As a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP) Authority, the City issues local Land Disturbance Permits and administers the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Stormwater Construction General Permit (CGP) for regulated land disturbing activities to ensure compliance with the VEMSA and Regulations. 

The goal of the Erosion and Stormwater Management Program is to prevent adverse impacts from construction activities due to erosion and stormwater issues. The program applies to large sites as well as the construction of single-family homes. 

What Activities Need a Land Disturbance Permit:

Construction of a Single-Family Home:

• Needs an Agreement In Lieu of a Stormwater Management Plan Permit

Construction where land disturbance is ≥ 10,000 ft² but < 1 acre:

• Needs a full local Land Disturbance Permit.
• Needs to meet soil erosion requirements and water quantity criteria.

Construction where land disturbance is > 1 acre:

• Needs a full local Land Disturbance Permit.
• Needs to meet all Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (VESMA) and Regulation requirements.
• Needs a full Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and a full Stormwater Management Plan.
• Needs a state VPDES Construction General Permit (CGP)

For more information on Staunton's VESMP and what activities need a Land Disturbance Permit, please review Chapter 13.01 of Staunton's City Code.

If you have questions about the Erosion and Stormwater Management Program or Land Disturbance Permits, contact the Environmental Program Division at StauntonStormwater@ci.staunton.va.us or 540-332-3858. 

A Note On Clearing:

The VESMA defines land disturbance is any "man-made change to the land surface that may result in soil erosion or has the potential to change its runoff characteristics, including construction activity such as the clearing, grading, excavating, or filling of land."  

Please note that clearing trees/vegetation from an area that meets either of the thresholds above (>10,000 ft² or >1 acre) is considered a regulated land disturbance and the associated requirements must be met. 

Concerns About Construction:

If you have concerns about erosion or stormwater issues from a construction activity in the city, please do not hesitate to reach out to  the Environmental Program Division at StauntonStormwater@ci.staunton.va.us or 540-332-3858.