The Virginia Beach response to implementing the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance

Abstract

The City of Virginia Beach adopted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance in November 1990, effective January 1, 1991. This ordinance incorporated the mandated development performance standards written in the Chesapeake Bay Act. The Act required the implementation of these regulations by localities. The Virginia Beach response to implementing these regulations has been satisfactory to meet the requirements of these regulations, and the City is in compliance with these regulations. The ordinance is written in accordance with the guidelines of the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department model ordinance. The administrative system is in place to cover predevelopment review and variance requests. Enforcement of the regulations is soon to be handled through a two-year grant funded staff member. The absence of an adequate monitoring system thus far may have plagued the effectiveness of full implementation of this ordinance. Continued education of the public for individual residential pollution control, intensification of the predevelopment review meetings between developers and the "environmental experts" in the Environmental Management Center, and a committed City policy toward sensitive development are necessary for the City to do its part in restoring the Bay waters to their once productive character.