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Living Near a Stream: An Arlington County Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance
An Arlington Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance August, 2003
You can also call the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services for assistance (703-228-4488).
An Arlington Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance August, 2003
Repairs and maintenance work are allowed within the RPA, unless the work includes: the creation of new impervious cover (paved surfaces or buildings), the disturbance of more than 2,500 ft2 of land, or the removal of mature trees with a diameter of 3 inches or greater. Trimming Vegetation for Sight Lines and Vistas Minor trimming and clearing of vegetation for reasonable sight lines and vistas is allowed. However, if such activities involve removal of trees, first contact the Department of Environmental Services at 703-228-4488 to determine if the proposed tree removal is permitted.
You must apply for an exception if you are building a deck, addition, or similar project that increases the overall developed area in the RPA relative to the existing footprint of your house and other impervious areas, extends further into the RPA, or extends into an RPA that is currently undeveloped. Building a New Home Building a new home on a lot where development already exists in a portion of the RPA is allowed, as long as: a) the overall developed area in the RPA does not increase, or b) extend further into the RPA. Otherwise, you must apply for an exception. Building a new home on an undeveloped lot is allowed in the RPA buffer ONLY in situations when the presence of the RPA buffer causes a loss of buildable area (i.e., the area of the lot outside the RPA buffer is not large enough for a reasonable structure). Otherwise, building a new home on an undeveloped lot requires an exception. To find out more about how to apply for approval for your project, please contact the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services at 703-228-4488.
An Arlington Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance August, 2003
Consider replacing grass with trees, shrubs, or native ground cover, which are better for water quality and provide more habitat for wildlife. Reduce the amount of water used in your yard. Lawns only need to be watered every 5-7 days in the summer. Consider using an electric lawn mower or a push mower.
Around Your Home Direct the downspouts from your roof gutters away from impervious area like driveways or streets. Place the downspouts from your gutters so they run into your yard or garden, taking care to ensure that the runoff is diverted away from your home and adjacent homes. Create a Rain Garden at home, which is a vegetated area designed to treat and filter stormwater runoff from your house or driveway. Consider installing a rain barrel or cistern, to collect rain water from your roof. You can use the water around your yard for irrigation. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks. Car Care Wash your car on the grass, if possible, so the soapy water does not run directly into the storm drain. When washing the car, use a bucket and use the hose only for rinsing.
An Arlington Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance August, 2003
Or, take your car to a commercial carwash, since they are required to recycle the wash water. Check your car for leaks by placing some newspaper under the car. Get any leaks repaired quickly.
Never dump anything down a storm sewer! The water that runs into storm sewers goes directly into our local streams. If you have household hazardous waste to dispose of, you can drop it off, free of charge, at the County's Household Hazardous Waste Facility (703-228-6832).
How Can I Find Out More? Contact Department of Environmental Services at 703-2284488 or the Department of Public Works at 703-228-3629, or visit us on the web at: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/des/epo/chesbay.htm. Other Resources
Arlington County Department of Environmental Services 703-228-4488; www.co.arlington.va.us/des Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) A resource for public education about the local environment and for volunteer involvement in environmental improvement efforts. 703-228-6427; www.arlingtonenvironment.org Northern Virginia Conservation Trust Consider putting a conservation easement on your property, which may save you money on taxes. 703-354-5093; www.nvct.org The Potomac Conservancy Protects land vital to the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. www.potomac.org Rainscapes Information on rain gardens and rain barrels www.rainscapes.org Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Programs www.deq.state.va.us/water/ Virginia Cooperative Extension A resource for lawn and garden care. 703-228-6400; www.ext.vt.edu
This guide is for informational purposes only and in no way supercedes the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. The ordinance, and not this guide, sets forth applicable legal requirements.
An Arlington Homeowners Guide to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance August, 2003
Dear Homeowner: Arlington County has updated its Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance to comply with new Virginia state regulations. Because your property is located near a stream or open channel, you may be affected by the ordinance changes. The County has designated buffer areas around all County streams and open channels, to ensure that development near these environmentally sensitive areas is carefully planned and constructed to minimize adverse water quality impacts. This will improve the quality of the Countys streams and help restore the Chesapeake Bay. We have created this brochure to provide you with more information on the ordinance update and additional resources. Please contact the Department of Environmental Services at 703-228-4488 if you have any questions or concerns.
Arlington County Department of Environmental Services 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 801 Arlington, VA 22201 703-228-4488