Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Norfolk. Virginia has no state-level restrictions and actively supports rainwater capture through the Virginia DEQ stormwater programs. Systems under 5,000 gallons typically require no permit.
Virginia is a permissive rainwater harvesting state; the Commonwealth encourages the practice as part of Chesapeake Bay TMDL stormwater goals. Norfolk residents may install rain barrels and cisterns on private property without a zoning permit for residential-scale systems. Building permits are required for: cisterns over 5,000 gallons, systems connected to indoor plumbing (which must comply with the Virginia USBC and cross-connection control rules), and commercial systems. Harvested rainwater for outdoor use (irrigation, car washing, gardening) has no regulatory oversight. Norfolk offers rain barrel workshops and subsidized rain barrels through the Department of Public Works stormwater program to reduce runoff into the Lafayette and Elizabeth Rivers. Rain garden credits may be available for stormwater utility fee reductions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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 rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.