Environmental Rules in Herndon, VA (2026)
3 verified environmental rules for Herndon, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Herndon enforces the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Land disturbance of 2,500 square feet or more requires a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) permit, erosion control plan, and post-construction BMP (best management practice). Resource Protection Areas along streams have 100-foot buffers.
Environmental: Stormwater
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Zones
Portions of Herndon along Sugarland Run and Horsepen Creek lie in FEMA-mapped flood zones. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requires floodplain development permits, elevation certificates, and compliance with the Town Floodplain Management Ordinance. Flood insurance is federally required for mortgaged properties in SFHAs.
Environmental: Flood Zones
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Herndon's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects trees 24 inches DBH and larger, plus Heritage Trees. Removal of protected trees requires a Town permit, replacement plantings, and may require arborist reports. Fairfax County adjacent areas have even stricter tree canopy requirements under the VA Tree Conservation Act.
Environmental: Tree Protection
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fairfax County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Herndon city rules.
Environmental Rules in Fairfax County →