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To amend City Code § 28-1009, concerning the City’s issuance of a permit required to discharge prohibited, industrial or other wastes into sewers, to modify which department shall be responsible for granting such permits.
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That section 28-1009 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2026) be and is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 28-1009. Permit required to discharge prohibited, industrial or other wastes into sewers.
(a) The owner or operator of any industrial plant or enterprise located within or without the corporate City limits, before discharging any water used in industrial processes, any industrial waste or liquid or other matter, in any manner, directly or indirectly, into the wastewater system of the City, whether located within or without the corporate limits thereof, shall apply to the Director of Public [Works] Utilities for a permit to do so and shall furnish to the Director such information in such manner and form as the Director may require relative thereto. The Director shall grant the permit when satisfied that the water, industrial waste or liquid or other matter will not injure or is not likely to injure the wastewater system; will not overcharge or is not likely to overcharge the wastewater system; and will not be detrimental or is not likely to become detrimental to navigation or public health, safety or welfare.
(b) Any person aggrieved by the refusal of the Director of Public [Works] Utilities to issue the permit referred to in this section shall have the right of appeal to the City Council from the decision of the Director.
§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
DATE: EDITION: 1
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Al Wiggins, Jr., Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Scott Morris, Director, Department of Public Utilities
RE: Technical Amendment to City Code § 28-1009 - Industrial Discharge Permit Authority
ORD. OR RES. No.: [To be assigned]
PURPOSE: To amend § 28-1009 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2026) to update references from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Public Utilities, ensuring the Code accurately reflects the City’s current organizational structure and responsibilities for issuing industrial discharge permits.
BACKGROUND: Section 28-1009 requires industrial owners or operators to obtain a permit from the Director before discharging industrial process water, waste, or other matter into the City’s wastewater system. This technical amendment updates the title of the responsible official to the Director of Public Utilities to align with the City’s current administrative framework. The change implements existing operational reality without modifying any substantive permitting standards, criteria, appeal rights, or procedures. It is a routine housekeeping measure to maintain clarity and accuracy in the municipal code.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: No community engagement activities were conducted, as this is a procedural and administrative alignment that does not change substantive requirements for property owners, businesses, or the public.
STRATEGIC INITATIVES ALIGNMENT: This amendment supports the Thriving City Hall pillar of the Mayoral Action Plan by promoting efficient, accurate, and professional municipal administration. It does not directly relate to other pillars in the Mayoral Action Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. The proposed ordinance is a technical amendment with no fiscal impact or additional staff time requirements beyond routine legislative processing.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: September 14, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE:
REQUESTED AGENDA: Regular Agenda
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Government Operations
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Utilities
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: Amends existing City Code § 28-1009
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Ordinance - Industrial Discharge Permit Ordinance sec. 28-1009
STAFF: Lee Crowell, Department of Public Utilities, (804) 646-5209