Virginia Beach Film Location & Crew Parking Rules
Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular filming location for commercials, features and photo shoots. This guide explains how to scout public locations, secure permits, manage crew parking and comply with city rules so shoots proceed without interruption. It summarizes which city departments issue permits, typical requirements for closures or parking, how enforcement works, and practical steps to apply, pay, appeal and report problems.
Permits and where to start
Begin by contacting the City of Virginia Beach permitting office responsible for public property and parks. For city-owned streets, sidewalks or parks you generally need a special event or filming permit and may need to coordinate traffic control and parking for crew vehicles and equipment. Specific permit types, application steps and contacts are listed on the city production/filming page [1].
Typical requirements for location shoots
- Permit application with proposed dates, hours and description of activities.
- Traffic and crew parking plan showing vehicle count, parking locations and any requested street closures.
- Proof of insurance naming the City of Virginia Beach as additional insured to cover liability.
- Site restoration agreement for any park or public property impacted by sets, rigs or grip equipment.
- Fees for permits, traffic control or park rentals where applicable.
Parking options and restrictions
Crew and vendor vehicles may be required to use permitted on-street loading zones, paid municipal lots, or private lots with owner permission. Unauthorized parking in metered, handicap, fire lane or restricted zones is enforced under the city traffic and parking regulations [2]. Coordinate with the city for temporary no-parking signs or towing authorization when necessary.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for parking, street obstruction and related violations is handled by Parking Enforcement and the Virginia Beach Police Department; permitting compliance is typically enforced by the permitting department listed on the film/production page or the department that issued the permit. Exact fine amounts and escalation rules are not comprehensively listed on a single city page and are not specified on the cited pages [2].
- Monetary fines: specific penalty amounts for parking or obstruction citations are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
- Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to cease activity, removal of equipment, towing or impoundment, and court summonses may be used per enforcement policy.
- Enforcers and complaints: contact Parking Enforcement and Virginia Beach Police for on-site violations; permitting department for permit compliance and revocation.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for citations or permit decisions are not specified on the cited pages.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes film/production permit information and application instructions on its production/filming page, but a consolidated list of form numbers, fees and submission portals is not specified on the cited page. For street and parking-related permits, the city planning or public works permit portal will list any required forms and submission methods [1][2].
- Film/production permit: name and fee — not specified on the cited page; follow the city production/filming page for application steps.
- Traffic control or street closure permit: fee information — not specified on the cited page; contact the issuing department.
- Submission: most permit applications are submitted via the city permit portal or by email to the listed department contact.
Action steps for producers
- Apply early: submit permit requests with full location and parking plans at least 2–4 weeks ahead.
- Buy insurance: secure commercial general liability naming the city as additional insured and attach certificates to your application.
- Arrange parking: reserve municipal lots or private lots and provide a crew parking map to the city for approval.
- Confirm enforcement contacts: save Parking Enforcement and the issuing permit office phone/email for on-site issues.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?
- Yes. Filming on city-owned public areas such as the Boardwalk generally requires a permit; consult the city production/filming page for specifics and contacts.[1]
- Can my crew park on nearby residential streets during a shoot?
- Residential street parking remains subject to local restrictions; unauthorized parking may result in citations or towing. Coordinate parking plans with the city and consider private lot rentals.
- Who enforces parking and street closure violations?
- Parking Enforcement and Virginia Beach Police handle on-street violations; permitting staff enforce permit conditions. Contact information is available on the city pages cited below.[2]
How-To
- Identify your planned locations and determine whether they are city-owned or private.
- Consult the City of Virginia Beach production/filming page and read permit guidance.[1]
- Prepare a parking and traffic control plan for crew vehicles and equipment.
- Secure insurance certificates naming the City of Virginia Beach as additional insured.
- Submit permit applications, pay any fees, and confirm approval before day-of production.
Key Takeaways
- Always check and obtain required city permits for public locations.
- Plan crew parking in advance and avoid restricted zones to prevent citations or towing.
- Keep permit and enforcement contacts handy on shoot days.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Virginia Beach - Production & Filming
- Virginia Beach Parking Enforcement
- Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances - Municode
- Virginia Beach Police Department