Norfolk is a Phase I MS4 permit holder under VA DEQ and federal EPA rules. Chapter 26.1 Stormwater Ordinance requires water quality and quantity controls for projects disturbing 2,500 sq ft or more. Stormwater utility fee funds flood mitigation given Norfolk severe sea-level rise and tidal flooding.
Norfolk operates under a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by VA DEQ. Norfolk Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 26.1) requires any land-disturbing activity of 2,500 sq ft or greater to obtain a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) permit, submit an erosion and sediment control plan, and provide stormwater quantity and quality controls meeting the Virginia Runoff Reduction Method. Norfolk charges a stormwater utility fee (based on impervious area, typical single-family residence about $13-$18/month) to fund the Resilient Norfolk flood mitigation program. Norfolk faces one of the highest sea-level rise rates on the US East Coast, with recurrent nuisance tidal flooding in Hague, Colonial Place, Ghent, Willoughby, and Ocean View. Projects in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas require additional BMPs.
Working without VSMP: stop work plus civil penalty up to $32,500/day under VA Stormwater Management Act.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors under City Code Chapter 6 (Animals). A dog barking continuously for 20 minutes or intermittently f...
Norfolk, VA
Amplified music in Norfolk is prohibited if plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or inside another residence. Granby Street, Waterside District, and Gh...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends under City Code Chapter 26. Plainly audible standard applies at 50 feet o...
Norfolk, VA
Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences requ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk requires all dogs off their owner's property to be leashed under City Code Chapter 6. Town Point Park, Ocean View Beach, and most city parks require ...
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel license. Kennel licenses require zoning approval. Militar...
See how Norfolk's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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