9VAC25-830-30: Purpose of chapter

A. The purpose of this chapter is to protect and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and other state waters by minimizing the effects of human activity upon these waters and implementing the Act, which provides for the definition and protection of certain lands called Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, which if improperly used or developed may result in substantial damage to the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

B. This chapter establishes the criteria that counties, cities and towns (hereinafter "local governments") shall use to determine the extent of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas within their jurisdictions. This chapter establishes criteria for use by local governments in granting, denying or modifying requests to rezone, subdivide, or to use and develop land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. This chapter identifies the requirements for changes which local governments shall incorporate into their comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances and subdivision ordinances and employ to ensure that the use and development of land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas shall be accomplished in a manner that protects the quality of state waters pursuant to §§ 62.1-44.15:74 and 62.1-44.15:76 of the Act.