Comprehensive Plan

What is imagineVB?

ImagineVB is the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

A long-range, aspirational document for the future.
Not a regulatory document, but instead sets direction for future policies, programs, and investments.
Reflects a clear desire for the city to grow with balance – economically, socially, and environmentally.

Being strategic about growth protects natural resources, existing and future flood-prone areas, and rural land while creating places that attract and retain people and businesses, including younger residents, military families, innovative companies, and long-term employers.

imagineVB Comp Plan

In April 2026, City Council officially adopted the imagineVB 2040 Comprehensive Plan, establishing a framework to guide future growth and development. See the City's roadmap for its long-term vision and growth.

Download Plan Plans Adopted by Reference

imagineVB Big Ideas

Establish an environmental and open space framework that improves flood and sea-level rise resiliency, wildlife migration, ecological diversity, and public enjoyment of nature.
Create a Linear Park/Active Transportation System with pathways for biking, rolling, and walking between new and existing open spaces, parks, and recreational areas.
Continue the Green Line and Blue Line, and plan based on the unique contexts created by those lines.
Designate centers and multimodal corridors north of the Green Line by redeveloping commercial areas into higher-density, walkable urban centers and invest in walking, rolling, biking, and transit networks to provide travel options for residents and workers.
Create unique community identities and connections, using place-making strategies to uplift community aesthetics and pride with art, history, and centering local stories.
Monitor and ensure neighborhood well-being by identifying ways to improve health outcomes, attainable housing, multimodal access, and safety.

Virginia Beach Today

King Neptune with Blue Angels in the sky

Proudly welcoming local residents and visitors alike, a 34-foot, cast bronze Neptune sculpture stands at the gateway to Neptune Park and the threshold of the sea.

Comprehensive Plan workshop.

Virginia Beach Aerial View of the Oceanfront

Virginia Beach oceanfront.

The Rural Context Area covers 142 square miles, around 46 percent of the City’s total area. Most of the area is environmentally protected land or farmed.

The ViBe Creative District is a vibrant center for a variety of artistic endeavors, and is known for encouraging local creatives

An apartment complex in Virginia Beach.

The Lynnhaven House is considered by some to be one of the most well-preserved examples of early Virginia vernacular architecture, surviving over 300 years of Tidewater history.