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Committee forwards code changes to align with state Chesapeake Bay rules and revised stormwater fees
Summary
The committee voted to forward two ordinances to align city code with state Chesapeake Bay preservation rules and a revised state fee schedule; staff said the fee changes stem from State Water Control Board updates and will raise local permit fees to capture about 60–62% of administrative costs.
A Richmond City staff presentation and brief committee discussion on code changes and permit fees ended with the standing committee forwarding two ordinances to full council with a recommendation to approve.
Becky Roche, of the Department of Public Utilities, told the committee the ordinances amend several city-code sections (including portions of chapters 14-1-81, 14-2-63, 14-2-64 and 14-3-36) to align local definitions and fee schedules with State Water Control Board rule changes adopted in 2021 and 2025. "These revisions include environmental protections and climate-resilience measures in Chesapeake Bay preservation areas," Roche said, citing additions such as mature-tree preservation, adaptation assessments and the promotion of green infrastructure. She said the goal is to maintain consistency and compliance with the state CBPA framework.
On permit fees, Roche said a state-mandated reassessment tied to the budget bill required the Department of Environmental Quality to set permit fees that capture about 60–62% of program administration costs (plan review, inspections and enforcement). "The increase in fees was set to be an increase of about 60% — 60 to 62% — based on aligning with the state's assessment," she said, and offered to provide the committee with a markup comparing the old fee schedule to the revised one.
Committee members asked for clear dollar figures and supporting documentation. Roche said staff can supply the fee schedule and a marked-up comparison showing old and new amounts. After those assurances, a committee member moved to forward ordinance 20260-39 (CBPA/code definitions) and ordinance 20260-40 (erosion and stormwater management fees) to full council with a recommendation to approve; the motion was seconded and recorded as approved by Vice Chair Robertson and Chair Jones.
The committee did not hold a public hearing on the ordinances (no speakers signed up in favor or opposition at the meeting). The ordinances were forwarded for council consideration; staff said the fee schedule and supporting materials will be provided before final action.
