§ 101. Findings of fact.

The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries constitute one of the most important and productive estuarine systems in the world, providing economic and social benefits to the citizens of the City of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The health of the Bay and its tributaries is vital to maintaining the City of Virginia Beach's economy and the welfare of its citizens.

The waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been degraded significantly by many sources of pollution, including nonpoint source pollution from land development. These waters are worthy of protection from further degradation. Certain lands that are proximate to shorelines have an intrinsic water quality value due to the ecological and biological processes they perform. With proper management, they offer significant ecological benefits by providing water quality maintenance and pollution control, as well as flood and shoreline erosion control. These lands, designated by the City Council as Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, shall be developed in such manner as to protect the quality of water in the Bay.

(Ord. No. 2006, 11-6-90; Ord. No. 2790, 12-9-03)

(Ord. No. 2006, 11-6-90; Ord. No. 2790, 12-9-03)