Virginia Beach, Virginia · FEMA Region 3

Is Virginia Beach in a Flood Zone?

High Flood Risk Area

Virginia Beach faces flood risk from Atlantic Ocean storm surge, Chesapeake Bay, and increasing tidal flooding. The city has the second-highest number of properties at risk of chronic flooding in the U.S. Military installations (Naval Station Norfolk adjacent) and tourism economy make flood resilience critical. FEMA zones AE and VE cover oceanfront and bay-side areas.

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FEMA Flood Zones in Virginia Beach

VE

Coastal High Hazard

Oceanfront resort area and Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Wave action + surge.

AE

100-Year Floodplain

Bay-side areas, back bay communities, and low-lying inland areas along tributaries.

X (shaded)

500-Year Floodplain

Moderate risk. Interior areas with some flooding history.

X

Minimal Risk

Higher ground in south and western Virginia Beach.

Flood Insurance Costs in Virginia Beach

  • Zone VE (oceanfront): $5,000–$20,000/year
  • Zone AE: $1,500–$5,000/year
  • Zone X: $400–$700/year
  • Risk Rating 2.0 increasing premiums for bay-side and back-bay properties
  • Virginia Beach has among highest flood policy counts on the East Coast

Building Requirements in Flood Zones

  • VE zones: pile foundation construction above BFE
  • AE zones: lowest floor at or above BFE
  • Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code flood provisions
  • Oceanfront setbacks and dune protection requirements
  • City-specific stormwater management standards

How to Check Flood Risk in Virginia Beach

  1. 1

    Check your flood zone

    Enter your Virginia Beach address into ReadyPermit or the City of Virginia Beach's flood zone viewer.

  2. 2

    Get an Elevation Certificate

    Required for flood insurance in A/V zones. Hire a Virginia-licensed surveyor.

  3. 3

    Obtain flood insurance

    Required in AE/VE zones. Recommended for all Virginia Beach properties due to increasing tidal flooding.

  4. 4

    Review construction requirements

    Check city flood ordinance and Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for flood construction standards.

  5. 5

    Check recurrent flooding status

    Virginia Beach tracks recurrent flooding by neighborhood. Some areas have been designated for buyout programs.

  6. 6

    Consider mitigation

    Elevation, flood vents, sump pumps, and improved grading can reduce risk and insurance costs.

  7. 7

    Monitor sea level rise planning

    Virginia Beach is planning for 1.5-3 feet of sea level rise. The city's Comprehensive Sea Level Rise and Recurrent Flooding Strategy guides long-term decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia Beach Flood Zones

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