County Code Section 23.1

Sec. 23.1-15. Standards for use and development of wetlands; utilization of guidelines.

(a) The following standards shall apply to the use and development of wetlands and shall be considered in the determination of whether any permit required by this chapter should be granted or denied:

(1) Wetlands of primary ecological significance shall not be altered so that the ecological systems in the wetlands are unreasonably disturbed; and

(2) Development in the county, to the maximum extent practical, shall be concentrated in wetlands of lesser ecological significance, in vegetated wetlands which have been irreversibly disturbed before July 1, 1972, in nonvegetated wetlands which have been irreversibly disturbed prior to January 1, 1983, and in areas outside of wetlands.

(b) The provisions of guidelines promulgated by the commission pursuant to section 28.2-1301, Code of Virginia shall be considered in applying the standards listed in this chapter.