Environmental Laws & Regulations for Waterfront Properties in Virginia
Protecting waterfront property owners from the complex web of environmental regulations that can impose fines as high as $25,000 per day per violation.
Residential and commercial waterfront property owners in Virginia enjoy the ambiance and a fantastic view, in addition to a highly valuable set of riparian property rights. These benefits, however, come at a cost.
Residential and commercial waterfront property owners must comply with a complicated web of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations specifically applicable to waterfront property. Whether it is the Clean Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Endangered Species Act, the State Water Control Law, the Tidal Wetlands Act, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches Act, or the Submerged Lands Act, these requirements are administered by an arcane and sometimes demanding bureaucracy that uses confusing language and terms, has the power to order owners to make changes to their residential and commercial waterfront property at their own expense, and can impose fines as high as $25,000 per day per violation.
In addition, the waterfront property owner caught in an awkward situation may become a media topic with their customers, friends and neighbors learning about it through local newspaper or television stories.
Key Environmental Regulations
Virginia waterfront property owners must navigate these federal and state environmental laws.
Clean Water Act
Oil Pollution Act of 1990
Endangered Species Act
State Water Control Law
Tidal Wetlands Act
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches Act
Submerged Lands Act
How Our Environmental Attorneys Help
Whatever problem you are facing, Jim Lang and his team of environmental attorneys specialize in providing solutions to waterfront property owners.
Enforcement Defense
We defend property owners against actions brought by the EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia DEQ, VMRC, and local wetlands boards.
Regulatory Compliance
Navigate the complex web of environmental regulations before construction begins to avoid violations and costly delays.
Environmental Litigation
When disputes cannot be resolved administratively, we litigate in state or federal court to protect your property rights.
Permitting Assistance
We guide clients through the permitting process with the VMRC, Army Corps of Engineers, DEQ, and local government agencies.
Facing an Environmental Enforcement Action?
The waterfront property owner caught in an awkward situation may become a media topic. Get experienced legal guidance before it escalates.
Get a Free ConsultationAgencies We Work With
Client Testimonials
"Trust and heart are the two words that I will use to describe working with Jim Lang. I trust Mr. Lang to do a great job for me, and let me know up front what my legal fees will total. In the past, he has given me the option to do some of the legal work myself in order to stay within my budget. Mr. Lang also has a heart. He understands life's many ups and downs. I felt that he was really on my side, that he was concerned about me, and how I was doing with my new business. Mr. Lang is an outstanding lawyer but more importantly, Mr. Lang is a good man. I highly recommend him."
— Liz R.
Real Estate Investor, Virginia Beach
"Jim Lang has represented my company and myself in litigation several times. These were events that occurred at years of doing business of no fault of my own. I can not express the relief of having Jim by my side. The courtroom is not a place I like to find myself. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. He explained all my options and even what was going to occur before it happened. He knew what opposing council was going to do like as if he read their notes. I never at any time felt my decision for him to represent me was a wrong decision."
— David M.
Small Business Owner, Virginia Beach
"Thank you so much Bryan Peeples, attorney for Pender and Coward for representing my company in a legal matter. The situation was handled in a timely, professional way and we are so happy with the positive outcome!! We would highly recommend Mr. Peeples and the firm of Pender and Coward to anyone needing sound, legal representation. Great job!!!"
— Gary S.
Construction Company Owner, Chesapeake
"Jim and Jeff, we always were confident that we found, not only the right attorneys in you, but also true advocates for our case. Thank you so much for your diligence and for the thoughtful and thorough way you represented us!"
— Mary S.
Pier Litigation, Potomac River
"Because of their professionalism, their vast knowledge and the ease with which they worked with us, it ended up to be a great success story. They were able to handle something a bit out of the norm and helped us achieve our goal without the issue escalating. They lifted a huge weight off our shoulders and we are forever grateful."
— Louisa F.
Pier Case, Eastern Shore
"Your presentation (plus Tom's) was one of the most important educational sessions I've attended in my 30+ years in real estate. I sincerely value your good advice."
— Betty Moritz
Associate Broker, BHHS Towne Realty