Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Conservation and Recreation

Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board

Stormwater Management Regulations RENUMBERED AS 9 VAC 25-870 [4 VAC 50 ‑ 60]

Action	Amend Parts I, II, and III of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program Permit Regulations to address water quality and quantity and local stormwater management program criteria.
Stage	Proposed
Comment Period	Ends 8/21/2009

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8/20/09 10:48 am

Commenter: Richmond Association of REALTORS®

Stormwater Regulations

On behalf of the 4,800 members of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®, I am writing to ask that you support efforts to re-evaluate the current stormwater regulations, and that alternative approaches be considered by the Soil and Water Conservation Board.

As proposed, the regulations will make redevelopment more difficult, new development more land intensive or expensive, which could promote sprawl, and will increase the cost of development and place an undue burden on an already ailing housing industry.

According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the proposed regulations will add $6,200 to the cost of each new home. A separate report by the Department of Planning and Budget states, “The total incremental costs to the state of implementing additional stormwater control practices to meet the proposed regulatory changes could not be estimated at this time.” It further states, “The proposed regulations will directly impact private land developers, businesses and homeowners. Virginia residents will also likely pay for the higher costs associated with local stormwater program requirements.” In our current economic climate, this proposal is not fiscally practical for the state or its residents.

The Richmond Association of REALTORS® is extremely concerned about achieving a balance between a healthy Chesapeake Bay watershed and a strong, viable economy in Virginia; however, at a time when the housing market is at a standstill, the Commonwealth should not adopt regulations which will further stifle development.

When you vote on these regulations, I encourage you to vote no on Part II and reconvene the Technical Advisory Committee to continue to work on these requirements and consider an alternative regulatory approach.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Don Atkinson, President

CommentID: 9765