Below are Zoning Administration's frequently asked questions. Scroll down to find the answers. If your questions are not listed, please contact our division at (757) 385-8074.
Can I park my commercial vehicle at my residence?
Can I repair my car at my residence?
Can I operate my business from my residence?
How large can my garage or shed (or other accessory structure) be?
What kind of sign can I put up for my business to advertise a special event like a grand opening or special sale?
What are the rules for having a portable storage container or "POD" on my property?
How can I look up information in the Zoning Ordinance?
Do I need a permit to construct a fence?
Can I park my commercial vehicle at my residence?
Commercial Vehicle Parking
Only one commercial vehicle may be parked at a residence as long as its carrying capacity is one ton or less, its height is seven feet (7') or less, and its length is 20 feet or less. See Section 203(d) (Commercial Vehicular Parking) of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance of the
Virginia Beach City Code.
Can I repair my car at my residence?
Auto Repairs/Auto Repair Shops
The Zoning Ordinance does not allow you to perform auto repair or operate an auto repair shop in residential or apartment districts. See Section 501 (Use Regulations) of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance of the
Virginia Beach City Code.
Can I operate my business from my residence?
Home Based Businesses/Occupations
Home based businesses are allowed under the following circumstances without a Conditional Use Permit:
The business use of the home is clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use of the home.
There is no change in the outside appearance of the home or lot and no noise that can be heard from the street or neighboring property.
There is no traffic generated beyond what would normally be expected in the neighborhood.
Vehicles associated with the business, including customers, are parked in the driveway and not on the street.
Only one commercial vehicle is permitted as long as its carrying capacity is one ton or less, its height is seven feet (7') or less, and its length is 20 feet or less.
The person operating the business lives in the home.
No person other than members of the immediate family who also live in the home are employed by the business. (With a Conditional Use Permit, one employee who does not reside in the home is permitted in addition to family members who live in the home).
The business must be located only in the principal structure on the lot (cannot be located in an accessory structure unless a Conditional Use Permit is approved).
There are no sales of products or merchandise to the general public.
No more than one patron, customer, or pupil may be present at one time (unless a Conditional Use Permit is approved).
The following businesses are specifically not permitted in the home: convalescent or nursing homes, tourist homes, massage or tattoo parlors, body piercing establishments, radio or television repair shops, and auto repair shops.
Some home businesses require a Conditional Use Permit. Contact the Zoning Office at (757) 385-8074 to find out if a Conditional Use Permit is required. If a Conditional Use Permit is required, contact the Planning Department at (757) 385-4621 and ask to speak to a Current Planner or download the
Conditional Use Permit Application Package and read about the application process.
Don't forget to get your business license.
For more detailed information on home businesses/occupations, see "Accessory Activities Operated for Profit in a Residential Dwelling..." in Section 501(b)(5); the definition of "Home Occupation" in Section 111 (Definitions); and Section 234 (Conditional Uses and Structures: Home Occupations) of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance of the
Virginia Beach City Code or contact the Zoning Office at (757) 385-8074.
How large can my garage or shed (or other accessory structure) be?
Sheds/Accessory Structures/Detached Structures
The maximum allowable square footage of a detached/accessory structure is 500 square feet or 20% of the living area of your home, whichever is greater. The structure cannot exceed the height of the house. To find out the setback requirements for accessory structures, go to the online
Virginia Beach City Code and find Section 502 (Dimensional Requirements) of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance. Call the Zoning Office at (757) 385-8074 if you have any questions.
What kind of sign can I put up for my business to advertise a special event like a grand opening or special sale?
Temporary Signs
The City Zoning Ordinance allows each business location only one 32 square foot banner or one 30 foot tall balloon for three one-week periods per calendar year. A $20.00 sign permit is required each time a temporary sign is used. You may obtain a sign permit by contacting Kevin Hershberger at (757) 385-8074.
Any temporary signs other than those specified above are illegal. To see a listing of illegal signs, go to the online
Virginia Beach City Code and find Section 212 (Signs prohibited in all districts) of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance.
What are the rules for having a portable storage container or "POD" on my property?
Portable Storage Containers
How can I look up information in the Zoning Ordinance?
Zoning Ordinance
To view the complete Zoning Ordinance online, go to the
Virginia Beach City Code on the Municipal Code Corporation web site. Scroll down the left frame to Appendix A Zoning Ordinance. Each section of the Zoning Ordinance will be listed as a link within the document. Amendments to the City Code, including the Zoning Ordinance, are usually included within two months of approval by City Council. Recent amendments are listed on the
City Code Amendments page.
Do I need a permit to construct a fence?
Fence Permits