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Stafford board authorizes advertisement for Chesapeake Bay ordinance update to match state law
Summary
The board unanimously approved advertising a public hearing to repeal and replace County Code Chapter 27B to align with 2023 changes to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, adding resiliency assessments for RPA development, tree‑preservation language, and encouragement of nature‑based solutions.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 8 authorized county administration to advertise a public hearing on amendments to County Code Chapter 27B, the county's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Emily Tory, assistant director of Development Services, told the board the changes reflect state law amendments and the Department of Environmental Quality's model ordinance finalized in September 2025.
Key changes Tory identified include adding a resiliency assessment requirement for development in resource protection areas (RPAs), language to preserve and encourage retention of mature trees within RPAs and countywide, and encouragement of nature‑based solutions for development within RPAs. Tory said staff will provide a formal presentation at the public hearing and that the item before the board was authorization to advertise the hearing.
Board members asked about timing; Tory said the state code took effect in 2023 and DEQ finalized guidance and a model ordinance in September 2025, which delayed local adoption. The board voted unanimously to authorize advertisement of the public hearing.
Several public commenters during the meeting tied the ordinance discussion to concerns about data center projects and recent site disturbance. Karen Fox, a resident, urged strict enforcement of new rules and said the George Washington Village data center had already cleared land beyond what was permitted and without required environmental safeguards. Fox asked the board and Planning Commission to apply buffer, tree preservation and stormwater controls consistently and without delay.
Staff will proceed with advertising the public hearing and prepare a formal presentation on the proposed local ordinance amendments for the advertised hearing.
