Environmental Regulations
For builders and developers, environmental regulations and permitting requirements span multiple levels of government and a variety of agencies. HBAV is here to help make sense of it all.
How Environmental Policy Works in Virginia
A variety of state agencies determine the environmental requirements and standards for residential development, overseeing everything from stormwater management, wetlands, and water quality to road access, septic systems, wildlife protection, and historic preservation. Their permitting, review, and regulatory decisions can impact the feasibility, cost, design, and timeline of residential development projects.
How We Engage
HBAV represents Virginia’s builders and developers in a variety of capacities before state agencies including regulatory rulemaking processes, public comment periods, and year-round stakeholder and technical advisory workgroups. We work with our state agency partners – such as the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and others – to ensure environmental regulations are practical, evidence-based, and do not create unnecessary barriers to housing production.
Recent Updates
DEQ released Version 1.1 of the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook (VSMH), with a 30-day public comment period from July 15 to August 14. This update is limited to technical corrections with no changes to BMP specifications.
The Department of Environmental Quality released the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.0 — a major consolidation of its regulatory guidance for new development, redevelopment, and upgrades to existing development. The HBA of Virginia has a designated seat on the Technical Review Committee (TRC).
The Handbook took effect July 1, 2024 with a one-year transition period.
Questions About Environmental Policy?
Our Government Affairs team monitors policy developments, testifies at public hearings, and is available to help members understand and navigate new requirements.