§ 37.1-30. Findings and determinations; purpose.

(a)

The Stormwater Management Act, §§ 62.1-44.15:24 through 66 of the Code of Virginia, requires localities to prepare and adopt a stormwater management plan and implementing ordinance no later than July 1, 2014.

(b)

The city council hereby finds that the waters and waterways within the City of Newport News are at times subjected to flooding and channel erosion due to urban stormwater runoff, tidal action and storms; such flooding is a danger to the lives and property of the public; such flooding and channel erosion is also a danger to the natural and water resources of the city; urban stormwater runoff carries pollution which causes the deterioration of the water resources of the city; the control of stormwater pollution discharges to the maximum extent practicable, is required by state and federal statutes and regulations; and such increased flooding, erosion and pollution discharges can be controlled to some extent by the regulation of stormwater runoff from new development. Therefore, it is determined that it is in the public interest to establish requirements to regulate the discharge of stormwater runoff.

(c)

It is the purpose of this article to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to:

(1)

Reduce flood damage to public health, life, and property;

(2)

Minimize increased stormwater runoff where such runoff will increase flood damage;

(3)

Maintain the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, dams and other structures;

(4)

Prevent, to the maximum extent practicable, an increase in stormwater pollution;

(5)

Maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions, as well as for drainage and other purposes;

(6)

Reduce the impact of increased runoff upon stream erosion; and

(7)

Preserve and protect water supply facilities and water resources by means of controlling increased flood discharges, stream erosion, and nonpoint source pollution to the extent authorized by state and federal law.

(Ord. No. 7017-13, § 1; Ord. No. 7088-14, § 1)

(Ord. No. 7017-13, § 1; Ord. No. 7088-14, § 1)