Land Disturbance

The processes outlined below applies to all land disturbance of 2,500 square feet or more, unless otherwise exempt from code. Land Disturbance Permits are issued upon approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan or Comprehensive Development Plan and must be issued prior to the issuance of a Zoning and Building Permit when applicable.

Submission Requirements

  • Completed Land Disturbance Permit Application.   
  • Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) currently registered with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) identified.
  • In accordance with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements, Construction General Permit (CGP) coverage, for discharges from construction activities, is required for stormwater exiting the development site if grading 1 acre or more. A Registration Statement must be submitted to the City of Roanoke in order to initialize the process with DEQ. Once DEQ receives their portion of the CGP fee and issues general permit coverage, then a land disturbance permit can be obtained.
  • Required City Land Disturbance Permit and DEQ CGP fees (see below).

Review Process

After review and approval of your comprehensive development plan, a pre-construction meeting may be scheduled with the City development review engineer or project manager assigned to the project. The land disturbance permit application will be reviewed at or before the meeting. Afterwards, a land disturbance permit can be issued.

Fees

Fees are due at time of application. The fees for a land disturbance permit are as follows:
  • Grading and Erosion/Sediment Control Plan Review: $100.00 + $50.00 per disturbed acre (always round up to the next acre)
  • Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) / CGP Fees:
    Fee Type
    Fee
    City of Roanoke Land Disturbance Permit

    (Fee determined by acres of project disturbance, unless single-family residence.)
    $1,944 for 10,000 s.f. - 4.99 Acres
    $2,448 for 5 Acres - 9.99 Acres
    $3,240 for 10 Acres - 49.99 Acres
    $4,392 for 50 Acres - 99.99 Acres
    $6,912 for 100 Acres and Above
    $209 for Single Family Residence within a Subdivision

    **Erosion & Sediment Control inspection fee of $150 charged for single-family residences not part of a subdivision.
    Virginia DEQ Construction General Permit Maintenance

    (Fee determined by acres of project disturbance, unless single-family residence.)
    $400 for 1 Acre - 4.99 Acres
    $500 for 5 Acres - 9.99 Acres
    $650 for 10 Acres - 49.99 Acres
    $900 for 50 Acres - 99.99 Acres
    $1400 for 100 Acres and Above
    $50 for Single Family Residence within a Subdivision
    Virginia DEQ Construction General Permit Modification/Transfer

    (Fee determined by acres of project disturbance, unless single-family residence.)
    $200 for 1 Acre - 4.99 Acres
    $250 for 5 Acres - 9.99 Acres
    $300 for 10 Acres - 49.99 Acres
    $450 for 50 Acres - 99.99 Acres
    $450 for 100 Acres and Above
    $20 for Single Family Residence within a Subdivision

Inspections

A development inspector will be out on site a minimum of once every two weeks to verify that the approved plan is being implemented correctly. These inspections are scheduled internally, therefore, there is no need to call in for an erosion and sediment control inspection. However, installation of any new storm drains or BMP will require an inspection to be called in. The Land Disturbance Permit will remain in an issued status until the site is completely stabilized.

Expiration

A land disturbance permit can only be finalized and closed once the Notice of Termination is submitted and the general permit coverage is terminated.