Planning Department FAQ'S

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Garages

Does the county require a garage for a house, or can I just park my vehicles in the driveway? Garages are generally not required in residential districts, unless specified by a condition of zoning approval. Up to five vehicles may be parked in a residential district. A recreational vehicle may be parked in a driveway provided that it is parked in the rear year of the property and setback at least five feet from the side property line and ten feet from the rear property line (except for loading and unloading of the recreation vehicle). No more than two recreational vehicles may be parked outside of an enclosed structure on any residential and agricultural property at a time.

I want to build a garage that is detached from my house. What rules apply? Setbacks for an accessory structure apply to detached garages. Based on zoning district, certain setbacks are required from the front, side and rear property lines.

Group Homes

What are the rules for group homes in residential neighborhoods? Group homes are permitted in residential districts if they can meet the Zoning Ordinance definition of a group home: “An adult and/or child caring facility licensed by the State Department Of Mental Health, Mental Retardation And Substance Abuse Services, designed to provide resident services to individuals who are physically handicapped, mentally ill, mentally retarded, or developmentally disabled, in which no more than eight such individuals reside with one or more resident counselors or other staff persons. For the purposes of this section, mental illness and developmental disability shall not include illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance as defined in Code of Virginia, § 54.1-3401. For the purposes of this chapter, a group home shall be considered a single-family dwelling.” Approval of a conditional use permit is generally required if the proposed group home does not meet the above definition.

Growth

How does the County plan for growth? The county has a Comprehensive Plan for long-term growth and development. This plan includes smaller area plans for different parts of the county, and countywide plans for topics such as public facilities and roads.

What is the plan for growth in my area? The Comprehensive Plan is divided into smaller plans for different parts of the county.

How fast is the population of Chesterfield County increasing? Click here for population projections.

How fast is my part of the county growing? The Chesterfield County Communities Report provides yearly estimates of growth in each of the 25 communities.

Height Limits

What are the building height limits for my property? In general, the following standards apply:

Residential zoning districts

• Forty feet or three stories, whichever is less (30 feet/2.5 stories, whichever is less, in parts of the Midlothian and Chester Village districts)
• Accessory buildings – ½ the height of the principal building or 25 feet, whichever is less

• Multifamily buildings – 70 feet or six stories, whichever is less

Agricultural zoning district

• Forty feet or three stories, whichever is less
• Farm accessory buildings – 50 feet
• Accessory buildings – ½ height of principal building or 25 feet, whichever is less

Office, Business, or Industrial Districts

Heights for buildings and structures in office, business and industrial districts are subject to a variety of restrictions, listed in Section 19-598 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Historical Preservation

Is my property historical? The decision to designate a property as historical is based upon many different factors. Through a public hearing process conducted the Historic Preservation Committee, the Planning Commission and finally through the Board of Supervisors, a determination can be made on whether a property is historical. Click here for further information.

My property is a registered historical landmark. What rules apply to renovating or expanding the building? The property owner must submit an application to the Planning Department before exterior changes take place. The application is reviewed for adherence to The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Once the proposed plans have been approved by the Preservation Committee, then a Certificate of Appropriateness is issued and the work may proceed (subject to applicable building permit requirements). Click here for more information on the process and the limitations of what is and what is not reviewed for renovating or expanding the building.

I want to list my property on the historical register. What are the steps? First, application for landmark status must be received by the Planning Department. Then, the Planning Commission and the Preservation Committee meet jointly in a public hearing to review the application. The public hearing provides interested parties a chance to voice their opinion regarding landmark status. The property owner is encouraged to comment on the proposal at the public hearing. After the Board of Supervisors reviews independent reports from the Planning Commission and the Preservation Committee, a final public hearing is held and a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors is required to enact landmark designation.

Home-Based Businesses

Can I run a business out of my home? Home-based businesses are permitted subject to certain restrictions in agricultural and residential zoning districts. Restrictions apply to who can work on the premises, parking, signage, type of business, and onsite clients (Zoning Ordinance Section 19-65).

What rules apply to home-based businesses? For specific restrictions, click here.

Horses

Can I have horses on my property? Horses are permitted in the agricultural zoning district on properties that are at least three acres. If the property is located in a residential zoning district, or is zoned agricultural and is less than three acres, approval of a conditional use permit would be required before horses would be allowed.

Household Pets

What types of animals are allowed at my house? The Zoning Ordinance regulates permitted land uses in various zoning districts. In residential districts, household pets such as dogs and cats are permitted as “accessory uses.” Keeping more than two dogs over four months of age per property is permitted in the agricultural (A) district, and is prohibited in any residential zoning district. A special exception is required for three or more adult dogs in residential districts. Dog licenses are available through Animal Control.

What types of animals are not allowed? In residential zoning districts, and in the agricultural district on properties smaller than three acres, keeping the following animals is not permitted and would require approval of a conditional use permit:

• Chickens
• Cows
• Farm Animals
• Fowl (other than chickens)
• Goats (including pygmy goats)
• Horses (including ponies and miniature horses)
• Pigs (including pot-bellied pigs)
• Rabbits
• Sheep
• Small Domesticated Livestock

The above-listed animals are permitted in agricultural districts for property at least three acres in size.

I want to keep an “exotic” animal. What are the rules? Approval of a conditional use permit would be required in agricultural or residential districts to keep animals that have the same general character as farm animals or small domesticated livestock, but do not meet the Zoning Ordinance definition of “stock farm” or “residential stock farm.” Keeping of other animals that do not fit the above categories requires approval of a conditional use planned development for a use exception.

In-Law Units

Can I have an “in-law” unit in my house so a relative can live with me? The zoning ordinance permits one single-family dwelling unit per residential property. The definition of a dwelling unit allows separate areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms. This means that if a house has more than one kitchen, it is no longer a single-family dwelling and is therefore not permitted by zoning. If more than one kitchen is proposed, a conditional use permit would be required for the second dwelling unit (even if it is occupied by a family member). No special permit is required for a relative to live in your house, so long as the house has one kitchen. Click here for detailed information.

Junk

My neighbor has a bunch of junk in his front yard. How do I file a complaint? You may report zoning violations by calling 748-1500 during normal business hours, or by using our Web-based complaint system. An inspector will visit the site within five business days. When a violation is observed we will work with the property owner to resolve it. Chesterfield County policy is to not reveal the identity of zoning enforcement complainants. The information you provide is confidential, excluded from the Freedom of Information Act, and will not be revealed to others.

Violations in public roads should be referred to the Police Department.

Kennels

Do I need a kennel license? The Zoning Ordinance defines “private kennels” as “a place where three or more dogs, more than four months old, are kept for private use.” Private kennels are permitted in the agricultural district and prohibited in residential districts. Approval of a special exception is required for to have a private kennel in a residential district. The Zoning Ordinance allows the right to apply for special exceptions for private kennels in residential districts. The public hearing process at the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is intended to provide a case-by-case review of such requests with input by affected residents in the area. The BZA may approve or deny such requests.

Dog licenses are available through Animal Control.

Landscaping Requirements

Does the county require any specific type of landscaping? Not for single-family residential projects, unless specific landscaping requirements are included as a condition of zoning or as part of a buffer area. Landscaping standards for office, commercial, and industrial land uses are contained in the Zoning Ordinance, and vary by district and type of development. Contact the Planning Department for standards that apply to a specific property.

Land Use Plan

What is a land use plan? A land use plan is a long-range guide for growth and development that recommends future locations for a wide range of land uses (such as residential, office, commercial, industrial, etc.).

How does a land use plan affect development? The plan recommends various land uses in different locations. When property owners seek to develop their property, such development would need to be consistent with zoning requirements. The plan provides guidance and recommendations for rezoning prior to development.

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