Context areas capture the four major landscapes across Virginia Beach and tell their stories, including recognition of the environment, major destinations, and historic features, to direct and orchestrate goals and policies.
Coastal
Located along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, east of the Inland Context Area and defined by the Coastal Context Area Boundary, this area seeks to cultivate and protect a vibrant coastal landscape and experience.
Goals include enhancing access to beaches and natural areas such as First Landing State Park and Pleasure House Point, accommodating anticipated growth in the Resort Area, and giving special attention to managing sea level rise. Existing residential neighborhoods will retain their scale and character
Inland
Located north of the Green Line, this area is mostly developed and densely populated, featuring numerous neighborhoods, shopping and employment centers, parks, Naval Air Station Oceana, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek– Fort Story.
The primary goals for the Inland Context Area are to accommodate the City’s anticipated growth by redeveloping major existing corridors and underutilized shopping centers. Existing residential neighborhoods will retain their scale, density, and character, with planned enhancements to connectivity and sense of place.
Courthouse
Located between the Green Line and Rural Area Boundary, this area serves as a density and intensity step-down between the developed lands north of the Green Line and the uses south of the Blue Line. The Green Line Context Area seeks to maintain low-density neighborhoods and open space.
Existing policies for Princess Anne Commons and the Transition Area will continue guiding development. Princess Anne Commons emphasizes education, recreation, and habitat preservation. The Interfacility Traffic Area (ITA) & Vicinity Master Plan provides a development program in the area based on aircraft noise contours and other features. This Context Area is also home to some medical and retail uses.
Rural
South of the Rural Area Boundary, this area will continue to support rural and agricultural lands and serve essential conservation functions, including Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the City’s economy as the city’s third-largest industry, following tourism and defense, contributing significantly to local employment, sustainability, and the preservation of rural character
imagine2040 Comprehensive Plan
See the City's roadmap for its long-term vision and growth, and explore each Context Area.
