In accordance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (16 USC sections 1451-1465) and the “Federal Consistency Regulations” (Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 930),  federal agency actions that affect a state’s coastal resources or uses must be consistent with the enforceable policies of the state’s NOAA-approved Coastal Zone Management Program.

 *NEW* DEQ has developed a Federal Consistency Certification (FCC) checklist to assist in the development of FCCs. 

Enforceable Policies

I. Tidal and Non-Tidal Wetlands

II. Subaqueous Lands

III. Dunes and Beaches

IV. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas

V. Marine Fisheries

VI. Wildlife and Inland Fisheries

VII. Plant Pests and Noxious Weeds

VIII. Commonwealth Lands

IX. Point Source Air Pollution

X. Point Source Water Pollution

XI. Nonpoint Source Water Pollution

XII. Shoreline Sanitation

Virginia's Coastal Management Area: 

Tidewater Virginia, as defined by the Code of Virginia § 28.2-100 (see map) including the following 29 counties (and 42 towns within these counties):

Accomack                              Isle of Wight                          Northumberland

Arlington                                James City                            Prince George

Caroline                                 King George                          Prince William

Charles City                          King and Queen                   Richmond

Chesterfield                          King William                          Spotsylvania

Essex                                     Lancaster                              Stafford

Fairfax                                    Mathews                                Surry

Gloucester                             Middlesex                              Westmoreland

Hanover                                 New Kent                               York

Henrico                                  Northampton

The following 17 cities are located in Virginia’s coastal management area:

Alexandria                             Hampton                                Portsmouth

Chesapeake                         Hopewell                               Richmond

Colonial Heights                   Newport News                      Suffolk

Fairfax                                    Norfolk                                   Virginia Beach

Falls Church                         Petersburg                            Williamsburg

Fredericksburg                     Poquoson

Most of these projects require DEQ to provide an opportunity for public comment. Available public notices can be found on our Public Notices page.