What is a Zoning Ordinance?
A zoning ordinance is a tool counties may use to plan and control development in their jurisdiction. Zoning is intended to be a principle means by which a locality fulfills the goals that are defined in its Comprehensive Plan. Unlike the Comprehensive Plan, a zoning ordinance is not required by Virginia law, but again, unlike the Comprehensive Plan, once a zoning ordinance is adopted by a county, it is legally binding. It is the most common tool used by localities to define the use or combination of uses allowed in a particular geographical area. Bedford County adopted a zoning ordinance in 1998. Zoning ordinances outline the rules for the development of property, such as minimum lot sizes, required setbacks or landscaping for buildings, and maximum height or size of a residence or business. If you have ever built a structure, made an addition to an existing one, started a business or attempted to subdivide your property for sale in Bedford County, no doubt you are aware of how the cou
A zoning ordinance is a set of land use regulations enacted by a city that creates districts or zones establishing permitted and special uses within those zones as well as development regulations applying to the specific zones. The zoning ordinance consists of two parts: a map (or a series of maps) and text. The zoning map shows how the City is divided into different use districts or zones and shows the precise locations for each district to the parcel level. Common zoning districts for most cities include open space, residential, commercial, and industrial. The zoning ordinance text explains the zoning rules that apply in each zoning district. These rules establish the types of land uses allowed in each district and identify the specific standards that regulate lot size, building height, and yard and setback provisions.
A zoning ordinance is a collection of regulations related to land use and development. A zoning ordinance is typically adopted along with an official zoning map, which assigns all property into various zoning districts. Each zoning district has a clear objective and indicates which land uses are permitted by right. For example, there are residential zoning districts which allow for homes, commercial zoning districts which allow for retail and other commercial development, and industrial zoning districts which allow for more intensive industrial uses. Who is responsible for maintaining and constructing streets? While the County participates in the planning and scheduling of street construction and repairs, the Virginia Department of Transportation is ultimately responsible for the physical work. Roanoke County and VDOT work together cooperatively to set priorities for road construction, upgrading and repair. For questions about road construction, repairs or planning, please call the Tra
The Zoning Ordinance is a set of rules and regulations that property owners must adhere too when making changes to their property. The Ordinance defines zoning districts and regulates what can and cannot be done in a particular district. It dictates required distances that a building must be from a property line, how high a fence can be, where you can place a storage shed and how many buildings can be on a property to name just a few. Residents planning any changes to their property need to review this booklet before finalizing their plans. Copies of this ordinance are available at the Borough Office for a fee. Zoning Ordinance (PDF Format) Zoning Application (PDF Format) SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance Any division, redivision or moving of property lines for any purpose or a more intense use of your property (1 unit single family home into apartments ) or major regrading or filling of your property requires approval through the subdivision
