HRPDC Water Resources staff recently presented at a training series for Hampton Roads real estate agents hosted by RE/MAX Connect in Yorktown, VA. Senior Water Resources Planner Jill Sunderland and Resilience Planner Emma Corbitt led a session titled, "Good to Know for Waterfront Buyers," focusing on the role agents can play in preparing homebuyers for key regulations and hazards, including the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Bay Act) and flood risk.
Ms. Sunderland explained the Bay Act, which was established in 1988 to protect sensitive areas along Virginia’s coastlines. She highlighted the importance of the 100-foot Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer, which reduces runoff, prevents erosion, and filters pollutants. Buyers interested in waterfront properties should be aware of these regulations, especially if they plan to remove trees or add structures like sheds, patios, or pools. Localities administer Bay Act programs which require homeowners to apply for approval before making changes within the buffer. In some cases, projects may need to request an exception from the local Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board. Ms. Sunderland explained that the Bay Act is not a “no” but rather “a way to a yes,” allowing for balanced development and water quality protection. Ms. Sunderland highlighted several resources to help guide buyers, including the Hampton Roads CBPA address look-up tool and askHRgreen.org’s Living on the Water educational materials.
Ms. Corbitt emphasized the importance of understanding flood risk and encouraging homebuyers to purchase flood insurance. She introduced the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS), which provides property-specific flood risk data, and GetFloodFluent.org, HRPDC’s regional flood insurance education platform. To address concerns about cost, she discussed FEMA’s recently released NFIP Quoting Tool, which estimates flood insurance premiums based on property characteristics. Throughout the training, she emphasized the key message: “Anywhere it can rain, it can flood,” stressing that flood insurance is valuable for all homeowners, not just those in designated high-risk zones.
This training provided HRPDC staff with a unique opportunity to engage with Hampton Roads real estate agents, an audience that plays a crucial role in educating homebuyers. By equipping them with tools and resources on the Bay Act and flood risk, the session aimed to help new and prospective homeowners make informed decisions about protecting their properties. Organizations interested in similar presentations can reach out to Jill Sunderland at jsunderland@hrpcva.gov or Emma Corbitt at ecorbitt@hrpdcva.gov for more information.