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Virginia Beach, VA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max density increase
30% above underlying zoning district
Workforce housing minimum
17% of total units
Excluded districts
R-10 through R-40 residential
Excluded noise zones
65-70+ dB DNL AICUZ zones
Governing section
City Zoning Ordinance § 2106

Summary

Virginia Beach lets developers add up to 30% more dwelling units in the Workforce Housing Overlay District if at least 17% of units are reserved as workforce housing.

The dwelling unit density in the Workforce Housing Overlay District may be increased by a maximum of thirty (30) percent over the density allowed in the underlying zoning district if all of the following conditions are met: (a) Not less than seventeen (17) percent of the total number of dwelling units are workforce housing units.

Source: Virginia Beach Department of HousingView 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

Under City Zoning Ordinance § 2106, the Workforce Housing Overlay District allows dwelling density to rise as much as 30% above what the underlying zoning district permits, but only if at least 17% of the resulting units are reserved as workforce housing for buyers or renters within HUD-based income limits. The overlay applies only where City Council has rezoned the property into the district, limited to Strategic Growth Areas and similar sites under § 2103, and excludes the R-10 through R-40 residential districts and AICUZ noise zones of 65 dB DNL or greater. Workforce units must be integrated throughout the development, not clustered separately, and built on the same schedule as market-rate units.

Violations & Fines

Building without providing the required 17% workforce-housing share, or changing unit design, number or location without City Council approval, violates the approved land use plan and can void the density bonus under § 2105(b).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Virginia Beach development qualify for the density bonus?
No. Only property City Council has rezoned into the Workforce Housing Overlay District qualifies; R-10 through R-40 residential districts and high-noise AICUZ zones near NAS Oceana are excluded.
How much extra density can a project get?
Up to 30% more dwelling units than the underlying zoning district allows, provided at least 17% of the total units are reserved as workforce housing under § 2106.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsDowntown Design GuideSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

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