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For those businesses that conform to APZ-1 uses, the City of Virginia Beach can offer the following incentives to facilitate a move or expansion in this area of the City.

Waiver of Conditional Use Permit

• New compatible uses may be located within APZ-1 without a conditional use permit even if the use would otherwise require a use permit under applicable provisions of the City Zoning Ordinance.

In order to qualify, the proposed use must conform to certain design criteria intended to ensure an organized and aesthetically pleasing appearance that would not adversely affect residential neighborhoods or other property in the area. By avoiding the necessity of obtaining a conditional use permit from the City Council, a proposed project can receive all necessary City approvals in a significantly shorter period of time than if a use permit is required.

Business Opportunity Zone – Rebates BPOL Taxes and Fees

In order to qualify for the rebates, a proposed conforming business must be located in APZ-1 and conform to the design criteria mentioned below.

Businesses may be eligible for one or both incentive benefits pursuant to City of Virginia Beach Code Sections §35.2-11:

• A 90% rebate of the Business License tax (BPOL) for a period of 15 years for any compatible use in APZ-1, and
• Reimbursement of fees for building permits, site plan applications, water and sewer connections (excluding HRSD fees), and sub-division permit. This is a one-time reimbursement.

Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Be located in the APZ-1 Business Opportunity Zone; and
• Conform with the requirements of Section 1804, Table 2 of the City Zoning Ordinance (“conforming use”); and
• Comply (and continue to maintain compliance) with the development standards set forth in Section § 1810 of the City Zoning Ordinance.
• Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue and maintain a current business license, as needed.

Download the application here.

Partial Property Tax Exemption

• The ordinance provides a partial real estate tax abatement for the qualifying properties that are rehabilitated or renovated, including the replacement of program-conforming properties or commercial or industrial improvements resulting in the conversion of a nonconforming use to a conforming use in APZ-1.

The difference in the assessed value of the building before and after renovation is subject to real estate tax forgiveness for a period of 15 years. Review the eligibility requirements and application here.

Contact Information

Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development

4525 Main Street, Suite 700
Virginia Beach, VA 23462 / (757) 385-6464

Residential Property Acquisition

If you would like your property reviewed to determine if it qualifies for the residential acquisition program, please contact the Public Works Real Estate division at (757) 385-4161 or pwrealestate@vbgov.com.