Commission initiates text amendment to add resiliency assessments for shoreline development

City staff presented a zoning text amendment to update Article 13 of the Environmental Management Ordinance to align with state-level updates to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Gavin Beliteri (stormwater principal planner) told commissioners the change would require applicants who propose disturbance in Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) to submit resiliency assessments that use state‑approved sea-level rise and storm-surge models on a 30-year horizon.

Beliteri said the amendment adds definitions, clarifies when nature-based adaptation measures (such as living shorelines, bioretention, conservation landscaping and preservation of mature trees) may be required, and vests staff with authority to review and approve water quality impact assessments and the new resiliency assessments. He emphasized the proposed changes apply only to RPAs and would take effect for new projects after adoption.

Commissioners asked for examples of measures and the scope of applicability; Beliteri cited Windmill Hill and Robinson Terminal North as case examples for living-shoreline or open-space-buffer approaches. Vice Chair Koenig and Commissioner Dube praised the focused approach on RPAs and supported staff continuing outreach with industry groups. The commission voted to initiate the text amendment and to recommend Council approval (6-0). The action moves the draft to City Council for final ordinance consideration. Next steps include posting final ordinance language, continuing outreach, and coordinating implementation guidance with DEQ and other partners.