Pending Development and Zoning Cases

Pending Administrative Variance Case Status Descriptions

View pending administrative variance cases.

The Planning director may grant an administrative variance from any building setback requirement. This is an administrative process; however, the request will be advertised in local newspapers, sign posted and notice of request will be sent to adjacent property owners.

Application Review
The first stage of the process, application review, occurs after a complete application has been submitted along with associated fees and supporting documents. Once the Planning Department accepts the application a case manager and case number are assigned. Additional documentation regarding the request may be submitted for consideration prior to the final report.

Anticipated Final Date
The director will approve or disapprove the application not less than 90 days after the date of the submission of the application. The anticipated final date will be scheduled 60 days after the date of submission of the application to provide for required notifications and staff examination the request. Should concerns or opposition arise during this part of the process, the anticipated final date could be moved out an additional 30 days to allow for further examination. Once a determination has been made, you will be sent written notice of the director’s decision.

Example Status:

Pending Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Case Status Descriptions

View pending Board of Zoning Appeals cases.

Application Review
The first stage of the process, application review, occurs after a complete application has been submitted along with associated fees and supporting documents. Once the Planning Department accepts the application a case manager and case number are assigned. Additional documentation regarding the request may be submitted for consideration prior to the final report.

Staff Report Preparation
Staff will draft a report with detailed information regarding the characteristics of a request, associated graphics, supporting information and staff recommendations. When finalized, this report will be provided to the Board of Zoning Appeals and posted for public review.

Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing (BZA Hearing)
Variances, special exceptions and appeals are heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals, a quasi-judicial Board. At the BZA hearing, the request will be presented by staff and then the applicant can address the BZA regarding the request. After the request information is presented, a public hearing will be held where members of the public will be able to address the BZA regarding the request. Following the hearing, the BZA will approve or deny the request. In some cases, when additional time or information may be needed, the BZA may defer decision on a request to a future meeting.

Example Status:

Pending Manufactured Home Permit Case Status Descriptions

View pending manufactured home permit cases.

Application Review
The first stage of the process, application review, occurs after a complete application has been submitted along with associated fees and supporting documents. Once the Planning Department accepts the application a case manager and case number are assigned. Additional documentation regarding the request may be submitted for consideration prior to the final report.

Staff Report Preparation 
Staff will draft a report with detailed information regarding the characteristics of a request, associated graphics, supporting information and staff recommendations. When finalized, this report will be provided to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and posted for public review.

Board of Supervisors Hearing (BOS Hearing)
The Board of Supervisors (BoS) holds a public hearing for Manufactured Home permits. At the BoS hearing, the permit request is presented by staff with permit information and a staff recommendation. The applicant will also be able to address the BoS regarding the permit request. After the permit information is presented, a public hearing will be held where members of the public will be able to address the BoS regarding the permit request. Following the hearing, the BoS will formally approve or deny the permit. In some cases, when additional time or information may be needed, the BoS may defer decision on the permit to a future meeting.

Example Status:

Pending Site Plan and Subdivision Case Status Descriptions

View pending site plan cases and pending subdivision cases.

Submittal
This stage of the process is when the owner, developer or consultant completes an online application in the Enterprise Land Management (ELM) system. The applicant will enter required information, upload plans and required forms.

First Glance Review
The first glance review is a check to ensure the application is complete and the minimum information has been submitted for review of the plans. When the first glance review is complete, the Planning Department notifies the applicant whether the application is accepted or if additional information is required. Once all information is received and the application is accepted, the applicant will be prompted to pay the review fee and submit hard copies of the plan. Fee payment and hard copies of the plan are required prior to routing of the plans and the start of the review.

In Review
Most plans are reviewed and approved administratively by county staff and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Plans are reviewed for compliance with applicable county and state requirements. A due date is set for the review comments, and a staff developer meeting is scheduled approximately one week after the due date of the first review. As each department review is completed, their comments are made available for viewing online. Once all departments complete their reviews, all review comments are e-mailed to the applicant and consultants. Resubmission of revised plans is addressing the review comments is required to begin the next review cycle, until all departments have approved the plan.

Chesterfield Planning Commission Hearing (CPC Hearing) (if applicable)
In some instances, plans may require approval by the Chesterfield Planning Commission (CPC). This occurs when required by the zoning case or for review of schematic plans containing a mix of residential and commercial uses. The initial reviews follow the administrative process and a staff report is prepared with recommendations to the CPC. At the CPC hearing, the case will be presented by staff, and the applicant will also be able to address the CPC regarding the request. After the case information is presented, a public hearing will be held where members of the public will be able to address the CPC regarding the request. In some cases, when additional time or information may be needed, the applicant may request a deferral or the CPC may defer decision on case to a future meeting.

Final Action (Approval)
Final Action occurs when all departments have approved the plan. The Planning Department will issue an approval letter and stamp the plans approved.

Example Status (without CPC hearing):

Example Status (with CPC hearing):

Pending Zoning Case Status Descriptions

View pending zoning cases.

Application Review
The first stage of the process, application review, occurs after an application has been submitted along with associated fees and documents. The Planning Department accepts the application and a case manager and case number are assigned. Any additional documentation regarding the case will be available at a later time.

Technical Review Committee
In this stage of the process, the application is routed to the Technical Review Committee (TRC). The TRC meets to allow review agencies to discuss and gather input regarding an application’s compliance with applicable ordinances and development requirements. Agency review comments are consolidated and shared with the applicant, who then has the opportunity to work with staff and update the application based on feedback received. Some applications may result in multiple TRC meetings and revisions. Any additional documentation regarding the case will be available at a later time.

Community Meeting (if applicable)
In most cases, a community meeting will be necessary. At this stage of the process, a case has been scheduled for a community meeting. These meetings are attended by the applicant, Planning commissioner, case manager and relevant staff, and the public. Community meetings are meant to provide interested parties more information regarding the case, and to answer any questions which may arise. While Planning Department staff assists with scheduling the meeting and meeting logistics, the meeting is hosted by the applicant, who is responsible for presenting the case information at the meeting.

Staff Report Preparation
At this stage of the process, staff is drafting a written report associated with the zoning case. The report provides detailed information regarding the characteristics of a zoning request, associated graphics, supporting information, and staff recommendations. When finalized, this report will be provided to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and posted for public review.

Chesterfield Planning Commission Hearing (CPC Hearing)
Zoning cases require two public hearings. The first is held at the Chesterfield Planning Commission (CPC). At this stage, a CPC hearing has been scheduled. At the CPC hearing, the case will be presented by staff. The applicant will also be able to address the CPC regarding the request. After the case information is presented, a public hearing will be held where members of the public will be able to address the CPC regarding the request. Following the hearing, the CPC will make a recommendation of approval or denial to the Board of Supervisors. In some cases, when additional time or information may be needed, the CPC may defer decision on case to a future meeting.

Board of Supervisors Hearing (BOS Hearing)
The Board of Supervisors (BOS) holds the second of two required public hearings for zoning cases. At this stage, a BOS hearing has been scheduled. At the BOS hearing, the case will be presented by staff, noting recommendations by both the CPC and staff. The applicant will also be able to address the BoS regarding the request. After the case information is presented, a public hearing will be held where members of the public will be able to address the BoS regarding the request. Following the hearing, the BoS will formally approve or deny the case. In some cases, when additional time or information may be needed, the BOS may defer decision on the case to a future meeting.

Example Status: