Resilience Quotient program overhaul
Summary
Since 2018, Norfolk has required resiliency measures in new commercial and multifamily development, but an analysis of 115 site plans found only 30 needed the standard and just 12 used the stormwater capture option. Staff propose converting it from a mandate to an incentive program — density bonuses and faster reviews for bigger resiliency investments — with public outreach still to come.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Developers could trade bigger resiliency investments for density bonuses or faster permitting; costs to the city aren't spelled out yet.
Developers get flexibility, and the city hopes to actually get more stormwater capture and resiliency per dollar.
Some residents and environmental advocates worry the change reads as a rollback of 2018 flood protections.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Informal Session — October 27, 2026
Since 2018, Norfolk has required resiliency measures in new commercial and multifamily development, but an analysis of 115 site plans found only 30 needed the standard and just 12 used the stormwater capture option. Staff propose converting it from a mandate to an incentive program — density bonuses and faster reviews for bigger resiliency investments — with public outreach still to come.
Planning Commission - Regular Meeting — October 22, 2026
Norfolk's flood-resilience scoring system for new development isn't working as well as it did in 2018. Staff may shift it from a strict requirement toward incentives, with community engagement still being planned and a briefing due in November.
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