Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA)

What is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Review Committee Application?

When an applicant can demonstrate that the application of the CBPA standards to a lot or parcel located within the CBPA Overlay District would unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property under its existing zoning classification, the applicant can submit a written request for an exception or waiver to the Planning Department. This application pertains to the encroachment within the 50 foot landward portion of the 100-foot Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) district. It is intended for new development OR additions/alterations on pre-existing “grandfathered” lots (lots recorded prior to January 21, 1992, or recorded prior to March 1, 2002 within subdivisions that have a function BMP). All development occurring in the RPA of the CBPA district must be approved by the CBPA Review Committee.

All applicants should review the City's CBPA Ordinance in Chapter 26, Article X of the City Code as well as the current CBPA Specifications Manual for additional information on district requirements. The following types of activities within the 50-foot landward portion of the 100-foot RPA require review by the CBPA Review Committee only:

Addition(s) to the principal structure, provided that no more than one detached structure located within six (6) feet of the principal building shall be entitled to a waiver by the CBPA Review Committee;
Redevelopment activities outside the IDA;
Roads or driveways;
Redevelopment activities within an IDA;
Flood control or stormwater management facilities;
Bona fide agricultural activities; and
Wetland restoration activities. (Scroll down for Exemption and Appeal application information)

Application Deadline 5 p.m. two weeks prior to the first and third Tuesday of each month.
CBPA Review Committee Schedule

Preparation for Online Application Submittal

Street Address of the Property or (Tax) Parcel Number
Legal Description, Deed Book and Map Book if available
Calculations required to submit; for example, land disturbance, water quality impact assessment (WQIA), etc.
Electronic Plan, drawn to scale, including all required elements, ready to upload as a PDF
Acceptable Filing Fee payment method readily available (credit cards or eCheck/linked bank account). The filing fee for CBPA is calculated per lot.

Submit Now

Apply online using eBUILD [What is eBUILD?]

What is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Appeal Application?

When an applicant wishes to appeal a decision of the CBPA Review Committee, a CBPA Appeal application may be submitted to the Planning Department for review by the Wetlands/CBPA Board.

Application Deadline 5 p.m. two weeks prior to the first and third Tuesday of each month.
CBPA Board Schedule

Preparation for Online Application Submittal

Street Address of the Property or (Tax) Parcel Number
Legal Description, Deed Book and Map Book if available
Special Power of Attorney, Print, Sign, Notarize, & Scan, if applicable, ready to upload
Statement of Ownership, Print, Sign, Notarize, & Scan, ready to upload.
If an LLC/Corporation, an additional document on letterhead should list all members/officers, and be ready to upload.
Real Estate Tax Demonstration Form Call or Email Treasurer's Office, a signed form can be emailed, ready to upload
Calculations required to submit; for example, land disturbance, water quality impact assessment (WQIA), etc.
Electronic Plan, drawn to scale, including all required elements, ready to upload as a PDF
Acceptable Filing Fee payment method readily available (credit cards or eCheck/linked bank account)

Submit Now

Apply online using eBUILD [What is eBUILD?]

After Online Application Submittal

(the first three steps can be accomplished when picking up the signs)

Deliver Adjacent Property Owner List (from Real Estate Department) and Envelopes to the Planning Department
Stamped #10 (4 1/8" x 9½") envelopes with the name and mailing address of each adjacent property owner printed legibly.
Deliver all Original Notarized Documents to the Planning Department.
Attend mandatory CBPA Board Public Hearing the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, typically 4-45 days after the application is filed.
Pay Advertising Fees when billed
The average advertising cost is $100 for the Planning Commission Public Hearing and between $400 to $1,000 for the City Council meeting. The project will require a minimum of four (4) advertisements. Any additional advertising costs incurred due to continuances or revised proffer statements will also be the responsibility of the applicant. Planning Commission advertisement fees will be billed by the City of Chesapeake. City Council advertisement fees will be billed by the Virginia Pilot.

What is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Exception Application?

When an applicant can demonstrate that the application of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) ordinance to a lot or parcel located within the CBPA District would unreasonably restrict the utilization of the property under its current zoning classification, a CBPA Exception application can be submitted for consideration by the CBPA Board. All prohibited development within the Resource Protection Area (RPA) of the CBPA District shall require submittal of a CBPA Exception application.

Certain encroachments in the RPA are either exempt or require CBPA Committee approval only. All applicants shall consult the Planning Department to determine which CBPA Exception Application is required and to identify any potential problem areas.

Application Deadline 5 p.m. two weeks prior to the first and third Tuesday of each month.
CBPA Board Schedule

Preparation for Online Application Submittal

Street Address of the Property or (Tax) Parcel Number
Legal Description, Deed Book and Map Book if available
Special Power of Attorney, Print, Sign, Notarize, & Scan, if applicable, ready to upload
Statement of Ownership, Print, Sign, Notarize, & Scan, ready to upload.
If an LLC/Corporation, an additional document on letterhead should list all members/officers, and be ready to upload.
Real Estate Tax Demonstration Form Call or Email Treasurer's Office, a signed form can be emailed, ready to upload
Calculations required to submit; for example, land disturbance, water quality impact assessment (WQIA), etc.
Electronic Preliminary Site Plan or Plat, drawn to scale, including all required elements, ready to upload as a PDF
Acceptable Filing Fee payment method readily available (credit cards or eCheck/linked bank account)

Submit Now

Apply online using eBUILD [What is eBUILD?]

After Online Application Submittal

(the first three steps can be accomplished when picking up the signs)

Deliver Adjacent Property Owner List (from Real Estate Department) and Envelopes to the Planning Department
Stamped #10 (4 1/8" x 9½") envelopes with the name and mailing address of each adjacent property owner printed legibly.
Deliver all Original Notarized Documents to the Planning Department.
Attend mandatory CBPA Board Public Hearing the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, typically 4-45 days after the application is filed.
Pay Advertising Fees when billed
The average advertising cost is $100 for the Planning Commission Public Hearing and between $400 to $1,000 for the City Council meeting. The project will require a minimum of four (4) advertisements. Any additional advertising costs incurred due to continuances or revised proffer statements will also be the responsibility of the applicant. Planning Commission advertisement fees will be billed by the City of Chesapeake. City Council advertisement fees will be billed by the Virginia Pilot.

Please bring the required items from the list above to the 2^nd floor of City Hall.