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1. What are some tips for a dry basement?

Keeping It Dry

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure water from the downspouts is directed away from your foundation.
• Watering flowers and shrubbery around the foundation too often can saturate the soil. Standing rainwater can then seep into the basement.
• A raised lip around stairwells and basement window wells can prevent water from flowing in.
• Seal cracks between concrete slabs and your home's foundation.
• Test your sump pump before a storm comes.

If It's Wet

• Do not drain water inside the basement until most of the water on the outside of the walls has gone down. This will prevent the walls from being pushed in or the floors from heaving.
• Start drying the basement as quickly as possible in order to minimize wood decay or growth of mold.
• Open all doors and windows to allow the moisture to flow outside.

Sources: Lowe's Home Improvement, local businesses, Waterproofing.org, National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors

Copyright The Roanoke Times, September 16, 2004

2. What is a land disturbing permit?

A land disturbing permit is required by the City of Salem for any activity that will involve 5,000 or more square feet of land disturbance. A site plan prepared by a professional engineering firm is required. Occasionally, the site plan requirement can be waived and the developer may execute an "Agreement in Lieu of a Plan," upon approval of the City by the Salem Engineering Department.

This permit is granted on condition that all work be done in accordance with all lawful covenants and restrictions, City Ordinances, plans, specifications, and applications filed in the office of the City Engineer.

A permit costs $25. Upon issuance of the permit, the developer is required to inform the City of Salem Engineering Department a minimum of three days in advance of start of work for an inspection of erosion and sediment control measures provided at the site.

In addition, all small construction activities in the Commonwealth (greater than or equal to one acre) may fall under the Stormwater Discharges from Small Construction Activities (VAR 10) regulations of the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). Please contact the Salem Engineering Department at 540-375-3032 or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) at 540-562-6700 for additional information.

3. How do I contact Miss Utility?

800-552-7001

Miss Utility Website

4. Why wasn't the water line in my backyard marked after I called Miss Utility?

The water line in your backyard is located on your private property. The City will only mark utilities that are located in the City's right-of-way or public easements.

5. Where is the septic located on my property?

The City of Salem does not have records of septic tanks. If your property has a septic located on it, you should contact the Health Department at 540-387-5530.

6. What are E&S and VPDES?

Erosion and Sediment Control/ VPDES Small Construction Discharge to Stormwater Permit. The City of Salem Engineering Department is certified by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to administer, inspect, and review all land disturbing within Salem. All details and standards are in accordance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (latest edition). In addition, all small construction activities in the Commonwealth (greater than or equal to one acre) may fall under the Stormwater Discharges from Small Construction Activities (VAR 10) regulations of the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). Please contact the Salem Engineering Department at 540-375-3032 or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) at 540-562-6700. 

Additional Information

• VPDES Storm Water Permitting
• Virginia DEQ: Water regulations
• Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Program

7. What are the Street Standards & Details?

The City of Salem adheres to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Road and Bridge Specifications, Subdivision Street Requirements, Minimum Standards of Entrances to State Highways, Road and Bridge Standards Volume 1 and 2, and all other relevant VDOT publications. All standards and details reflect the latest additions.

VDOT Manuals

8. What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is anything other than clean stormwater that flows into a storm drain.