Virginia Beach Parking Permits, Fees & Towing Rules
Virginia Beach, Virginia maintains local rules for parking permits, meter fees and towing to keep streets safe, accessible and clear for emergency access and tourism. This guide summarizes where rules live, who enforces them, how fees and towing are handled, and the practical steps residents and visitors must follow when contesting citations or retrieving a towed vehicle. It cites the city code and official enforcement pages and is current as of February 2026 where the cited page does not show a last-updated date.
How parking controls work in Virginia Beach
The city uses posted signs, meters and permit programs to manage on-street and municipal-lot parking. Rules differ between residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors and the resort oceanfront; pay stations and meters operate seasonally in beach areas. Routine enforcement is performed by city parking officers or the police traffic division; towing is authorized where vehicles create hazards or where citations are unpaid and the vehicle is subject to removal.
Primary legal provisions and local ordinance text are published in the city code; see the Code of Ordinances for the controlling language Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances[1].
Parking permits, meters and fees
- Resident and neighborhood permits - available where restricted parking zones exist; eligibility and application rules are set by the city.
- Meter rates and payment methods - meters accept coins, cards and mobile payment in many areas; seasonal rate periods apply to resort districts.
- Time limits - posted time restrictions apply; modifications require an authorized permit or temporary authorization from the city.
- Commercial and event permits - special event or commercial loading permits are issued by the appropriate city office and may require advance application.
Applications & Forms
Application names, form numbers and filing locations vary by program. The city publishes permit applications and instructions on its official pages or by request from the enforcing department; specific form IDs are not specified on the cited page.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the city parking enforcement unit and the Virginia Beach Police Department; towing contractors remove vehicles when statutory or ordinance conditions are met. The municipal code sets the controlling prohibitions and enforcement authority. For the controlling ordinance text, see the city code Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances[1].
- Monetary fines - specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation - repeat or continuing violations and unpaid fines may lead to additional penalties or administrative holds; the cited page does not list escalation ranges.
- Non-monetary sanctions - orders to remove vehicles, immobilization, towing and impoundment, and court actions are enforcement options under local authority.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway - parking enforcement and the Police Department handle complaints and enforcement; contact details and complaint forms are on official city pages.
- Appeals and review - the municipal code and department pages describe appeal routes; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Parking in a no-parking or no-stopping zone.
- Overstaying posted time limits at meters or restricted zones.
- Failing to display a required residential or event permit.
- Blocking fire lanes, hydrants, curb cuts or accessible spaces.
Action steps - if you receive a citation or your car is towed
- Locate the citation or tow record and note the issuing agency and citation number.
- Contact the listed enforcement office or police towing desk to confirm vehicle location and required fees.
- Pay any immediate fees required for release or follow the municipal instructions to contest the citation.
- File an appeal within the time window indicated on the citation or the department page; if no time is listed, request the appeal procedure in writing from the enforcing office.
FAQ
- How do I find out why my vehicle was towed?
- Contact the issuing authority shown on your citation or call the Police Department or parking enforcement for the tow record and vehicle location.
- Can I appeal a parking ticket?
- Yes. The municipal code and department pages explain appeal routes; follow the instructions on the citation or contact the enforcement office for deadlines and procedures.
- Are there permits for seasonal beach parking?
- Yes. Seasonal and area-specific permits or meter rules apply at the resort; check the city’s parking information pages for current programs.
How-To
- Identify the issuing agency and citation number on the ticket or tow notice.
- Visit or call the enforcement office to confirm the vehicle location and total fees for release.
- Decide whether to pay to release the vehicle immediately or to contest the citation following appeal instructions.
- If contesting, gather evidence (photos, payment records, permits) and file the appeal within the stated timeframe or request appeal steps in writing.
- Follow up promptly to avoid additional storage or administrative fees.
Key Takeaways
- Rules vary by zone; always read posted signs and meter instructions.
- Enforcement and towing are handled by parking officers and the police; contact them first.
- Keep records and photos to support appeals.
Help and Support / Resources
- Virginia Beach Police Department
- Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances
- City parking information and permit pages