The Virginia Beach MS4 Permit: January 2024 to January 2029

The MS4 permit has been reissued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and is effective from January 26, 2024 through January 25, 2029. The most significant new requirement in this permit is to meet 100 percent of the pollutant reduction requirements associated with the Chesapeake Bay TMDL by June 30, 2028. The City’s progress towards the required 100 percent reductions is included in the MS4 Permit Annual Reports.

The City implements the activities associated with the MS4 permit in accordance with the MS4 Program Plan. The City submits annual reports documenting progress in implementing the requirements of the permit.

View Permit

Stormwater Regulations and the MS4 Permit

The City is regulated under a stormwater permit issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality which allows the City to discharge stormwater from its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) directly into local waterways.

Under this permit, the City must implement a series of programs intended to reduce pollutants entering the City’s stormwater system and thereby protecting (and improving) the water quality in the City's waterways. These programs include:

  • ​Constructing stormwater management projects that improve water quality

  • Implementing an erosion and sediment control program for construction sites

  • Implementing a stormwater management program to control runoff from development areas

  • Maintaining and operating City-owned facilities, roads, and parking lots to minimize polluted runoff

  • Controlling the storage and application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer at City facilities and on City property to minimize polluted runoff

  • Locating and eliminating illicit discharges and improper disposal into the storm sewer system

  • Inspecting sanitary sewers to prevent leaks into the storm sewer system

  • Developing and implementing a program to reduce floatable trash in waterways

  • Implementing programs to prohibit the disposal of used motor vehicle fluids, household hazardous waste, sanitary sewage, grass clippings, leaf litter, and animal wastes into the storm sewers

  • Coordinating with the Fire Department and other City departments to prevent, contain, and respond to spills that may discharge pollutants into the storm sewer system

  • Identifying polluted stormwater discharges from industrial and high-risk facilities

  • Inspecting, operating, and maintaining the storm sewer system and all City-owned stormwater management facilities

  • Implementing a program to ensure that privately-owned stormwater management facilities are maintained and inspected regularly

  • Mapping the storm sewer system including each outfall and the area draining to the storm sewer system

  • Controlling polluted stormwater runoff from all City-owned properties with good housekeeping and pollution prevention measures

  • Developing and implementing a public education plan to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff

  • Conducting stormwater training for municipal employees

  • Coordinating with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) where the City's storm sewer is interconnected with VDOT's storm sewer

  • Developing and implementing action plans to reduce pollutants and excess nutrients from entering the Chesapeake Bay and other waterbodies with TMDLs​​

  • Monitoring Stormwater Quality

  • Stormwater & Flood Protection
    • Flood Protection Program Flood Protection Program FAQ Flood Model Visualization & Exposure Tool Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board Central Resort District Drainage Improvements 24th Street 21st and Baltic Eastern Shore Drive - Phase 1 Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Linkhorn Bay Drainage Basin Southern Rivers Watershed Pungo Ferry Road New Bridge Road West Neck Creek Bridge Stormwater Green Infrastructure Marsh Restoration in Back Bay Elizabeth River Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza & The Lakes Master Planning Sea Level Wise Stormwater Planning Projects Ashville Park Stormwater Bow Creek Stormwater Project Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Lake Bradford & Chubb Lake Stormwater Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza and The Lakes Stormwater Stormwater Quality Stormwater Management Facilities Stormwater Regulations Stormwater Utility Fee Discount Stormwater Quality Projects & Evaluations 17th Street Regional Stormwater Facility Ashville Bridge Creek Watershed Bayville Lake Water Quality Improvement Bellamy Woods Water Quality Improvement Brigadoon Park Water Quality Improvement Brooklyn Avenue Water Quality Improvement Chatham Hall Lake Water Quality Improvement Historic Kempsville Water Quality Improvements Kemps Lake Water Quality Improvement Kemps River Crossing Water Quality Improvement Lake Bradford & Great Neck Lake Monitoring Lake James Watershed Lakes Water Quality Monitoring Study Laurel Cove Park Water Quality Improvement Lynnhaven Park Constructed Wetlands Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project Oceana Gardens Constructed Wetlands Salem Village Park Water Quality Improvement Sandbridge Road Manufactured Treatment Device Saw Pen Point Shoreline Restoration Seatack Park Wet Swale Mosquito Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases Get Involved Adopt-a-Drain Good to Do National Flood Insurance Program