia Beach Code Chapter 9 and Chapter 23 require property owners to keep premises free of rats, mice, and harborage conditions, with city Code Enforcement issuing notices for unmaintained lots.
Virginia Beach landlords must address bed bug infestations in rental units under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, with tenants required to cooperate in inspections and treatment.
Virginia Beach residents must dispose of used syringes in rigid puncture-resistant containers and never in curbside trash or recycling, following Virginia DEQ medical waste rules and city sanitation policy.
Virginia Beach food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under Virginia Food Regulations, who oversees safe food handling during all hours of operation.
Virginia Beach Public Utilities can impose mandatory outdoor watering restrictions during declared drought, typically limiting irrigation to odd/even address days and prohibiting daytime watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Virginia Beach Public Utilities offers a one-time bill adjustment for residential customers who repair a hidden underground leak within 30 days, calculated against the prior 12-month average usage.
Virginia Beach has limited reclaimed-water infrastructure; HRSD's SWIFT aquifer recharge program is the region's main reuse effort, while on-site graywater systems require Virginia Department of Health approval.
Virginia Beach offers no cash turf-replacement rebate, but the City's Lynnhaven River NOW partnership provides free native-plant kits and stormwater retrofit grants that effectively reward replacing lawn with bay-friendly landscape.
Virginia Beach's CZO Article 21 Workforce Housing Program offers density bonuses up to 30 percent for residential projects setting aside units affordable to households earning 80 to 120 percent of area median income.
Any disturbance of primary sand dunes, beaches, or tidal wetlands in Virginia Beach requires a joint permit from the City's Wetlands Board and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission under Va. Code Section 28.2-1100.
The Resort Area Strategic Action Plan (RASAP 2030) is Virginia Beach's adopted master plan for the Atlantic Avenue tourism corridor, guiding form-based zoning, height bonuses, and pedestrian streetscape standards along the 5-kilometer boardwalk.
Virginia Beach's signature 28-foot-wide concrete bike path runs alongside the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk and is governed by City Code Chapter 21 rules requiring single-file riding, 10 mph speed in congested zones, and yielding to pedestrians at all crossings.
Virginia Beach permits shared electric scooters under City Code Chapter 21 micromobility rules, with deployment limited to the Resort Area, a 15 mph speed cap, and a strict no-riding policy on the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk.
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.
Virginia Beach has a comprehensive tree preservation ordinance under Appendix E of the City Code. The city requires permits for removal of trees meeting certain size thresholds and protects specimen and heritage trees with enhanced restrictions.
Virginia Beach protects heritage and specimen trees under Appendix E with enhanced removal restrictions and higher replacement requirements. Heritage trees are designated based on size, species, age, and significance.
Virginia Beach mandates tree replacement when trees are removed for development under Appendix E. Replacement ratios depend on tree size and heritage/specimen status. Payment into the city's tree fund is available when on-site planting is not feasible.
Virginia Beach imposes an 8% city transient occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays under 30 days, layered on top of the 5.3% Virginia state sales tax for an effective rate of about 13.3%.
Virginia Beach has not adopted any local hotel worker retention ordinance requiring incoming hotel owners to retain existing staff after a sale or change of control, leaving the issue to private contracts and federal labor law.
Virginia Beach does not impose a hotel-specific living wage, and Virginia state law preempts cities from setting industry minimum wages above the statewide floor of $12.41 per hour rising to $13.50 in January 2026.
Virginia preempts city-set minimum wages, so Virginia Beach workers earn the statewide floor of $12.41 per hour in 2025 rising to $13.50 effective January 1, 2026 under Va. Code Section 40.1-28.10.
Virginia's paid sick leave law under HB 783 covers only home health workers, not the general workforce, and Virginia Beach is preempted from enacting a broader local paid leave mandate covering retail, hospitality, or office staff.
Virginia Beach has no fair workweek or predictable scheduling ordinance, and state law does not authorize cities to require advance notice of schedules, predictability pay, or right-to-rest premiums for hourly retail and hospitality workers.
Virginia Beach is not a sanctuary city, and Va. Code Section 15.2-916.2 prohibits any Virginia locality from adopting policies that restrict cooperation between local police and federal immigration enforcement, including ICE detainers and information sharing.
Virginia requires state agencies and many public contractors to use the federal E-Verify system under Va. Code Section 40.1-11.5, and Virginia Beach extends this to most city contracts and vendors performing construction or service work for the municipality.
Virginia Beach tobacco retailers must hold a state retail tobacco license and a city Business Professional and Occupational License, sell only to customers 21 or older under Va. Code Section 18.2-371.2, and post required age-restriction signage.
Virginia Beach massage establishments must hold a city BPOL license, employ only therapists certified by the Virginia Board of Nursing under Va. Code Section 54.1-3000, comply with zoning use rules, and meet city health and safety inspection standards.
Virginia Beach tattoo and body-piercing studios must register with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation under Va. Code Section 54.1-700, obtain a city BPOL license, locate in commercial zoning, and verify customer age 18 or 16 with parental consent.
Drinking alcohol in public streets, sidewalks, parks, and on the Atlantic Avenue Boardwalk is generally prohibited under Va. Code Section 4.1-308 and Virginia Beach city code, with limited exceptions inside permitted Resort Area events and licensed establishment patios.
Although Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis under the 2021 Cannabis Control Act, smoking or consuming marijuana in any public place remains unlawful under Va. Code Section 4.1-1107, and Virginia Beach actively enforces the ban on streets, parks, and the Boardwalk.
Virginia Beach restricts aggressive panhandling under city ordinance, prohibiting threats, blocking pedestrians, soliciting near ATMs or bus stops, and entering roadways to solicit drivers, while permitting peaceful passive solicitation under First Amendment limits.
Outdoor kitchens in Virginia Beach require separate trade permits from Permits and Inspections: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lines, plumbing permit for water/sinks, and electrical permit for outdoor outlets. The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies, with coastal high-wind and FEMA flood requirements in V/A zones.
Virginia Beach has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony smokers face the same IFC §308.1.4 prohibition as other open-flame cooking. Excessive smoke crossing property lines can be addressed under VB Code §23-1 nuisance provisions or Va. Code §15.2-900 (general nuisance).
Virginia Beach enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with 3 or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is unrestricted. Beachfront grilling has additional public-area rules.
Virginia Beach'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. HOA covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act may impose private rules. Resort District design guidelines may apply to oceanfront properties.
Virginia Beach has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act (Va. Code §55.1-1800 et seq.), the Virginia Beach noise ordinance (Code Ch. 23 Art. III) for sound-synchronized displays, and resort-district lighting overlay rules in some oceanfront areas.
Virginia Beach has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's Property Owners' Association Act, the Virginia Beach noise ordinance for blower/music sound, and practical hurricane/coastal wind considerations.
Virginia Beach honors 'No Soliciting' signs. Solicitors who ignore posted signs may be cited for trespassing under Virginia law. The city does not maintain a formal 'Do Not Knock' registry.
Virginia Beach requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain permits under Chapter 23 of the city code (Offenses). Solicitors must register and carry identification. Background checks are required for commercial solicitors.
Virginia Beach provides curbside single-stream recycling collected every other week. The program is voluntary for residents. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#7, glass, and metals.
Virginia Beach provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection through a contract with Waste Management. Collection occurs on designated weekdays. Yard waste is collected separately.
Virginia Beach requires specific bin placement for automated collection. Bins must be at the curb with handles facing the house and adequate clearance. Between collections, bins must be stored out of public view.
Virginia Beach offers scheduled bulk item pickup through Waste Management. Large items require advance scheduling. The city also operates convenience centers for self-service disposal.
Virginia Beach requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations. Virginia law (VA Code §15.2-2288.7) limits local governments from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting solar installations. The city processes solar permits through its Permits and Inspections Division.
Virginia law (VA Code §55.1-1820.1) limits HOA authority to restrict solar installations. HOAs may not prohibit solar panels but may impose reasonable aesthetic standards that do not increase installation cost by more than 5% or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.
Virginia Beach restricts temporary garage sale signs under the city's sign ordinance. Signs are permitted on private property but prohibited on public rights-of-way, utility poles, and traffic signs. Signs must be removed after the sale ends.
Political signs in Virginia Beach are protected under the First Amendment and Virginia law. Signs on private property are broadly permitted without a permit. The city regulates sign size and placement in the city code but cannot impose content-based restrictions.
Virginia Beach does not heavily restrict holiday displays on private property. Seasonal decorations are generally permitted without a permit. Displays must not create safety hazards or obstruct public sidewalks and driveways.
Virginia Beach permits garage sales in residential areas with frequency and duration limits. Sales are regulated as accessory residential uses under the city zoning ordinance.
Virginia Beach regulates trash bin placement through city code and the Waste Management contract. Bins must be stored out of sight when not set out for collection and placed at the curb on designated collection days.
Virginia Beach enforces property maintenance standards through its Code Enforcement Division. The city uses the Virginia Maintenance Code and local ordinances to address deteriorated structures, accumulated junk, and overgrown vegetation.
Virginia Beach requires vacant lot maintenance including mowing, debris removal, and hazard elimination. The city actively enforces vacant lot standards and may abate violations at the owner's expense.
Virginia Beach requires property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within a reasonable time after snowfall. While significant snowfall is infrequent, the city does experience periodic winter storms and nor'easters.
Recreational drone operations in Virginia Beach must comply with FAA regulations and Virginia's drone law (VA Code §19.2-60.1). The city's proximity to NAS Oceana creates extensive restricted airspace. Flying near the military base without authorization is strictly prohibited.
Commercial drone operations in Virginia Beach require FAA Part 107 certification and face significant airspace restrictions near NAS Oceana. Operators must carefully plan flights around military restricted airspace. Virginia privacy laws add additional operational requirements.
Virginia Beach does not require a formal permit for residential garage sales. Occasional sales are permitted as an accessory residential use. No registration or fee is required.
Virginia Beach limits garage sale frequency to prevent commercial operations in residential areas. Properties are generally limited to a few sales per year with each lasting 2-3 days.
Virginia Beach restricts garage sale hours to reasonable daytime periods. Sales must comply with noise ordinance provisions and should not operate in early morning or late evening.
Virginia Beach has designated areas for food truck operations, particularly in the resort area, Town Center, and entertainment districts. Food trucks on private property need owner permission. Public right-of-way vending requires city approval.
Virginia Beach requires food trucks to obtain a city business license, mobile food vendor permit, and Virginia Department of Health food establishment permit. The city has developed a food truck-friendly regulatory framework.
Virginia Beach establishes building setback requirements through the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Setbacks vary by zoning district and are specified in the district-specific regulations. Residential zones have standard front, side, and rear setback requirements.
Virginia Beach regulates lot coverage through the zoning ordinance. Coverage limits vary by district from 30-40% in single-family zones to higher percentages in commercial areas. Stormwater and CBPA requirements may further limit impervious coverage.
Virginia Beach regulates building heights through the zoning ordinance and AICUZ overlay for military compatibility. Heights range from 35 feet in single-family residential to higher limits in commercial zones, with NAS Oceana height restrictions limiting many areas.
Virginia Beach enforces a juvenile curfew under City Code §23-2. Unaccompanied minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places during specified nighttime hours. Parents may be held liable for allowing violations.
Virginia Beach city parks close at dusk (or posted closing times) and reopen at dawn. The Parks and Recreation Department enforces hours. Persons found in parks after closing may be cited for trespassing.
Virginia Beach has some outdoor lighting regulations focused on minimizing light pollution in coastal areas, particularly for sea turtle protection and military compatibility near NAS Oceana. The city does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance but addresses lighting through zoning and military overlay standards.
Virginia Beach addresses light trespass through zoning code lighting standards and nuisance provisions. Commercial developments must prevent excessive light spill onto residential properties. AICUZ overlay standards add restrictions near the military base.
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.
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.