Shoreline Buffer
Commercial Covenants at a Glance
Commercial properties within Brandermill are required to comply with the Commercial Design Standards and the Declaration of Rights, Affirmative Obligations, and Conditions (collectively referred to as the covenants). These standards help present a positive image of both the businesses and the community while protecting and enhancing property values.
A key component of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act is the designation of Resource Protection Areas (RPAs). RPAs are lands adjacent to water bodies with perennial flow that provide significant ecological and biological functions or are sensitive to impacts that could degrade water quality.
Resource Protection Areas in Brandermill
The entire shoreline within the Brandermill community is located within a Resource Protection Area and is protected under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance adopted by Chesterfield County.
Within this RPA, the land located between the water’s edge and the homeowner’s property line is considered the shoreline buffer and is owned by the Brandermill Community Association (BCA). This buffer is a restricted area surrounding the reservoir and exists specifically to protect water quality.
At least the first 100 feet from the water’s edge must remain in its natural state and may not be cleared, landscaped, or otherwise maintained.
Shoreline Buffer Modifications
Waterfront homeowners who wish to modify the shoreline buffer in any way—including vegetation removal, dock installation, or construction of other structures—must contact the BCA office prior to any work being performed so the approval process can be reviewed.
No modifications may be made within the shoreline buffer without prior written approval from the BCA. Please review below a do’s and don’ts checklist for better guidance.
For assistance, contact the Compliance Manager at 804-744-1035 ext. 3001.
Policies and Applications
BCA Shoreline Buffer Modification Policy BCA Shoreline Buffer Improvement Application & Instructions Dos & Don’ts ChecklistAdditional information and county-level forms are available through Chesterfield County’s Resource Protection Areas webpage: