Stormwater management facilities (SWMFs), also known as best management practices (BMPs), are required to be installed during land development in accordance with the City’s stormwater management ordinance. There are more than 3000 stormwater management facilities in the City of Virginia Beach of more than 20 types. 

Some of these facilities are city-owned and maintained by the city, some are privately owned and maintained by the city, and others are privately owned and maintained by the property owner. Each type of facility has different maintenance requirements and due to size or design, some facilities have individualized requirements as well.

As required by the MS4 Permit, the City performs inspections of all City owned and maintained facilities on an annual basis and also inspects privately maintained facilities with maintenance agreements at least every five years. All City owned and maintained facilities, such as wet ponds, have the necessary maintenance performed by the Public Works Operations Group.

Private property owners are responsible for performing maintenance on their stormwater management facilities. For more information on how to maintain your stormwater management facility please see the maintenance fact sheets below. Some private properties with stormwater management facilities may be eligible for a stormwater utility fee discount.