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1. What is stormwater management?

Stormwater management is the process of controlling runoff from rainfall or snow melt that is generated from impervious surfaces like parking lots, driveways, and roof tops. In Roanoke County, the stormwater system is separate from the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows directly from streets and gutters into the area's streams and rivers without any treatment before its discharge. Stormwater runoff also transports the pollutants it collects from these hard surfaces, such as motor oil, household cleaners, fertilizers, and other materials, that may negatively impact water quality of the receiving waters.

2. Who maintains our roads?

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains Roanoke County roads that are listed in the state system, including repairs, paving, snow removal, and construction. Private roads in the county that are not in the state system are the responsibility of the homeowners or developers along that road.

3. What designates a street as private and not state maintained?

Private streets are those where the use is permissive or privileged by the right of ownership. The term is often confused with public streets that are privately maintained by residents or homeowners association. Private street connections to state-maintained roadways must meet all Virginia Department of Transportation criteria for subdivision street connections, such as sight distance, pavement structure, auxiliary lanes, signalization, and permits. The route numbering range for private streets is 4,000 or greater. Private street signs are white, while roads that state maintained are green in color.