Stormwater facilities play an important role in managing and treating stormwater runoff. The City owns and maintains many stormwater facilities throughout Staunton, but the vast majority are privately owned. Because of their importance, it is vital that they are properly maintained. 

In October 2024, the Staunton City Council approved an update to the Stormwater Utility Fee Ordinance (Chapter 13.02). This update increased the Stormwater Utility Fee and made changes to its tier reduction credit system in order to better help the City fund stormwater related projects and meet state stormwater mandates. In the past, tier reduction credits were given to any property that was served by a registered stormwater facility. These credits are now subject to third-party inspections and review by the City of Staunton’s Environmental Programs Division, and they will only be given if the stormwater facility is being properly maintained. 

These third-party inspections must be performed and submitted to the city once every five years either by:

• A licensed professional engineer, architect, landscape architect, or land surveyor,
• Someone working under the direction and oversight of a licensed professional, or
• A person who holds a SWM Inspector or Dual Inspector certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 

The first round of these inspections are due for all stormwater facilities by July 1, 2026. 

In an effort to aid facility owners in getting these inspections completed, the City has compiled a list of local qualified third-party inspectors . Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. If you are a qualified third-party inspector who would like to be added to this list, please reach out to StauntonStormwater@ci.staunton.va.us 

Please contact the Environmental Programs Division by phone at 540-332-3858 or email at StauntonStormwater@ci.staunton.va.us with any questions.