Virginia Beach Proposes Three Hours of Free Oceanfront Parking for Residents

Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Beach City Council is considering a new proposal that could allow residents to park for free at the Oceanfront for up to three hours. The plan aims to address ongoing concerns about the high cost and limited availability of parking in the popular resort area.

For many years, residents living near the Oceanfront have expressed frustration with the lack of affordable parking, especially during busy summer months. To respond to these concerns, the City Council directed the public works department to develop a plan that offers either reduced-rate or free parking options for residents.

On Tuesday, Public Works Director LJ Hansen presented the concept. Under the proposal, residents would register online by providing proof of residency, such as a copy of their real estate or personal property tax bill. Once registered, residents could park for free for up to three hours in certain parking lots. However, the free parking would not apply to on-street spaces or lots that use dynamic pricing, where fees change depending on demand.

While the proposal aims to help residents, city officials warn it could reduce parking availability for visitors, potentially making it more difficult for tourists and non-residents to find parking near the beach.

“Balancing the needs of residents and visitors is important,” said Councilmember Maria Jacobs. “We want to support our local community without negatively impacting tourism or local businesses.”

Resident Jamie Lee shared support for the idea, saying, “Affordable parking would make it easier for me to visit the Oceanfront more often. I hope the city finds a solution that works for everyone.”

The city is seeking public feedback before moving forward with the plan. Residents and visitors can share their opinions during upcoming meetings or through the city’s website.

As Virginia Beach works to improve parking options, this proposal is an important step toward making the Oceanfront more accessible to residents while considering the needs of all who visit.