| Description | Establishes a permit by rule for solar energy projects with rated capacity not exceeding 150 megawatts including conditions and standards necessary to protect the Commonwealth’s natural resources. |
| State Authority | Code of Virginia Sections 10.1-1197.5 through 10.1-1197.11 |
| Federal Authority | N/A |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation | To provide a reasonable degree of certainty and timeliness in the natural-resource protections required of solar-energy projects by setting forth, as fully as practicable, these required protections “up front” in this new permit by rule |
| Meetings | See all meetings (20) relating to this chapter. |
| Name / Title: | Bettina Rayfield |
| Address: |
1111 E. Main Street, Suite 1400 Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Email Address: | bettina.rayfield@deq.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (804)659-1915 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amend regulations to increase fees assessed by Department of Environmental Quality Permit by Rule Regulations | Proposed | Comment period is underway and will end on 04/10/2026. |
| Past Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amend 9VAC15-60 to include mitigation for forest cores | NOIRA | Stage complete. Comment period ended 06/18/2025. |
| Amend 9 VAC 15-60 to comport with the requirements of Chapter 688 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/18/2025. |
9VAC15-60 SNR Name Change
|
Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/10/2021. |
| 2019 Amendments Solar PBR | Proposed | Stage complete. Comment period ended 05/14/2021. |
|
Amendments Mandated by Chapter 368 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly
|
Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2017. |
|
Amendment for HB2089 and DEQ address change
|
Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/14/2013. |
| Small Solar Renewable Energy Project Permit Regulation Adoption | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/18/2012. |