LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 9. Environment
Agency 25. State Water Control Board
Chapter 875. Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulation
11/6/2024

9VAC25-875-170. Variances and exceptions.

A. A VESMP authority may grant variances to waive or modify any of the erosion and sediment control requirements of Article 2 (9VAC25-875-540 et seq.) of Part V (9VAC25-875-470 et seq.) of this chapter that are deemed inappropriate or too restrictive for site conditions may be requested from the VESMP authority under these conditions:

1. At the time of plan submission, an applicant may request a variance to become part of the approved erosion and sediment control plan. The applicant shall explain the reasons for requesting variances in writing. Specific variances which are allowed by the authority shall be documented in the plan.

2. During construction, the person responsible for implementing the approved plan may request a variance in writing from the authority. The authority shall respond in writing either approving or disapproving such a request. If the authority does not approve a variance within 10 days of receipt of the request, the request shall be considered to be disapproved. Following disapproval, the applicant may resubmit a variance request with additional documentation.

B. A VESMP authority may grant exceptions to the provisions of Article 3 (9VAC25-875-570 et seq.) of Part V of this chapter. An exception may be granted provided that (i) the exception is the minimum necessary to afford relief, (ii) reasonable and appropriate conditions shall be imposed as necessary upon any exception granted so that the intent of the VESMA and this chapter are preserved, (iii) granting the exception will not confer any special privileges that are denied in other similar circumstances, and (iv) exception requests are not based upon conditions or circumstances that are self-imposed or self-created.

C. Economic hardship alone is not a sufficient reason to grant an exception from the requirements of this chapter.

D. Under no circumstance shall the authority (i) grant an exception to the requirement that the land-disturbing activity obtain required permits, or (ii) approve the use of a BMP not found through the Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse, except where allowed under Article 4 (9VAC25-875-670 et seq.) of Part V of this chapter.

E. Exceptions to requirements for phosphorus reductions shall not be allowed unless offsite options available through 9VAC25-875-610 have been considered and found not available.

F. A record of all exceptions granted shall be maintained by the authority in accordance with 9VAC25-875-180.

Statutory Authority

§ 62.1-44.15:28 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 8, eff. July 1, 2024.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.