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1. What if my property was subdivided prior to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act?

If your property was subdivided prior to the effective date of the regulations (September 19, 1990), the application of a 100-foot RPA buffer may impact the ability to build on certain parcels of land. The CBPA Overlay District provides administrative relief to develop in the RPA on “pre-recorded” lots of record through the submittal of a CBPA Encroachment Application. The City of Suffolk only approves applications for encroachment if the request demonstrates that the encroachment is the minimum necessary to achieve a reasonable buildable area for a principal structure and necessary utilities. The encroachment may not extend into the seaward 50–foot portion of the buffer area. In addition, the property owner must revegetate the buffer area elsewhere on the lot in a manner that will maximize water quality protection. To start the process please fill out this application.

2. What if I want to build an addition to an existing house in the Resource Protection Areas?

Find information about this on our Build an Addition in the Resource Protection Area page.

3. Can I build an accessory structure in the Resource Protection Area?

Accessory structures such as detached garages, sheds, swimming pools, gazebos and patios must be located outside of the RPA buffer. Approval of accessory structures requires that existing vegetation is preserved as much as possible and that any disturbance in the RPA buffer is revegetated to safeguard water quality. A property owner can make a written request for an exception to this requirement which requires approval of an Exception Application by the City of Suffolk Planning Commission.

4. What about water dependent facilities?

For information about water dependent facilities in the Resource Protection Area buffer, please visit our Water Dependent Facilities in the RPA.

5. Can I remove vegetation in the Resource Protection Area?

Find the answer on our Removing Vegetation in the RPA page.

6. What is a Best Management Practice?

For information about Best Management Practice (BMP) visit our Best Management Practice page.