Virginia Beach enforces comprehensive stormwater management under Appendix D of the City Code (Stormwater Management) and Virginia's Stormwater Management Act. The city operates under an MS4 NPDES permit issued by Virginia DEQ, with strict Chesapeake Bay TMDL pollutant reduction requirements.
The city's MS4 permit was reissued by VA DEQ effective January 2024 through January 2029, requiring 100% of Chesapeake Bay TMDL pollutant reduction requirements by June 2028. All new development must comply with the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) requiring water quality and quantity controls. The city charges a stormwater management fee based on impervious surface. Low Impact Development (LID) practices are encouraged. Construction sites disturbing 2,500+ square feet in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area or 1+ acre elsewhere require coverage under the VA Construction General Permit.
Illicit discharges to the storm sewer violate city code and carry fines up to $32,500 per day per violation under state law. Stop-work orders may be issued for sites lacking erosion controls. Stormwater fee non-payment may result in liens.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach City Code Sec. 23-69 caps sound entering another residential dwelling at 55 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 65 dBA between 7:00 a.m....
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Po...
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenant...
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo cov...
Virginia Beach, VA
Outdoor kitchens in Virginia Beach require separate trade permits from Permits and Inspections: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit fo...
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit b...
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