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Suffolk, VA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Program
City-run VESMP (Public Works)
General Trigger
One acre disturbed
Bay Area Trigger
2,500 sq ft
Permit
Land Disturbance Permit
Plan
SWPPP required

Summary

Suffolk runs its own Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program through Public Works. Land disturbance of one acre or more needs a state VSMP construction permit, but across Suffolk's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas the local trigger drops to 2,500 square feet.

In order to protect the quality of state waters and to control the discharge of stormwater pollutants from land-disturbing activities, runoff associated with land-disturbing activities in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas that are equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet but less than one acre shall be regulated by localities subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act or, in the case of state and federal agency projects, the department.

Source: Suffolk Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Stormwater from construction in Suffolk is governed by the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act, Va. Code Section 62.1-44.15:24 et seq., which on July 1, 2024 merged the former erosion-control and stormwater programs into one locally administered program. A land-disturbing project of one acre or more must obtain coverage under the state construction general permit and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Because Suffolk is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act locality, projects between 2,500 square feet and one acre inside a Preservation Area are also regulated locally under state regulation 9VAC25-875-740. Public Works reviews plans and issues the Land Disturbance Permit before grading begins.

Violations & Fines

Disturbing land without permit coverage draws stop-work orders, mandatory installation of controls, and civil penalties. Within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, water-quality violations can reach $5,000 per day of violation by court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a stormwater permit to build in Suffolk?
Yes if you disturb one acre or more citywide, or 2,500 square feet or more inside a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area. Public Works issues the Land Disturbance Permit.
Who administers stormwater permits in Suffolk?
The City of Suffolk Public Works Department runs its own Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program, handling plan review, permitting, and inspection for construction sites.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Suffolk

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSome Restrictions

All Suffolk rules

Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia environmental rules overview

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