Staff outlines options after Board deleted seaside Chesapeake overlay

Deputy county administrator Lee Pam told commissioners the Board of Supervisors deleted the seaside CAPA overlay in June and has asked staff and the Planning Commission to review effects on the seaside watershed. Pam said staff prepared an introductory briefing outlining three high-level scenarios for the commission: maintain the current ordinance without CAPA; reinstate CAPA to its pre–June 17 status; or reduce the regulated RMA area so fewer properties would trigger major stormwater plans.

Pam stressed the briefing was introductory and that staff had not set a timetable. “We felt that it would be premature to suggest that ... a drop-dead date, if you will, for a public hearing, when we don't even know how we're going to approach and study this issue,” Pam said. Commissioners asked whether a moratorium or interim restriction applied; Pam replied plainly, “The current status of the CAPA is that there is no CAPA,” and explained that areas east of Route 13 are subject to standard stormwater regulations in the Virginia Administrative Code until the commission or board adopts any change.

Staff offered to bring subject-matter experts and recommended inviting the county’s stormwater reviewer, Kimley-Horn, to explain technical effects at a future meeting. Several commissioners said they welcomed a consultant briefing before the commission considers a public hearing schedule.