Virginia Beach, VA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger threshold
- 2,500 sq ft of land disturbance
- Full plan required
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Administering agency
- VESMP Administrator (Planning, Public Works, Utilities)
- Max civil penalty
- $32,500 per violation per day
- Base permit fee
- $75 plus inspection fee
Summary
Virginia Beach requires a land-disturbance approval before any project disturbing 2,500 square feet or more can break ground, backed by an approved erosion and stormwater management plan and civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation per day.
Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity until land disturbance approval has been issued by the VESMP Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and the Regulation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under the City's Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance (Appendix D), no one can start land-disturbing work in Virginia Beach until the VESMP Administrator, the City Manager or designees in Planning, Public Works, and Public Utilities, issues land-disturbance approval. Activity disturbing 2,500 square feet or more triggers plan requirements; anything at or above one acre needs a full stormwater management plan and general permit coverage. Single-family homes can qualify for a simpler 'agreement in lieu of a plan.' Reviewers have 15 days to check completeness and 60 days to act on applications. Permit and inspection fees run from $75 up to several thousand dollars depending on disturbed acreage, plus an annual permit maintenance fee.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation per day, ordered by Circuit Court; willful or negligent violations are also a misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard project?
Who reviews stormwater plans in Virginia Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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