Virginia Beach Waterfront Erosion and Shoreline Rules

Parks and Public Spaces Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia maintains regulations and permitting pathways for shoreline work, erosion control, and beach protection to balance public safety, property rights, and coastal resources. This guide summarizes the local code framework, enforcement routes, common permit types, and practical steps for property owners and contractors. It highlights which departments handle reviews and inspections, how state permits may intersect with city approvals, and where to find forms and technical guidance for coastal projects.

Check both city and state permits before starting any shoreline work.

Overview of Rules and Jurisdiction

The City of Virginia Beach enforces local ordinances related to waterfront construction, vegetation removal, and erosion control while state agencies regulate tidal wetlands and certain waterward structures. Project applicants commonly need city plan review, building permits, and state authorization for work seaward of mean low water. For the controlling municipal code and local ordinance language see the municipal code and for state tidal-structure permitting see the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.[1] [3]

Common Permit Types and Reviews

  • City building permits for bulkheads, seawalls, and shoreline stabilization; plan review required.
  • City zoning or site-plan review when work affects setbacks, dunes, or public access.
  • State tidal wetlands and water-ward structure permits through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission for work below mean low water.[3]
  • Environmental review for impacts to dunes, wetlands, or protected species where applicable.
Some projects require simultaneous city and state approval; start reviews early.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by designated city departments; penalties and remedies depend on the ordinance or permit condition. Specific monetary fines or per-day assessments are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the municipal code for procedural provisions and enforcement authority.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Continuing violations: escalation procedures and per-day penalties not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, and civil actions are available under city enforcement provisions.[1]
  • Enforcer: City of Virginia Beach Departments (Planning/Permits, Building Inspections, Code Compliance) handle inspections and issue orders; complaints can be submitted to the city permit office.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set by municipal procedure or permit terms; exact appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.[1]
If work occurs below mean low water, state permit conditions may add enforcement and penalties.

Applications & Forms

Permit applications typically include building-permit packets, plan sets, and any state permit applications for tidal work. The municipal pages describe permit intake and plan review processes but do not publish a single consolidated fee table on the cited page; specific fees and form numbers are published on the city permit and state permit portals.[2] [3]

Practical Action Steps

  • Early consultation: contact city planning or permit center before hiring contractors.
  • Prepare plans: include cross-sections, erosion-control measures, and restoration details.
  • Apply for city permits first where required; submit state tidal permit applications in parallel if work is waterward of mean low water.[3]
  • Budget for potential mitigation or restoration orders if unpermitted impacts occur.
Document pre-work conditions with photos and elevation notes to aid compliance.

FAQ

Do I need a city permit to repair a damaged bulkhead?
Yes in most cases—city building permits and plan review commonly apply; state permits may also be required if work is waterward of mean low water.[2] [3]
What if I start emergency work to prevent immediate erosion?
Emergency stabilization may be allowed, but you must notify city departments and obtain retroactive permits as required; consult the city permit office for reporting procedures.[2]
Where can I find the authoritative ordinance language?
The City of Virginia Beach municipal code contains the ordinance text and enforcement provisions; see the municipal code link for current language.[1]

How-To

  1. Contact the City of Virginia Beach planning and permit center to request pre-application guidance and determine local submission requirements.[2]
  2. Engage a licensed design professional to prepare plans showing existing conditions, proposed work, and erosion-control measures.
  3. Submit city building and zoning/site-plan applications with required fees and supporting documents.
  4. If work is below mean low water or affects tidal wetlands, submit state permit applications to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in parallel.[3]
  5. Schedule inspections as required and comply with any restoration or mitigation conditions in permits.

Key Takeaways

  • Both city and state approvals may be required for waterfront projects.
  • Begin reviews early to avoid delays from combined municipal and state review timelines.
  • Unpermitted work can trigger stop-work and restoration orders; document pre-work conditions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Virginia Beach municipal code (library.municode.com)
  2. [2] City of Virginia Beach Public Works and permit information (vbgov.com)
  3. [3] Virginia Marine Resources Commission - permits (mrc.virginia.gov)

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