Virginia Coastal Program: 1997 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1997 Task 48
Grantee:
Middlesex County
Project Title:
Environmental Planner/Inspector/Enforcer
Project Description as Proposed:
Middlesex County proposes to continue protection of its natural resources and management of its coastal development in such a manner so as to prevent improper development in environmentally sensitive areas. The county proposes to continue streamlining its procedures to ensure expedited governmental decisions concerning its Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas by coordinating permitting procedures and requirements with other local, state, and federal permitting entities. Middlesex County will continue to support comprehensive planning in order to prevent problems and undue duress associated with development in wetlands areas, areas containing highly erodible soils, and waterfront development areas.
Federal Funding:
$19,543
Project Contact:
Thomas Jordan, 804.758.0500
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Series of papers on: Obtaining a Land Disturbing Permit.; proposed amendments to the Middlesex County Comp Plan; Wetlands Office Annual Report; May 1, 2006ty Zoning Ordinance.
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The
grant year began with the start of two new employees in the Planning
Department Olivia Wilkinson, who was later replaced by Thomas Jordan,
started their duties as Planner/Deputy Zoning Administrators and
Robert McMurtrie began his duties as Building/E & S Inspector.
These new positions were the result of a reorganization of Planning
Department staff and replaced the previous position of Environmental
Enforcement Specialist. Due to the new staff hired by the Planning
Department, this year has been largely spent by new staff members
being trained and gaining experience. By the year's end, Mr. McMurtrie
had become a state certified Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector.
During the year, Mr. Jordan attended several seminars on Wetland
topics to supplement his training by Tim Wilson, Planning Director.
In addition to the training courses, Mr. Jordan also received valuable
field experience for VMRC and VIMS staff persons. He is now managing
wetlands permitting and zoning applications related to the Chesapeake
Bay Act requirements, and receiving additional training in zoning
and subdivision ordinance administration and enforcement.
Amendments to the Middlesex County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance,
reducing development densities and increasing development standards
were approved this grant year. The 1994 Middlesex County Comprehensive
Plan was amended to include additional mapping and narrative related
to the Chesapeake Bay Act in April 1998. The county is currently
reviewing additional amendments related to the Chesapeake Bay Act
at the request of the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board.
Several handouts have been revised or created to assist applicants
wishing to build or remodel in the county. A joint Permit Application
handout was created to assist applicants during the Wetlands permitting
process. A land disturbing handout explaining the permitting process
was created. Also created was a checklist for Erosion and Sediment
Control plans to assist the applicant and an inspection report checklist
to assist the E & S Inspector during site visits. Several other
forms and handouts are currently being revised for the new grant
year. The Zoning/Building permit was revised allowing closer work
between the two departments and more efficient processing permits.
As new staff members hired during this grant period gain further
knowledge and experience, further improvements will be made, whether
in the area ordinance language, informative brochures, enforcement
or administrative procedures and forms. The final draft of Amendments
to the Middlesex County Comprehensive Plan (a draft copy is included
for your convenience) and Annual Reports will be sent to forwarded
to VCRMP after adoption by their respected boards.
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
