Virginia Beach, VA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Before disturbing 2,500 square feet or more of land, the City requires a land-disturbance approval issued by the VESMP Administrator, the City Manager or designees in the Planning, Public Works, and Public Utilities departments, under Appendix D, the Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance. Applicants must submit a permit registration statement, an approved erosion and stormwater management plan or an agreement in lieu of a plan, and the name of a certified Responsible Land Disturber. Projects disturbing one acre or more, or part of a common plan of development, also need state general permit coverage and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Minor work like home gardening, utility repairs, and bona fide agricultural activity is exempt.