2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102747D

HOUSE BILL NO. 2331

Offered January 13, 2025

Prefiled January 8, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 62.1-44.15:74.1, relating to Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas; acceptance of signed and sealed plan in lieu of local plan review.

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Patron—Hodges

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 62.1-44.15:74.1 as follows:

§ 62.1-44.15:74.1. Acceptance of signed and sealed plan in lieu of local plan review.

A. Any locality that is subject to the provisions of this article is authorized to require a licensed professional retained by an applicant to prepare and submit a set of plans and supporting calculations for a land-disturbing activity that disturbs 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area pursuant to this article. The locality may accept such signed and sealed plans in accordance with this section in satisfaction of the requirement of this article that it retain a local certified plan reviewer or conduct a local plan review for a land-disturbing activity that disturbs 2,500 square feet or more but less than one acre in an area of a locality designated as a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area.

B. The plans and supporting calculations prepared and submitted pursuant to subsection A shall be appropriately signed and sealed by the licensed professional with a certification that states: "This plan is designated in accordance with applicable state law and regulations." Such professional shall be licensed to engage in practice in the Commonwealth under Chapter 4 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) or 22 (§ 54.1-2200 et seq.) of Title 54.1 and hold a certificate of competence in the appropriate subject area, as provided in § 62.1-44.15:30.