Hampton updates stormwater and erosion control ordinance to meet new state standards
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Summary
Council adopted an ordinance replacing Chapters 13.1 and 33.2 with Chapter 33.3 to comply with Virginia's updated erosion and stormwater regulations, including a new phosphorus discharge limit (0.26 lb/acre) and changes to reinspection fees to encourage prompt contractor compliance.
Hampton City Council on Sept. 11 approved ordinance 24‑0402 to update the city's stormwater management and erosion control code to conform to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board’s recent changes to the state's erosion and stormwater regulations.
Staff summarized that the updated local ordinance incorporates the new state phosphorus discharge limit of 0.26 pounds per acre, a Virginia runoff‑reduction spreadsheet for pollutant removal calculations, and references to the revised Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook. The ordinance also modifies the reinspection fee structure: subsequent initial and final reinspections (third and later) will be charged 10% of the total permit fee rather than a $35 flat fee, a change staff said is intended to encourage contractors to address deficiencies promptly.
City staff recommended approval to bring the local code into compliance with state requirements; council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.
The change will affect site plans and subdivision reviews and add updated technical guidance for stormwater practitioners and developers working in the city. Staff said the council's earlier, more extensive presentation of the ordinance occurred at a prior meeting and the evening’s vote was to enact final changes required by state regulation.
