Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1.
This section is designed to answer frequently asked questions related to living next to a City of Norfolk drinking water reservoir. The Department of Utilities is responsible for the reservoirs and the adjacent properties. In addition to the City of Norfolk Code, we have established policies and procedures to manage this property.
1. What lakes are owned by Norfolk and where are they located?
| Norfolk | Virginia Beach | Suffolk | Isle of Wight |
| Lake Wright Lake Taylor Lake Whitehurst |
Little Creek Reservoir Lake Smith Lake Lawson |
Lake Prince Western Branch Reservoir |
Lake Burnt Mills |
2. Does the City own other property around the reservoirs?
Yes. There is a "strip" of land around each reservoir that is owned by the city. The amount of land owned varies with the reservoir because of when they were built and how property was acquired. Generally, there is a 25-foot strip around Lake Whitehurst and Little Creek Reservoir, and a 10-foot strip around Lake Smith. Even with erosion, Norfolk still owns the property around the reservoirs. For Lakes Lawson, Prince, Western Branch and Burnt Mills, the amount varies. Check your property plat for an indication of what Norfolk owns.
3. Is this property an easement?
No. We own the property and should be treated as another neighbor. Don't do to city property what you wouldn't do to your next-door neighbor.
4. Can I use the property?
All uses of the city's property requires permission. Lawn care products should be used in accordance with manufacturers label and Best Management Practices and should be kept away from the reservoir to protect water quality. We do not allow the removal of trees of any size, brush or any other material without a permit. A formal landscape plan may be required if extensive work is planned. We would prefer that the property be left as a natural buffer to help protect the reservoir water quality.
5. What about fertilizers and other lawn care products?
Again, all uses of the city's property requires permission. Care needs to be taken when using any chemicals near the reservoirs - even in front of the house. Anything applied to your yard will eventually get into the reservoir, and may pose a threat to water quality and wildlife. For more information please review the information on Watershed Protection.
6. Can I do anything to protect the shoreline from erosion?
Yes. The best method for protecting the reservoir water quality is to leave the shoreline in a natural condition. Rooted plants are the best defense against shoreline erosion. Planting may be required to help reestablish the vegetation and this is the recommended option. However, we understand that some areas need extra protection. We have procedures in place that will allow for the construction of a rip-rap revetment. A permit is required before any work can take place. All shoreline work will require a landscape plan and permit. Permit applications can be obtained by calling 441-5678 or from the internet.
7. There are trees in the lake. Are they bad for the water?
No, trees are excellent habitat for the wildlife. While we don't allow limbs and woody debris to be placed on the shoreline for stabilization, trees that have naturally fallen into the lake do not pose a problem. Please see the article entitled "A Second Life for Trees in Lakes", originally published in "LakeLine."
If you have a question about a tree in the lake or the safety of a tree on city of Norfolk property around the reservoirs, please call us at 441-5678.
8. Are boats allowed in the lake?
Yes. A boat, canoe or kayak can be placed into the reservoirs. Motors no larger than 12 H.P. may be used. If a boat with a larger motor is put in the reservoir, the larger motor must be disabled. All boats used on Norfolk reservoirs are required to have a Norfolk Boat Permit. For information on obtaining a permit, see the Fishing and Boating page.
Types of boats that are not allowed in the reservoirs are sailboats, houseboats, inflatables, and personal water craft (i.e. jet skis).
9. Can I launch a boat from my back yard?
Boats are not to be moved across city property. However, if you have a pier, you can keep a boat there. A permit to build a pier can be obtained by calling 441-5678 or from the internet. There are city maintained boat launches that can be used by the public. For location information and maps, visit the Fishing and Boating page.
10. What uses are permitted in the lake?
Boating and fishing are allowed. We do not allow body contact activities, such as swimming and water skiing.
Section 2.
This section is designed to answer frequently asked questions related to boating and fishing on City of Norfolk drinking water reservoir. The Department of Utilities is responsible for the reservoirs and the adjacent properties.
1. Are there special requirements to boat on a City of Norfolk Reservoir?
Yes. All boats must have a valid City boat permit. All boats must also comply with Virginia and U.S. Coast Guard boating regulations. For a complete listing of Norfolk's requirements, please review the City Code.
2. How much does a boat permit cost?
| Norfolk Residents - $20 |
| Non-Norfolk Residents - $40 |
| Norfolk Employees (ID required) & Seniors (62+) - $10 |
| Daily Permits - $5 per day |
3. How long is the boat permit good for?
The Annual Permit is good for one (1) calendar year, January 1 through December 31. Daily permits are also available.
4. Is the price of the boat permit pro-rated if I buy it later in the year?
No, we do not have a provision to pro-rate the cost. Permits are good January 1 through December 31.
5. Where can I purchase a boat permit?
|
Dashiell's Showroom 1259 Carolina Rd, Suffolk 757-539-7854 |
Oceans East 5785 Northampton Blvd, Virginia Beach 757-464-6544 |
|
City of Norfolk, Department of Utilities 400 Granby Street, Norfolk 757-664-6701 |
6. Where can I purchase a daily permit?
You can purchase the Daily Permits at the same locations as the Annual Permits.
7. What is the cost of a daily permit? Can I buy it ahead of time?
The Daily Permit cost is $5.00 per day. Yes, the permit can be purchased in advance and will be dated for the day of use.
8. How long does it take to receive a boat permit?
If you walk into the any of the three facilities selling permits you will be able to leave with your permit. If you send the application in by mail, please allow 10 days for processing and mail.
9. What lakes can I operate my boat in with the Norfolk boat permit?
Lake Whitehurst, Lake Smith, Lake Lawson, Little Creek Reservoir, Western Branch Reservoir, Lake Prince and Burnt Mills.
10. Where can I launch my boat?
You can launch your boat from our public boat ramps. Additional information and the locations can be found at our Fishing and Boating page
11. Do I need a boat permit if I only have a canoe or kayak?
Yes, all boats in Norfolkâs reservoirs require a permit.
12. Can I use a motorized boat? If so, what size motor can I use?
Motorized boats are allowed on the reservoirs, but the largest motor you can use is 12 H.P. Boats with larger motors are allowed on the reservoirs as long as the operational motor is no larger than 12 H.P. Use of motors over 12 H.P. is expressly prohibited. The use of 4-cycle engines is encouraged. NOTE: Boats equipped with prohibited motors may be allowed so long as the prohibited motor is disabled (e.g. prop removed, not fueled), and propulsion is provided by a permitted motor.
13. If I lose my boat permit, will I need to purchase a new one? If so, will it be the same price as the original?
If you have the receipt, a replacement sticker can be obtained for $1.00. Take the receipt to the original place of purchase and a new sticker will be issued to you.
14. If I purchase a new boat will I have to purchase a new boat permit, or can I remove it from the old boat & use it on the new one?
You can remove the old sticker and place it on the new boat. If the sticker is damaged, a replacement sticker can be obtained for $1.00. Take the damaged sticker with your receipt to the original place of purchase to prove damage and receive the replacement sticker.
15. What is required to get a boat permit?
A picture ID proving residency and/or age. You will also need your boat's state registration information for all motorized boats.
