Who can declare a local emergency in Virginia Beach?

The city manager or an authorized official can declare or recommend an emergency under city procedures; see the city's emergency management guidance for delegation and process.

Can the mayor veto an ordinance passed by council?

Yes, the mayor's veto authority and any override mechanism are set out in the City Charter; consult the charter text for the exact override threshold and timing.

How do I appeal an emergency order or administrative sanction?

Appeal routes depend on the ordinance or order; check the municipal code section that governs the specific sanction or request instructions from the enforcing department.

Where do I report an alleged violation of a city emergency order?

Report violations to the enforcing department listed for the ordinance (police, code enforcement, or public health) or use the city's official complaint portal on the municipal site or department page.

Mayor Veto and Emergency Powers - Virginia Beach

General Governance and Administration Virginia 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

In Virginia Beach, Virginia the mayor's veto and emergency powers affect how ordinances, emergency orders, and city operations are adopted and enforced. This guide summarizes where those powers are defined, who enforces orders, typical penalties and appeal paths, and practical steps for residents and businesses to apply, appeal, or report concerns. Official governing texts include the city charter, the municipal code, and the city's emergency management rules; see the linked official sources for full statutory language and any cited forms below.^[1]^[2]^[3]

How mayoral veto powers work

The City Charter sets the mayor's formal powers regarding ordinances, vetoes, and council action. The charter text describes the mayor's role in presiding over council and any veto authority; consult the charter for the exact veto and override procedure.^[1]

The charter is the primary source for veto and council override procedures.

Emergency powers and declarations

Emergency declarations and the scope of emergency powers used by the mayor, city manager, and city departments are implemented through the city's emergency management framework and applicable ordinances. The city's emergency management pages and the municipal code describe declaration procedures, delegation to the city manager or director of emergency services, and operational authorities during declared emergencies.^[3]

Emergency powers may be exercised through declared emergencies and delegated authorities.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties for violating city ordinances or emergency orders, enforcement authorities, and appeal routes are governed by the municipal code and departmental procedures. Where specific fines, escalation, or non-monetary sanctions are not listed on the municipal code page cited below, the text is noted as "not specified on the cited page." For precise statutory amounts or criminal penalties, consult the municipal code or contact the enforcing office directly.^[2]

Fines: not specified on the cited page for many emergency or ordinance violations; see the municipal code for section-by-section figures and any criminal classifications.^[2]
Escalation: the municipal code or ordinance may differentiate first, repeat, and continuing offences; where not specified, enforcement discretion and progressive penalties are applied as provided by the code.^[2]
Non-monetary sanctions: civil orders, cease-and-desist directives, administrative abatement, permit suspensions, and referral to court are typical remedies listed across municipal rules; specific remedies depend on the ordinance or emergency order language.^[2]
Enforcer and inspections: enforcement is typically performed by the department responsible for the subject matter (e.g., code enforcement, public safety, police, or health), with complaints submitted to the listed department contact or complaint portal in the municipal code or department pages.
Appeals and review: appeal pathways (administrative review, hearing before the council or hearing officer, or court appeal) and time limits vary by ordinance; when not explicitly provided on the cited page, the municipal code or specific ordinance should be consulted for deadlines and filing instructions.^[2]

If you are served with a notice or order, act quickly to learn the exact appeal deadline in the governing ordinance.

Applications & Forms

Forms and applications vary by the relief sought. Where the municipal code or emergency pages publish applications (permits, variances, administrative appeals), the page will list form names and submission instructions; when no form is published on the cited pages, it is "not specified on the cited page" and you should contact the responsible department for the correct filing method.^[2]

Action steps for residents and businesses

Identify the controlling instrument: find the ordinance, emergency order, or charter section that applies using the municipal code and charter pages.^[1]
Contact enforcing department: use the department contact on the municipal code or department page to ask about enforcement, deadlines, and forms.^[2]
File an appeal or request a hearing: follow the process in the ordinance or ask the clerk's office for hearing procedures.
If fined, confirm payment options and whether you can request mitigation or a hearing before paying.

FAQ

Who can declare a local emergency in Virginia Beach?: The city manager or an authorized official can declare or recommend an emergency under city procedures; see the city's emergency management guidance for delegation and process.^[3]
Can the mayor veto an ordinance passed by council?: Yes, the mayor's veto authority and any override mechanism are set out in the City Charter; consult the charter text for the exact override threshold and timing.^[1]
How do I appeal an emergency order or administrative sanction?: Appeal routes depend on the ordinance or order; check the municipal code section that governs the specific sanction or request instructions from the enforcing department.^[2]
Where do I report an alleged violation of a city emergency order?: Report violations to the enforcing department listed for the ordinance (police, code enforcement, or public health) or use the city's official complaint portal on the municipal site or department page.^[2]

How-To

Locate the controlling ordinance or order in the municipal code or city charter.
Contact the enforcing department to confirm the alleged violation and get the correct complaint form or process.
Collect evidence: photos, dates, communications, and any permits or exemptions.
File an administrative appeal or request a hearing per the ordinance; submit within the stated deadline or ask the clerk for instructions if the deadline is unclear.
Pay fines or post bond only after confirming appeal rights and deadlines, unless immediate payment is required by the order.

Key Takeaways

The City Charter, municipal code, and emergency management rules are the primary sources for mayoral veto and emergency powers.
Penalties and appeal routes vary by ordinance; where amounts or deadlines are not on the cited pages they are noted as not specified on the cited page.