Albemarle County is reviewing the 2020 regulations on the placement of fill. Whether you have been involved in an application for fill as an applicant or are interested in fill activities, we want to hear what you think about the regulations and process.

What is the Purpose of the Current Fill Ordinance Update?

Balance the impacts of fill activities with the needs of the community in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.

This includes:

• Protecting natural, rural, historic, and scenic resources;
• Supporting a strong agricultural and silvicultural economy in the Rural Area by allowing productive uses of agricultural land;
• Promoting active and vibrant Development Areas; and
• Protecting the quiet enjoyment of one’s property.

This project does not involve:

• Wholesale rewrite of regulations,
• Expanding regulations to allow non-inert materials/contaminants, or
• Removing environmental protections.

What is Fill?

Clean earth and inert waste are two types of fill.

• Clean earth fill consists of soil and rock. County regulations limit the amount of woody material and the amount and size of rocks.
• Inert waste fill consists of solid materials that are stable from further degradation. Examples include certain types of construction and demolition debris, such as concrete, bricks, and asphalt.

What Does the Current Fill Ordinance Regulate?

The fill regulations govern adding outside material to a parcel, usually changing its elevation or topography. These regulations are found in Albemarle County Code § 18-5.1.28, part of the County’s zoning ordinance. The regulations include: