Environmental Regulations
Builders and developers navigate a complex web of environmental regulations at the local, state, and federal levels — and HBAV engages every step of the way.
How Environmental Policy Works in Virginia
Builders and developers navigate a complex web of environmental regulations, laws, and ordinances at the local, state, and federal levels. These policies impact every aspect of land development and construction — from site selection and project feasibility, to the number and location of housing units, to project costs and timelines.
We advocate for practical environmental policies that drive Virginia’s economic growth, support new residential construction, while protecting water quality and sustaining Virginia’s vast natural resources.
In Virginia, the General Assembly and regulatory agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality play a key role in developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental policies that impact the housing industry. Our team engages state legislators and regulators on regulatory issues impacting developers, builders, engineers, and other industry partners.
How We Engage
HBAV actively engages with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the General Assembly, and other regulatory bodies to ensure that environmental policies are practical, science-based, and do not create unnecessary barriers to housing production.
We represent Virginia’s builders and developers in regulatory rulemaking processes, public comment periods, and stakeholder workgroups. HBAV holds a designated seat on the DEQ’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) for stormwater policy, infrastructure design, and BMP standards.
Recent Updates
DEQ released Version 1.1 of the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook (VSMH), with a 30-day public comment period from July 15 to August 14. This update is limited to technical corrections with no changes to BMP specifications.
The Department of Environmental Quality released the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.0 — a major consolidation of its regulatory guidance for new development, redevelopment, and upgrades to existing development. The HBA of Virginia has a designated seat on the Technical Review Committee (TRC).
The Handbook took effect July 1, 2024 with a one-year transition period.
Questions About Environmental Policy?
Our Government Affairs team monitors policy developments, testifies at public hearings, and is available to help members understand and navigate new requirements.