{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/62.1-44.15_27.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/62.1-44.15_27.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/62.1-44.15_27.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/62.1-44.15_27.html"}],"law_id":81987,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81987,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27","catch_line":"Virginia Programs for Erosion Control and Stormwater Management","history":"1989, cc. 467, 499, \u00a7 10.1-603.3; 2004, c. 372; 2006, c. 171; 2009, c. 18; 2012, cc. 785, 819; 2013, cc. 756, 793; 2014, cc. 303, 598; 2016, cc. 68, 758; 2017, c. 349; 2018, c. 154; 2022, c. 160.","full_text":"A\n\nAny locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that administers a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) as of July 1, 2017, shall be required to adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). The VESMP shall be adopted according to a process established by the Department.B\n\nAny locality that does not operate a regulated MS4 and for which the Department administers a VSMP as of July 1, 2017, shall choose one of the following options and shall notify the Department of its choice according to a process established by the Department:1\n\nAdopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.);2\n\nAdopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), except that the Department shall provide the locality with review of the plan required by &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:34 and provide a recommendation to the locality on the plan&#8217;s compliance with the water quality and water quantity technical criteria; or3\n\nAdopt and administer a VESCP pursuant to Article 2.4 (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.) that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). For such a land-disturbing activity in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, the VESCP authority also shall adopt requirements set forth in this article and attendant regulations as required to regulate those activities in accordance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28 and 62.1-44.15:34.\n\t\t\t\tThe Board shall administer a VSMP on behalf of each VESCP authority for any land-disturbing activity that (a) disturbs one acre or more of land or (b) disturbs less than one acre of land and is part of a larger common plan of development or sale that results in one acre or greater of land disturbance.C\n\nAny town that is required to or elects to adopt and administer a VESMP or VESCP, as applicable, may choose one of the following options and shall notify the Department of its choice according to a process established by the Department:1\n\nAny town, including a town that operates a regulated MS4, lying within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s VESMP. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties that operates a VESMP.2\n\nAny town that chooses not to adopt and administer a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 3 and that lies within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s VESMP or VESCP, as applicable. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties.3\n\nAny town that is subject to the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) may enter into an agreement with a county pursuant to subdivision C 1 or 2 only if the county administers a VESMP for land-disturbing activities that disturb 2,500 square feet or more.D\n\nAny locality that chooses not to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 3 may notify the Department at any time that it has chosen to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1 or 2. Any locality that chooses to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 2 may notify the Department at any time that it has chosen to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1. A locality may petition the Board at any time for approval to change from fully administering a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1 to administering a VESMP in coordination with the Department pursuant to subdivision B 2 due to a significant change in economic conditions or other fiscal emergency in the locality. The provisions of the Administrative Process Act (&#xA7; 2.2-4000 et seq.) shall govern any appeal of the Board&#8217;s decision.E\n\nTo comply with the water quantity technical criteria set forth in this article and attendant regulations for land-disturbing activities that disturb an area of 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre, any rural Tidewater locality may adopt a tiered approach to water quantity management pursuant to &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:27.2.F\n\nIn support of VESMP authorities, the Department shall provide technical assistance and training and general assistance to localities in the establishment and administration of their individual or regional programs.G\n\nThe Department shall develop a model ordinance for establishing a VESMP consistent with this article.H\n\nEach locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that chooses to administer a VESMP shall, by ordinance, establish a VESMP that shall be administered in conjunction with a local MS4 management program, if applicable, and which shall include the following:1\n\nOrdinances, policies, and technical materials consistent with regulations adopted in accordance with this article;2\n\nRequirements for land-disturbance approvals;3\n\nRequirements for plan review, inspection, and enforcement consistent with the requirements of this article, including provisions requiring periodic inspections of the installation of stormwater management measures. A VESMP authority may require monitoring and reports from the person responsible for meeting the permit conditions to ensure compliance with the permit and to determine whether the measures required in the permit provide effective stormwater management;4\n\nProvisions charging each applicant a reasonable fee to defray the cost of program administration for a regulated land-disturbing activity that does not require permit coverage. Such fee may be in addition to any fee charged pursuant to the statewide fee schedule established in accordance with subdivision 9 of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28, although payment of fees may be consolidated in order to provide greater convenience and efficiency for those responsible for compliance with the program. A VESMP authority shall hold a public hearing prior to establishing such fees. The fee shall not exceed an amount commensurate with the services rendered, taking into consideration the time, skill, and the VESMP authority&#8217;s expense involved;5\n\nProvisions for long-term responsibility for and maintenance of stormwater management control devices and other techniques specified to manage the quality and quantity of runoff; and6\n\nProvisions for the coordination of the VESMP with flood insurance, flood plain management, and other programs requiring compliance prior to authorizing land disturbance in order to make the submission and approval of plans, issuance of land-disturbance approvals, payment of fees, and coordination of inspection and enforcement activities more convenient and efficient both for the local governments and those responsible for compliance with the programs.I\n\nThe Board shall approve a VESMP when it deems a program consistent with this article and associated regulations.J\n\nA VESMP authority may enter into agreements or contracts with the Department, soil and water conservation districts, adjacent localities, planning district commissions, or other public or private entities to carry out or assist with plan review and inspections. A VESMP authority may enter into contracts with third-party professionals who hold certifications in the appropriate subject areas, as provided in subsection A of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:30, to carry out any or all of the responsibilities that this article requires of a VESMP authority, including plan review and inspection but not including enforcement.K\n\nA VESMP authority shall be required to obtain evidence of permit coverage from the Department&#8217;s online reporting system, where such coverage is required, prior to providing land-disturbance approval.L\n\nThe VESMP authority responsible for regulating the land-disturbing activity shall require compliance with its applicable ordinances and the conditions of its land-disturbance approval and plan specifications. The Board shall enforce permits and require compliance with its applicable regulations, including when serving as a VSMP authority in a locality that chose not to adopt a VESMP in accordance with subdivision B 3.M\n\nIn the case of a land-disturbing activity located on property controlled by a regional industrial facility authority established pursuant to Chapter 64 (&#xA7; 15.2-6400 et seq.) of Title 15.2, if a participating local member of such an authority also administers a VESMP, such locality shall be authorized to administer the VESMP on authority property, in accordance with an agreement entered into with all relevant localities and the existing VSMP or VESMP for the property.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":293806,"text":"Any locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that administers a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) as of July 1, 2017, shall be required to adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). The VESMP shall be adopted according to a process established by the Department.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":293807,"text":"Any locality that does not operate a regulated MS4 and for which the Department administers a VSMP as of July 1, 2017, shall choose one of the following options and shall notify the Department of its choice according to a process established by the Department:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":293808,"text":"Adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.);","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":293809,"text":"Adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), except that the Department shall provide the locality with review of the plan required by &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:34 and provide a recommendation to the locality on the plan&#8217;s compliance with the water quality and water quantity technical criteria; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":293810,"text":"Adopt and administer a VESCP pursuant to Article 2.4 (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.) that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). For such a land-disturbing activity in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, the VESCP authority also shall adopt requirements set forth in this article and attendant regulations as required to regulate those activities in accordance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28 and 62.1-44.15:34.\n\t\t\t\tThe Board shall administer a VSMP on behalf of each VESCP authority for any land-disturbing activity that (a) disturbs one acre or more of land or (b) disturbs less than one acre of land and is part of a larger common plan of development or sale that results in one acre or greater of land disturbance.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":293811,"text":"Any town that is required to or elects to adopt and administer a VESMP or VESCP, as applicable, may choose one of the following options and shall notify the Department of its choice according to a process established by the Department:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C1"},"6":{"id":293812,"text":"Any town, including a town that operates a regulated MS4, lying within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s VESMP. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties that operates a VESMP.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"7":{"id":293813,"text":"Any town that chooses not to adopt and administer a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 3 and that lies within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s VESMP or VESCP, as applicable. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"8":{"id":293814,"text":"Any town that is subject to the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) may enter into an agreement with a county pursuant to subdivision C 1 or 2 only if the county administers a VESMP for land-disturbing activities that disturb 2,500 square feet or more.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":293815,"text":"Any locality that chooses not to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 3 may notify the Department at any time that it has chosen to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1 or 2. Any locality that chooses to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 2 may notify the Department at any time that it has chosen to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1. A locality may petition the Board at any time for approval to change from fully administering a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1 to administering a VESMP in coordination with the Department pursuant to subdivision B 2 due to a significant change in economic conditions or other fiscal emergency in the locality. The provisions of the Administrative Process Act (&#xA7; 2.2-4000 et seq.) shall govern any appeal of the Board&#8217;s decision.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"E"},"10":{"id":293816,"text":"To comply with the water quantity technical criteria set forth in this article and attendant regulations for land-disturbing activities that disturb an area of 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre, any rural Tidewater locality may adopt a tiered approach to water quantity management pursuant to &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:27.2.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"11":{"id":293817,"text":"In support of VESMP authorities, the Department shall provide technical assistance and training and general assistance to localities in the establishment and administration of their individual or regional programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"12":{"id":293818,"text":"The Department shall develop a model ordinance for establishing a VESMP consistent with this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"13":{"id":293819,"text":"Each locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that chooses to administer a VESMP shall, by ordinance, establish a VESMP that shall be administered in conjunction with a local MS4 management program, if applicable, and which shall include the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"H1"},"14":{"id":293820,"text":"Ordinances, policies, and technical materials consistent with regulations adopted in accordance with this article;","type":"section","prefixes":["H","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"H1","prefix_anchor":"H1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"H2"},"15":{"id":293821,"text":"Requirements for land-disturbance approvals;","type":"section","prefixes":["H","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"H2","prefix_anchor":"H2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H1","next_prefix":"H3"},"16":{"id":293822,"text":"Requirements for plan review, inspection, and enforcement consistent with the requirements of this article, including provisions requiring periodic inspections of the installation of stormwater management measures. A VESMP authority may require monitoring and reports from the person responsible for meeting the permit conditions to ensure compliance with the permit and to determine whether the measures required in the permit provide effective stormwater management;","type":"section","prefixes":["H","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"H3","prefix_anchor":"H3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H2","next_prefix":"H4"},"17":{"id":293823,"text":"Provisions charging each applicant a reasonable fee to defray the cost of program administration for a regulated land-disturbing activity that does not require permit coverage. Such fee may be in addition to any fee charged pursuant to the statewide fee schedule established in accordance with subdivision 9 of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28, although payment of fees may be consolidated in order to provide greater convenience and efficiency for those responsible for compliance with the program. A VESMP authority shall hold a public hearing prior to establishing such fees. The fee shall not exceed an amount commensurate with the services rendered, taking into consideration the time, skill, and the VESMP authority&#8217;s expense involved;","type":"section","prefixes":["H","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"H4","prefix_anchor":"H4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H3","next_prefix":"H5"},"18":{"id":293824,"text":"Provisions for long-term responsibility for and maintenance of stormwater management control devices and other techniques specified to manage the quality and quantity of runoff; and","type":"section","prefixes":["H","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"H5","prefix_anchor":"H5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H4","next_prefix":"H6"},"19":{"id":293825,"text":"Provisions for the coordination of the VESMP with flood insurance, flood plain management, and other programs requiring compliance prior to authorizing land disturbance in order to make the submission and approval of plans, issuance of land-disturbance approvals, payment of fees, and coordination of inspection and enforcement activities more convenient and efficient both for the local governments and those responsible for compliance with the programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["H","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"H6","prefix_anchor":"H6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"H5","next_prefix":"I"},"20":{"id":293826,"text":"The Board shall approve a VESMP when it deems a program consistent with this article and associated regulations.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H6","next_prefix":"J"},"21":{"id":293827,"text":"A VESMP authority may enter into agreements or contracts with the Department, soil and water conservation districts, adjacent localities, planning district commissions, or other public or private entities to carry out or assist with plan review and inspections. A VESMP authority may enter into contracts with third-party professionals who hold certifications in the appropriate subject areas, as provided in subsection A of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:30, to carry out any or all of the responsibilities that this article requires of a VESMP authority, including plan review and inspection but not including enforcement.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"K"},"22":{"id":293828,"text":"A VESMP authority shall be required to obtain evidence of permit coverage from the Department&#8217;s online reporting system, where such coverage is required, prior to providing land-disturbance approval.","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"L"},"23":{"id":293829,"text":"The VESMP authority responsible for regulating the land-disturbing activity shall require compliance with its applicable ordinances and the conditions of its land-disturbance approval and plan specifications. The Board shall enforce permits and require compliance with its applicable regulations, including when serving as a VSMP authority in a locality that chose not to adopt a VESMP in accordance with subdivision B 3.","type":"section","prefixes":["L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"L","prefix_anchor":"L","level":1,"prior_prefix":"K","next_prefix":"M"},"24":{"id":293830,"text":"In the case of a land-disturbing activity located on property controlled by a regional industrial facility authority established pursuant to Chapter 64 (&#xA7; 15.2-6400 et seq.) of Title 15.2, if a participating local member of such an authority also administers a VESMP, such locality shall be authorized to administer the VESMP on authority property, in accordance with an agreement entered into with all relevant localities and the existing VSMP or VESMP for the property.","type":"section","prefixes":["M"],"prefix":"M","entire_prefix":"M","prefix_anchor":"M","level":1,"prior_prefix":"L"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13470,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (VESMA)","identifier":"2.3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13014,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:57","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:57","permalink":{"id":269481,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13470,"identifier":"2.3","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3","url":"\/62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13014,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Water Control Law","identifier":"3.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12909,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","permalink":{"id":269169,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13014,"identifier":"3.1","token":"62.1\/3.1","url":"\/62.1\/3.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12909,"edition_id":1,"name":"Waters of the State, Ports and Harbors","identifier":"62.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":268199,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12909,"identifier":"62.1","token":"62.1","url":"\/62.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":71282,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:24","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/62.1-44.15_24\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_24","metadata":false},{"id":75035,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:25","catch_line":"Further powers and duties of the State Water Control Board","url":"\/62.1-44.15_25\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_25","metadata":false},{"id":60262,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:25.1","catch_line":"Additional local authority","url":"\/62.1-44.15_25.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_25.1","metadata":false},{"id":62390,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:26","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_26\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_26","metadata":false},{"id":86687,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:26.1","catch_line":"Termination of Construction General Permit coverage","url":"\/62.1-44.15_26.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_26.1","metadata":false},{"id":81987,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27","catch_line":"Virginia Programs for Erosion Control and Stormwater Management","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27","metadata":false},{"id":78889,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.1","catch_line":"Virginia Stormwater Management Programs administered by the Board","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27.1","metadata":false},{"id":75881,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.2","catch_line":"Rural Tidewater localities; water quantity technical criteria; tiered approach","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.2\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27.2","metadata":false},{"id":61469,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.3","catch_line":"Acceptance of signed and sealed plan in lieu of local plan review","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.3\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27.3","metadata":false},{"id":77656,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.4","catch_line":"Department acceptance of plans in lieu of plan review","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.4\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27.4","metadata":false},{"id":59650,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:28","catch_line":"Development of regulations","url":"\/62.1-44.15_28\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_28","metadata":false},{"id":64215,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:28.1","catch_line":"Pollutant removal by dredging","url":"\/62.1-44.15_28.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_28.1","metadata":false},{"id":81310,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:29","catch_line":"Virginia Stormwater Management Fund","url":"\/62.1-44.15_29\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_29","metadata":false},{"id":57904,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:29.1","catch_line":"Stormwater Local Assistance Fund","url":"\/62.1-44.15_29.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_29.1","metadata":false},{"id":54435,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:29.2","catch_line":"Stormwater Local Assistance Fund, estimate of requests","url":"\/62.1-44.15_29.2\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_29.2","metadata":false},{"id":63117,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:30","catch_line":"Training and certification","url":"\/62.1-44.15_30\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_30","metadata":false},{"id":84021,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:31","catch_line":"Standards and specifications for state agencies, federal entities, and other specified entities","url":"\/62.1-44.15_31\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_31","metadata":false},{"id":64929,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:32","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_32\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_32","metadata":false},{"id":76099,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:33","catch_line":"Authorization for more stringent ordinances","url":"\/62.1-44.15_33\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_33","metadata":false},{"id":87045,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:34","catch_line":"Regulated activities; submission and approval of a permit application; security for performance; exemptions","url":"\/62.1-44.15_34\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_34","metadata":false},{"id":67780,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:35","catch_line":"Nutrient credit use and additional offsite options for construction activities","url":"\/62.1-44.15_35\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_35","metadata":false},{"id":59039,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:36","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_36\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_36","metadata":false},{"id":75769,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:37","catch_line":"Notices to comply and stop work orders","url":"\/62.1-44.15_37\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_37","metadata":false},{"id":61921,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:37.1","catch_line":"Inspections; land-disturbing activities of natural gas pipelines; stop work instructions","url":"\/62.1-44.15_37.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_37.1","metadata":false},{"id":73042,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:38","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_38\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_38","metadata":false},{"id":73631,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:39","catch_line":"Right of entry","url":"\/62.1-44.15_39\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_39","metadata":false},{"id":81100,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:40","catch_line":"Information to be furnished","url":"\/62.1-44.15_40\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_40","metadata":false},{"id":73244,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:41","catch_line":"Liability of common interest communities","url":"\/62.1-44.15_41\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_41","metadata":false},{"id":67967,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:42","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_42\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_42","metadata":false},{"id":86790,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:46","catch_line":"Appeals","url":"\/62.1-44.15_46\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_46","metadata":false},{"id":63762,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:47","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/62.1-44.15_47\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_47","metadata":false},{"id":71859,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:48","catch_line":"Penalties, injunctions, and other legal actions","url":"\/62.1-44.15_48\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_48","metadata":false},{"id":82760,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:49","catch_line":"Enforcement authority of MS4 localities","url":"\/62.1-44.15_49\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_49","metadata":false},{"id":73375,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:49.1","catch_line":"MS4 industrial and high-risk programs","url":"\/62.1-44.15_49.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_49.1","metadata":false},{"id":62285,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:50","catch_line":"Cooperation with federal and state agencies","url":"\/62.1-44.15_50\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_50","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":86687,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:26.1","catch_line":"Termination of Construction General Permit coverage","url":"\/62.1-44.15_26.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_26.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78889,"structure_id":13470,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.1","catch_line":"Virginia Stormwater Management Programs administered by the Board","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.1\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/62.1-44.15:27\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1989. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 467 and 499 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1989 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2004, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?041+ful+CHAP0372\">372<\/a>; in 2006, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?061+ful+CHAP0171\">171<\/a>; in 2009, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0018\">18<\/a>; in 2012, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0785\">785<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0819\">819<\/a>; in 2013, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0756\">756<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0793\">793<\/a>; in 2014, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0303\">303<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0598\">598<\/a>; in 2016, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?161+ful+CHAP0068\">68<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?161+ful+CHAP0758\">758<\/a>; in 2017, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?171+ful+CHAP0349\">349<\/a>; in 2018, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?181+ful+CHAP0154\">154<\/a>; in 2022, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?221+ful+CHAP0160\">160<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":56006,"section_number":"62.1-44.15","catch_line":"Powers and duties; civil penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15\/"},{"id":71282,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:24","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_24\/"},{"id":78889,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.1","catch_line":"Virginia Stormwater Management Programs administered by the Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.1\/"},{"id":75881,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.2","catch_line":"Rural Tidewater localities; water quantity technical criteria; tiered approach","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.2\/"},{"id":61469,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:27.3","catch_line":"Acceptance of signed and sealed plan in lieu of local plan review","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_27.3\/"},{"id":59650,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:28","catch_line":"Development of regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_28\/"},{"id":87045,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:34","catch_line":"Regulated activities; submission and approval of a permit application; security for performance; exemptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_34\/"},{"id":59976,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51\/"},{"id":77325,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51.1","catch_line":"Applicability","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51.1\/"},{"id":59360,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:54","catch_line":"Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_54\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57110,"section_number":"15.2-6400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-6400\/"},{"id":86911,"section_number":"2.2-4000","catch_line":"Short title; purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4000\/"},{"id":59650,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:28","catch_line":"Development of regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_28\/"},{"id":63117,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:30","catch_line":"Training and certification","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_30\/"},{"id":87045,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:34","catch_line":"Regulated activities; submission and approval of a permit application; security for performance; exemptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_34\/"},{"id":59976,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51\/"},{"id":72347,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:67","catch_line":"Cooperative state-local program","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_67\/"}],"permalink":{"id":269503,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81987,"identifier":"62.1-44.15:27","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27","url":"\/62.1-44.15_27\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/62.1-44.15_27\/","token":"62.1\/3.1\/2.3\/62.1-44.15_27","dublin_core":{"Title":"Virginia Programs for Erosion Control and Stormwater Management","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 62.1-44.15:27","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Any locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that administers a <span class=\"dictionary\">Virginia Stormwater Management Program<\/span> (<span class=\"dictionary\">VSMP<\/span>) as of July 1, 2017, shall be required to adopt and administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Cooperative state-local program\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_67\/\">62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.). The <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> shall be adopted according to a process established by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-293806\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> Any locality that does not operate a regulated MS4 and for which the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> administers a <span class=\"dictionary\">VSMP<\/span> as of July 1, 2017, shall choose one of the following options and shall notify the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of its choice according to a process established by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>: <a id=\"paragraph-293807\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Adopt and administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Cooperative state-local program\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_67\/\">62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.); <a id=\"paragraph-293808\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#B1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Adopt and administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> consistent with the provisions of this article that regulates any <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Cooperative state-local program\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_67\/\">62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.), except that the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall provide the locality with review of the <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> required by &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Regulated activities; submission and approval of a permit application; security for performance; exemptions\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_34\/\">62.1-44.15:34<\/a> and provide a recommendation to the locality on the <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span>&#8217;s compliance with the water quality and <span class=\"dictionary\">water quantity technical criteria<\/span>; or <a id=\"paragraph-293809\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#B2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Adopt and administer a VESCP pursuant to Article 2.4 (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Definitions\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_51\/\">62.1-44.15:51<\/a> et seq.) that regulates any <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Cooperative state-local program\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_67\/\">62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.). For such a <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, the <span class=\"dictionary\">VESCP authority<\/span> also shall adopt requirements set forth in this article and attendant <span class=\"dictionary\">regulations<\/span> as required to regulate those activities in accordance with &#xA7;&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Development of regulations\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_28\/\">62.1-44.15:28<\/a> and <a class=\"law\" title=\"Regulated activities; submission and approval of a permit application; security for performance; exemptions\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_34\/\">62.1-44.15:34<\/a>.\n\t\t\t\tThe <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> shall administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VSMP<\/span> on behalf of each <span class=\"dictionary\">VESCP authority<\/span> for any <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that (a) disturbs one acre or more of land or (b) disturbs less than one acre of land and is part of a larger common <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> of development or sale that results in one acre or greater of <span class=\"dictionary\">land disturbance<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-293810\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#B3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> Any town that is required to or elects to adopt and administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> or VESCP, as applicable, may choose one of the following options and shall notify the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of its choice according to a process established by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>: <a id=\"paragraph-293811\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Any town, including a town that operates a regulated MS4, lying within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span>. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties that operates a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-293812\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#C1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Any town that chooses not to adopt and administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 3 and that lies within a county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> or VESCP, as applicable. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties. <a id=\"paragraph-293813\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#C2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Any town that is subject to the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Cooperative state-local program\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_67\/\">62.1-44.15:67<\/a> et seq.) may enter into an agreement with a county pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> C 1 or 2 only if the county administers a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> for land-disturbing activities that disturb 2,500 square feet or more. <a id=\"paragraph-293814\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#C3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> Any locality that chooses not to implement a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 3 may notify the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> at any time that it has chosen to implement a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 1 or 2. Any locality that chooses to implement a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 2 may notify the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> at any time that it has chosen to implement a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 1. A locality may <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> at any time for approval to change from fully administering a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 1 to administering a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> in coordination with the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> pursuant to <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 2 due to a significant change in economic conditions or other fiscal emergency in the locality. The provisions of the Administrative Process Act (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Short title; purpose\" href=\"\/2.2-4000\/\">2.2-4000<\/a> et seq.) shall govern any <span class=\"dictionary\">appeal<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span>&#8217;s decision. <a id=\"paragraph-293815\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> To comply with the <span class=\"dictionary\">water quantity technical criteria<\/span> set forth in this article and attendant <span class=\"dictionary\">regulations<\/span> for land-disturbing activities that disturb an area of 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre, any <span class=\"dictionary\">rural Tidewater locality<\/span> may adopt a tiered approach to water quantity management pursuant to &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Rural Tidewater localities; water quantity technical criteria; tiered approach\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_27.2\/\">62.1-44.15:27.2<\/a>. <a id=\"paragraph-293816\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"F\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">F.<\/span> In support of <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> authorities, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall provide technical assistance and training and general assistance to localities in the <span class=\"dictionary\">establishment<\/span> and administration of their individual or regional programs. <a id=\"paragraph-293817\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#F\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"G\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">G.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> shall develop a model <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinance<\/span> for establishing a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> consistent with this article. <a id=\"paragraph-293818\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#G\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">H.<\/span> Each locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that chooses to administer a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> shall, by <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinance<\/span>, establish a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP<\/span> that shall be administered in conjunction with a local MS4 management program, if applicable, and which shall include the following: <a id=\"paragraph-293819\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">Ordinances<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">policies<\/span>, and technical <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span> consistent with <span class=\"dictionary\">regulations<\/span> adopted in accordance with this article; <a id=\"paragraph-293820\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Requirements for <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbance approvals<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-293821\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Requirements for <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> review, inspection, and enforcement consistent with the requirements of this article, including provisions requiring periodic inspections of the installation of stormwater management measures. A <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> may require monitoring and reports from the <span class=\"dictionary\">person<\/span> responsible for meeting the <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> conditions to ensure compliance with the <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> and to determine whether the measures required in the <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> provide effective stormwater management; <a id=\"paragraph-293822\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Provisions charging each <span class=\"dictionary\">applicant<\/span> a reasonable fee to defray the cost of program administration for a regulated <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> that does not require <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> coverage. Such fee may be in addition to any fee charged pursuant to the statewide fee schedule established in accordance with <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> 9 of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Development of regulations\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_28\/\">62.1-44.15:28<\/a>, although payment of fees may be consolidated in <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> to provide greater convenience and efficiency for those responsible for compliance with the program. A <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> shall hold a public <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> prior to establishing such fees. The fee shall not exceed an amount commensurate with the services rendered, taking into consideration the time, skill, and the <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span>&#8217;s expense involved; <a id=\"paragraph-293823\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Provisions for long-term responsibility for and maintenance of stormwater management control devices and other techniques specified to manage the quality and quantity of runoff; and <a id=\"paragraph-293824\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"H6\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> Provisions for the coordination of the VESMP with flood insurance, flood plain management, and other programs requiring compliance prior to authorizing <span class=\"dictionary\">land disturbance<\/span> in <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> to make the submission and approval of <span class=\"dictionary\">plans<\/span>, issuance of <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbance approvals<\/span>, payment of fees, and coordination of inspection and enforcement activities more convenient and efficient both for the local governments and those responsible for compliance with the programs. <a id=\"paragraph-293825\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#H6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"I\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">I.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> shall approve a VESMP when it deems a program consistent with this article and associated <span class=\"dictionary\">regulations<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-293826\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#I\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"J\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">J.<\/span> A <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> may enter into agreements or <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> with the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>, soil and water conservation districts, adjacent localities, planning district commissions, or other public or private entities to carry out or assist with <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> review and inspections. A <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> may enter into <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> with third-<span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> professionals who hold certifications in the appropriate subject areas, as provided in subsection A of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Training and certification\" href=\"\/62.1-44.15_30\/\">62.1-44.15:30<\/a>, to carry out any or all of the responsibilities that this article requires of a <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span>, including <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> review and inspection but not including enforcement. <a id=\"paragraph-293827\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#J\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"K\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">K.<\/span> A <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> shall be required to obtain <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">permit<\/span> coverage from the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span>&#8217;s online reporting system, where such coverage is required, prior to providing <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbance approval<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-293828\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#K\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"L\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">L.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">VESMP authority<\/span> responsible for regulating the <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> shall require compliance with its applicable <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinances<\/span> and the conditions of its <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbance approval<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">plan<\/span> specifications. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> shall enforce <span class=\"dictionary\">permits<\/span> and require compliance with its applicable <span class=\"dictionary\">regulations<\/span>, including when serving as a <span class=\"dictionary\">VSMP authority<\/span> in a locality that chose not to adopt a VESMP in accordance with <span class=\"dictionary\">subdivision<\/span> B 3. <a id=\"paragraph-293829\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#L\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"M\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">M.<\/span> In the case of a <span class=\"dictionary\">land-disturbing activity<\/span> located on property controlled by a regional industrial facility authority established pursuant to Chapter 64 (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Definitions\" href=\"\/15.2-6400\/\">15.2-6400<\/a> et seq.) of Title 15.2, if a participating local <span class=\"dictionary\">member<\/span> of such an authority also administers a VESMP, such locality shall be authorized to administer the VESMP on authority property, in accordance with an agreement entered into with all relevant localities and the existing VSMP or VESMP for the property. <a id=\"paragraph-293830\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/62.1-44.15_27\/#M\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nVIRGINIA PROGRAMS FOR EROSION CONTROL AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (\u00a7\n62.1-44.15:27)\n\nA. Any locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that administers a Virginia\nStormwater Management Program (VSMP) as of July 1, 2017, shall be required to\nadopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article that\nregulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square feet or\nmore or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a locality\ndesignated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay\nPreservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). The VESMP shall be adopted\naccording to a process established by the Department.\n\nB. Any locality that does not operate a regulated MS4 and for which the\nDepartment administers a VSMP as of July 1, 2017, shall choose one of the\nfollowing options and shall notify the Department of its choice according to a\nprocess established by the Department:\n\n   1. Adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article\n   that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square\n   feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a\n   locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the\n   Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.);\n\n   2. Adopt and administer a VESMP consistent with the provisions of this article\n   that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000 square\n   feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a\n   locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the\n   Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), except that\n   the Department shall provide the locality with review of the plan required by\n   &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:34 and provide a recommendation to the locality on the\n   plan&#8217;s compliance with the water quality and water quantity technical\n   criteria; or\n\n   3. Adopt and administer a VESCP pursuant to Article 2.4 (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:51\n   et seq.) that regulates any land-disturbing activity that (i) disturbs 10,000\n   square feet or more or (ii) disturbs 2,500 square feet or more in an area of a\n   locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to the\n   Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.). For such a\n   land-disturbing activity in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, the VESCP\n   authority also shall adopt requirements set forth in this article and\n   attendant regulations as required to regulate those activities in accordance\n   with &#xA7;&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28 and 62.1-44.15:34.\n   \t\t\t\tThe Board shall administer a VSMP on behalf of each VESCP authority for\n   any land-disturbing activity that (a) disturbs one acre or more of land or (b)\n   disturbs less than one acre of land and is part of a larger common plan of\n   development or sale that results in one acre or greater of land disturbance.\n\nC. Any town that is required to or elects to adopt and administer a VESMP or\nVESCP, as applicable, may choose one of the following options and shall notify\nthe Department of its choice according to a process established by the\nDepartment:\n\n   1. Any town, including a town that operates a regulated MS4, lying within a\n   county may enter into an agreement with the county to become subject to the\n   county&#8217;s VESMP. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one\n   county, it may enter into an agreement with any of those counties that\n   operates a VESMP.\n\n   2. Any town that chooses not to adopt and administer a VESMP pursuant to\n   subdivision B 3 and that lies within a county may enter into an agreement with\n   the county to become subject to the county&#8217;s VESMP or VESCP, as\n   applicable. If a town lies within the boundaries of more than one county, it\n   may enter into an agreement with any of those counties.\n\n   3. Any town that is subject to the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay\n   Preservation Act (&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) may enter into an agreement\n   with a county pursuant to subdivision C 1 or 2 only if the county administers\n   a VESMP for land-disturbing activities that disturb 2,500 square feet or more.\n\nD. Any locality that chooses not to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B\n3 may notify the Department at any time that it has chosen to implement a VESMP\npursuant to subdivision B 1 or 2. Any locality that chooses to implement a VESMP\npursuant to subdivision B 2 may notify the Department at any time that it has\nchosen to implement a VESMP pursuant to subdivision B 1. A locality may petition\nthe Board at any time for approval to change from fully administering a VESMP\npursuant to subdivision B 1 to administering a VESMP in coordination with the\nDepartment pursuant to subdivision B 2 due to a significant change in economic\nconditions or other fiscal emergency in the locality. The provisions of the\nAdministrative Process Act (&#xA7; 2.2-4000 et seq.) shall govern any appeal of\nthe Board&#8217;s decision.\n\nE. To comply with the water quantity technical criteria set forth in this\narticle and attendant regulations for land-disturbing activities that disturb an\narea of 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre, any rural Tidewater\nlocality may adopt a tiered approach to water quantity management pursuant to\n&#xA7; 62.1-44.15:27.2.\n\nF. In support of VESMP authorities, the Department shall provide technical\nassistance and training and general assistance to localities in the\nestablishment and administration of their individual or regional programs.\n\nG. The Department shall develop a model ordinance for establishing a VESMP\nconsistent with this article.\n\nH. Each locality that operates a regulated MS4 or that chooses to administer a\nVESMP shall, by ordinance, establish a VESMP that shall be administered in\nconjunction with a local MS4 management program, if applicable, and which shall\ninclude the following:\n\n   1. Ordinances, policies, and technical materials consistent with regulations\n   adopted in accordance with this article;\n\n   2. Requirements for land-disturbance approvals;\n\n   3. Requirements for plan review, inspection, and enforcement consistent with\n   the requirements of this article, including provisions requiring periodic\n   inspections of the installation of stormwater management measures. A VESMP\n   authority may require monitoring and reports from the person responsible for\n   meeting the permit conditions to ensure compliance with the permit and to\n   determine whether the measures required in the permit provide effective\n   stormwater management;\n\n   4. Provisions charging each applicant a reasonable fee to defray the cost of\n   program administration for a regulated land-disturbing activity that does not\n   require permit coverage. Such fee may be in addition to any fee charged\n   pursuant to the statewide fee schedule established in accordance with\n   subdivision 9 of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:28, although payment of fees may be\n   consolidated in order to provide greater convenience and efficiency for those\n   responsible for compliance with the program. A VESMP authority shall hold a\n   public hearing prior to establishing such fees. The fee shall not exceed an\n   amount commensurate with the services rendered, taking into consideration the\n   time, skill, and the VESMP authority&#8217;s expense involved;\n\n   5. Provisions for long-term responsibility for and maintenance of stormwater\n   management control devices and other techniques specified to manage the\n   quality and quantity of runoff; and\n\n   6. Provisions for the coordination of the VESMP with flood insurance, flood\n   plain management, and other programs requiring compliance prior to authorizing\n   land disturbance in order to make the submission and approval of plans,\n   issuance of land-disturbance approvals, payment of fees, and coordination of\n   inspection and enforcement activities more convenient and efficient both for\n   the local governments and those responsible for compliance with the programs.\n\nI. The Board shall approve a VESMP when it deems a program consistent with this\narticle and associated regulations.\n\nJ. A VESMP authority may enter into agreements or contracts with the Department,\nsoil and water conservation districts, adjacent localities, planning district\ncommissions, or other public or private entities to carry out or assist with\nplan review and inspections. A VESMP authority may enter into contracts with\nthird-party professionals who hold certifications in the appropriate subject\nareas, as provided in subsection A of &#xA7; 62.1-44.15:30, to carry out any or\nall of the responsibilities that this article requires of a VESMP authority,\nincluding plan review and inspection but not including enforcement.\n\nK. A VESMP authority shall be required to obtain evidence of permit coverage\nfrom the Department&#8217;s online reporting system, where such coverage is\nrequired, prior to providing land-disturbance approval.\n\nL. The VESMP authority responsible for regulating the land-disturbing activity\nshall require compliance with its applicable ordinances and the conditions of\nits land-disturbance approval and plan specifications. The Board shall enforce\npermits and require compliance with its applicable regulations, including when\nserving as a VSMP authority in a locality that chose not to adopt a VESMP in\naccordance with subdivision B 3.\n\nM. In the case of a land-disturbing activity located on property controlled by a\nregional industrial facility authority established pursuant to Chapter 64\n(&#xA7; 15.2-6400 et seq.) of Title 15.2, if a participating local member of\nsuch an authority also administers a VESMP, such locality shall be authorized to\nadminister the VESMP on authority property, in accordance with an agreement\nentered into with all relevant localities and the existing VSMP or VESMP for the\nproperty.\n\nHISTORY: 1989, cc. 467, 499, \u00a7 10.1-603.3; 2004, c. 372; 2006, c. 171; 2009, c.\n18; 2012, cc. 785, 819; 2013, cc. 756, 793; 2014, cc. 303, 598; 2016, cc. 68,\n758; 2017, c. 349; 2018, c. 154; 2022, c. 160.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}