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Virginia Beach, VA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing article
CZO Article 22, Central Business Core District
Reviewing official
Planning Director
Advisory body
Central Business District Assn. Design Review Committee
Appeal route
Board of Zoning Appeals

Summary

Virginia Beach incorporates the Central Business Core District Design Guidelines by reference, and the Planning Director decides whether Town Center-area projects conform.

Sec. 2211. - Central Business Core District Design Guidelines. The Central Business Core District Design Guidelines, appended hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into this Article. The Planning Director shall determine whether or not a proposed design conforms to the Design Guidelines and may, in making such determination, seek the advice of the Central Business District Association Design Review Committee or a designated subcommittee thereof. Such determination shall be appealable to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

View 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

Article 22 of the City Zoning Ordinance governs the Central Business Core District (the Pembroke/Town Center downtown area). Section 2211 incorporates the Central Business Core District Design Guidelines by reference into the Article, and building form standards elsewhere in Article 22 repeatedly require substantial conformance with those guidelines for setbacks, height, signage, and encroachments. The Planning Director determines conformance, may consult the Central Business District Association Design Review Committee, and that determination is appealable to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Violations & Fines

Non-conforming design triggers denial of the requested Optional Form of Development or Alternative Compliance special exception rather than a fine; disputes over conformance go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the downtown design guide apply citywide?
No. It applies only within the Central Business Core District (Town Center/Pembroke area) under CZO Article 22, not the rest of Virginia Beach.
Who decides if a project meets the guidelines?
The Planning Director, who may seek input from the Central Business District Association Design Review Committee; the decision can be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsDensity Bonus LawSome 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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