Proposed Amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance on Coastal Resilience and Adaptation to Sea Level Rise, and Preservation of Mature Trees Land Development Services is proposing amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO) regarding coastal resilience and adaptation to sea level rise, and the preservation of mature trees. These changes are necessary to align the CBPO with the state's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations adopted by the State Water Control Board. The proposed amendment: - Includes new and revised definitions
- Adds new limitations on the placement of fill in the Resource Protection Area (RPA)
- Clarifies that mature trees must be protected and preserved during development where feasible and consistent with the proposed development
- Specifies that where RPA buffer is to be established, trees must be incorporated as appropriate, and native species are preferred
- Adds Adaptation Measures as an allowed use in the RPA, subject to criteria
- States that projects must be consistent with the state code and guidelines regarding tidal wetlands
- Provides that the Director may exempt qualifying living shorelines projects from certain performance criteria, including a Water Quality Impact Assessment (WQIA)
- Adds requirements to assess the impact of climate change as a component of a WQIA
- Adds time limits for appeals of decisions made by the Board of Supervisors
- Includes other minor changes and editorial corrections
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on September 11, 2024, at 7:30 pm, in the Board Auditorium at 12000 Government Center Parkway. Information on ways to testify can be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/ways-to-provide-public-hearing-testimony. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on September 24, 2024, at 4:00 pm, in the Board Auditorium. Information on the ways to testify can be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/clerkservices/ways-provide-public-hearing-testimony. If adopted, the amendments are proposed to become effective September 25, 2024. A copy of the Staff Report may be found here. For more information contact Jerry Stonefield, Site Code Research and Development, Land Development Services, at 703-324-1791, TTY 711 or jerry.stonefield@fairfaxcounty.gov.  |
