Virginia Beach fee changes start July 1 for water, libraries, trash and parks

Virginia Beach residents who use certain city services will see several fee and rate changes on July 1, but the impact depends on which services they use. The FY 2027 adopted budget groups the changes into water service, library digital access for nonresidents, Public Works rentals and replacements, and Parks and Recreation programs.

On the utilities side, the water service availability fee rises to $6.30 a month and the water usage rate rises to $6.54 per 1,000 gallons. The sanitary sewer fee will not increase in FY 2027.

Library users who live outside Virginia Beach will lose free access to Hoopla, Libby and Kanopy starting July 1. Nonresidents can pay $15 for three months or $60 for 12 months to keep using those digital services. Residents keep free access.

Public Works is raising the trash and recycling can replacement fee to $100 per can. Yard-debris trailer rentals will cost $50 for a one-day rental and $150 for a weekend rental.

Parks and Recreation fees are also going up in several areas, including recreation-center memberships, room and pool rentals, childcare and aquatics-related courses. Examples include a resident annual membership of $125, an adult day pass of $15 and all-day early childhood childcare at $847 a month.

The bottom line: this is a set of targeted fee and rate changes tied to the adopted budget, not a citywide tax hike. Many residents will only see a bill change if they use one of the affected services.

Sources

• City of Virginia Beach — New Fees/Rates Effective July 1
• Virginia Beach Public Library — Non-Virginia Beach Resident Cardholders
• City of Virginia Beach — Adopted Budget
• Virginia Beach Public Works — Yard Debris Pick-up & Rental Containers
• WHRO — Virginia Beach budget includes new programs, fee increases for parks and recreation