Skip the Meter: New Oceanfront Parking Plan Gives Residents a Break — and the Beach a Boost

*Update Dec. 10: Blog updated to clarify new program will provide a voucher worth $50 of free parking each year for residents signed up.

Virginia Beach residents will have a more affordable way to park at the Oceanfront in 2026 — a free $50 annual voucher that can be used to pay for parking in municipal garages, surface lots and on-street metered spaces within the Resort Area*. Virginia Beach City Council voted Dec. 9 to approve a new parking program at the Oceanfront for residents.  

Vouchers will renew each year with proof of residency, and will be accessed digitally through a mobile app. The first $50 is free for each resident signed up in the program, and for $25, the voucher can be reloaded with an additional $50 worth of parking, making regular visits to the Oceanfront easier and more budget friendly. 
 
The vouchers may be redeemed at:  

• Municipal surface lots: 2nd Street, 4th Street and Rudee Loop  
• Municipal garages: 9th Street, 25th Street and 31st Street  
• On-street metered spaces: Paid spaces between Rudee Loop and 38th Street on Atlantic Avenue, plus bordering side streets between Atlantic and Pacific avenues within the same boundary  

Why a New Approach Was Needed  

Parking at the Oceanfront operates as an enterprise fund, which means it must generate enough revenue to maintain the garages, lots and equipment without support from real estate or personal property taxes. Earlier this year, City Council asked the Department of Public Works to explore a resident-focused parking program aimed at encouraging more locals to visit the Oceanfront. 
 
The goal of the new program is to keep the system financially sound while offering free or discounted parking options for residents. It aims to modernize and simplify payments and improve turnover in high-demand street spaces. Using the digital platform’s analytics, the City also will gain insight on parking operations and habits to inform future improvements.

What’s Changing for Residents

To support the new voucher program and improve access throughout the Resort Area, updates will be made to better align with demand and maintenance needs. Changes include:  

• Eliminating the $3 after 5 p.m. resident discount 
• Removing the three-hour limit for on-street meters  
• Implementing a progressive hourly rate system for on-street, garage and lot parking to encourage turnover: 
  • On-street: 
    • $1 for the first hour
    • $2 for the second hour
    • $3 for the third hour
    • $6 per hour for hours 4-5
    • $7 per hour for hours 6-7
    • $8 per hour for hours 8+
  • Surface lots and garages: 
    • $1 for the first hour
    • $2 for the second hour
    • $3 per hour starting at hour 3 
    • Daily max: $24 
• Updating permit and monthly rates, including increasing unreserved monthly parking to $100, reserved monthly parking to $150 and seasonal lot permits to $100 

This winter, work will begin on the digital platform, and technical updates will be made to support the program. The new resident parking program is expected to launch April 1, 2026, with registration opening in early 2026.  

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*Parking webpages will be updated to reflect the new program details as implementation progresses.