AGENDA DATE: 5/1/2024
TITLE:
Title
Authorize a Public Hearing on Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Authorize a public hearing to adopt a new Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance in compliance with the new Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program, by amending Albemarle County Code Chapter 17, Water Protection
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Rosenberg, Herrick, Filardo, Svoboda, Pohl
PRESENTER (S): Frank Pohl
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND:
In 2016, the Virginia General Assembly adopted the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (VESMA) to combine the existing Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (VESCP) and the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). This Act was to take effect upon the adoption of state administrative regulations. The State Water Control Board (SWCB) ultimately approved and adopted a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management (VESM) Regulation on December 4, 2023. Both the new state law and these implementing regulations will take effect July 1, 2024. As one of several Virginia localities subject to a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, Albemarle County is required to also adopt and implement these new erosion and stormwater management regulations under a combined ordinance.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION:
Staff is developing a proposed new Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance, following a Memorandum (Attachment A) and VESMP Consolidated Model Ordinance provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Though the proposed County ordinance would largely mirror state regulations, optional County-specific regulations are also being incorporated into the new ordinance.
The new ESM ordinance would replace the fol...
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