2025 Hurricane Season Preparation

As hurricane season approaches, from June 1 to November 30, preparedness is more important than ever. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a 60 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season in 2025, with the potential for 6 to 10 hurricanes producing winds of 74 mph or higher. By taking proactive steps now, we can help safeguard Newport News and reduce the potential impact of these powerful storms.

Some Ways to Prepare:

  • Stay Informed: Monitor emergency alerts and local news for updates.
  • Support Your Neighbors: Reach out to neighbors who may require extra help preparing for a storm.
  • Gather Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials such as medications, water, nonperishable food, flashlights, disinfectant supplies, and extra batteries. There should be three days worth of food and water per person in your emergency supply kit.
  • Plan for Your Pets: Ensure you have at least a three-day supply of food and water for each pet, along with any necessary medications.
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone: Understand your evacuation routes and decide where you would go in case of an emergency. For detailed information on evacuation zones, click here. First, select the “Find Your Evacuation Zone” button, then go to the “Emergency Management” tab.

Taking a few simple steps now, such as knowing your evacuation zone, gathering essential supplies, and staying informed, can make a big difference during a hurricane. Don’t wait for the storm to start preparing. Stay proactive, stay safe, and be ready.

What You Need to Know About Short-Term Rentals in Newport News

Warm weather, busy travel plans, and local events make this a popular time for short-term rentals in Newport News. If you’re planning to list your home—or even a room—on a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, there’s an important step you need to take: Acquire a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit.

To support safe and well-managed neighborhoods and provide clear guidelines for property owners, the City of Newport News adopted a short-term rental ordinance in 2022 that requires all short-term rental (STR) operators to obtain a permit.

We’re here to help you stay informed and make compliance easy because when everyone follows the rules, our whole city benefits.

Why Does This Matter?

Operating a short-term rental without a permit is a violation of the Newport News Zoning Ordinance Section 45-517.1. Permits ensure that all STR properties meet important zoning and public safety standards, protecting guests, neighbors, and your investment.

For the past couple of years, the city has offered a grace period to encourage voluntary compliance—but moving forward, active enforcement is underway. We’re promoting the policy now to give you the time and tools to meet the requirements with confidence.

Easy Steps to Get Compliant

Getting permitted is simple—and we’ve created tools to make it even easier:

  1. Download the Short-Term Rental Application and Checklist
  2. Review the helpful permit checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information.
  3. Submit your completed application and materials to: [email protected]

Need assistance?

  • Call the Department of Planning at 757-926-8761, email [email protected], or simply dial 311 to be directed to the right city resource. We’re happy to walk you through the process!

Hosting Responsibly = A Win for Everyone

Whether you’re renting out your home for a few weekends or the entire season, adhering to the short-term rental policy helps maintain the quality of life in our neighborhoods and ensures that guests have a safe and positive experience in Newport News.

Avoid headaches later by taking care of the permit now—and help us keep our community thriving and welcoming for all.

Key Reminders:

  • All short-term rentals (less than 30 days) require a permit—this includes listings through online platforms.
  • If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, please reach out. We’re here to help.
  • Stay ahead of enforcement. A permit now means peace of mind all season long.

Resources at Your Fingertips:

Don’t know where to start? Call 311 and we’ll connect you to the right person.

  • Phone support: 757-926-8761

Let’s work together to keep short-term rentals safe, well-managed, and fully permitted in Newport News.

Traffic Shift Scheduled to Begin on I-64 West at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and on I-64 East at Hampton Roads Center Parkway

Lanes shifted as early as May 19 on I-64 west near the J. Clyde Morris Blvd overpass. Use the shoulder lane when merging to I-64 west from the on-ramp from J. Clyde Morris Blvd. Learn more about two upcoming shifts here. Be prepared for additional delays during high traffic volume times.

Memorial Day 2025 City Closures

In observance of Memorial Day, Newport News will be closing several municipal offices and adjusting hours for public services.

City Offices – Closed Monday, May 26.

City Libraries — Closed Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.

Recreation Centers — Huntington Park Beach will be open Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27).

Community Centers Brittingham-Midtown, Courthouse Way, Denbigh, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, and Riverview Gymnastics Center. – Closed Monday May 26.

Garbage, recycling and bulk waste collections – No collections on Monday, May 26. All collections for the week will be delayed one day, i.e., Monday’s collections will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and Thursday’s on Friday.

There will be NO holiday collection delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.

Recovery Operations Center (i.e., convenience/drop-off center) – closed Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter — (Serves the residents of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County) — Operating Hours on Monday, May 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for the Reunite Lobby and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. for the Adoption Center.

Street Sweeping on Friday 5/23

It’s been officially spring, and that means it’s time for the city’s annual spring cleaning! The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department began street sweeping operations on Monday, April 8, and will continue through mid-October, weather permitting. Village Green is in Section E from the map. Section E’s scheduled dates are: May 19-23; Jul 28-31; and Oct 13-17. Village Green already has a sign up at our entrance for the streets to be swept Friday, May 23.

Street sweeping plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of our local waterways by removing accumulated debris and pollutants, such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products, and bacteria, before they enter the storm drains. This season, the city is deploying ten mechanical street sweepers at regularly scheduled times to clear debris from city-maintained roads. In 2023 alone, 20,085 miles of curbs were swept and 6,558 dump truck loads of debris were removed from city streets.

Please be mindful of the bright signs posted on major streets leading into neighborhoods, indicating temporary parking restrictions for street sweeping.

On street sweeping days, ensure that vehicles, basketball goals, and other bulk items are off the streets by 9 a.m.; parking may resume after 3 p.m.

For a detailed street sweeping schedule and more information about the program, please visit the Public Works Website or call 757-933-2311.

Summer fun has begun

The Pool is OPEN!
Summer fun has officially begun, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Village Green pool!
Pool memberships are available now—you can pay in one lump sum or break it down into four easy monthly payments!
Not a pool person? No problem! You can still support our neighborhood for just a one-time yearly payment of $100 and enjoy all the other community perks.
Whether you dive in or stay dry, your support helps keep Village Green a great place to live.
Join or renew today at vgnn.org/join

VGCA Membership Drive

How is your street doing in the race to the green?

POOL SNEAK PEEK (11am-8pm) + FOOD TRUCK (2-4pm) THIS SATURDAY! 

Village Green — we’re giving you a chance to enjoy an early look at the pool and grab a hot meal while you’re at it!

When:  This Saturday @ Pool 11am-8pm

Lula Mae’s Mobile Kitchen will be on site from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Get ready for some seriously tasty eats: Philly cheesesteaks, shrimp baskets, loaded tots, breakfast croissants, wings, and more! Whether you’re stopping by to check out the pool or just want lunch on the go, this is the perfect time to come out.

Bring the family, say hello to neighbors, and enjoy some great food as we kick off the season together!

VGCA: June Movie Night

Please join us June 14th for a movie in the park. Goodbye school hello summer fun! Grab your lawn chair and bring the family up to the park for Lilo and Stitch. We will start the movie about 7:30pm. Please rsvp in the comments as popcorn will be provided.

Pool hours May 17 thru June 4