Environmental Rules in Henrico County, VA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Henrico requires an approved environmental compliance plan before any regulated land disturbance begins. The threshold is 2,500 square feet, with tighter rules in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas and full erosion, sediment and stormwater plans once a site reaches one acre.
Henrico Stormwater Management Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code §§ 10-29(a)(1), 10-30(a)
Unless excepted under subsection (b) of this section, all land disturbing activity that: a. Disturbs 2,500 square feet or more; b. Is less than one acre; c. Is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale that disturbs one acre or more; and d. Is not in an area designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area; is subject to regulation under sections 10-30 through 10-34, 10-40, 10-41,...
Erosion Control
Henrico requires an approved erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan before land disturbance of 2,500 square feet or more (under one acre) or one acre or more begins. County Code § 10-34 sets what the plan must contain; § 10-56 backs it with civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation, per day.
Henrico County Erosion Control Plan Rules
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 10-34
Sec. 10-34. Erosion and sediment control plan requirements. (a) An erosion and sediment control plan (ESC) must be prepared for land disturbing activities if required under section 10-29. (b) An ESC plan must include the following: (1) Measures to control erosion and sediment; (2) A statement by the permittee that all erosion and sediment control measures will be maintained; (3) Information ass...
Flood Zones
Henrico requires a floodplain development permit before any use, activity, or development begins inside a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The county's floodplain administrator reviews the application, which must include a fee, a completed form, and an elevation certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) stating the lowest floor's elevation or floodproofing level. No project in the SFHA may reduce the flood-carrying capacity of any channel, drainage ditch, or watercourse.
Henrico Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 10-8(a), (b)(1)
(a) A floodplain development permit is necessary for any use, activity, or development within a SFHA. All development must strictly comply with this article and other applicable requirements. ... Under no circumstances may any use, activity, or development adversely affect the capacity of the channels or floodways of any watercourse, drainage ditch, or any other drainage facility or system. ......
Flood Elevation Requirements
Henrico's floodplain code sets minimum construction heights above the base flood elevation (BFE) for anything built in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area. Ordinary new buildings must sit at least two feet above the BFE, structures in the 500-year floodplain or near the SFHA edge need at least one foot of freeboard, and new residential structures and critical facilities cannot be located inside the SFHA at all.
Henrico Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rules
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 10-9(11)-(15)
(11) New or substantially improved critical facilities and new or substantially improved residential structures may not be located inside the SFHA. (12) A new critical facility may be located in the 500-year floodplain if the building or structure is outside the SFHA and its lowest floor is elevated to either the BFE plus two feet or the 500-year flood elevation plus one foot, whichever is grea...
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