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.

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1. What if my property was subdivided prior to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act?
2. What if I want to build an addition to an existing house in the Resource Protection Areas?
3. Can I build an accessory structure in the Resource Protection Area?
4. What about water dependent facilities?
5. Can I remove vegetation in the Resource Protection Area?
6. What is a Best Management Practice?