Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project

Project Timeline

The Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project, known as ZOMod, will have four phases:

• Phase 1 - Diagnostic (concluded Fall 2021)
• Phase 2 - Drafting
• Phase 3 - Public Hearing and Adoption
• Phase 4 - Training and Implementation

Learn more about the ZOMod Project timeline in the ZOMod General Overview video. 

Current Stage - Drafting

The county is now in the second stage of the Scope of Work, which is the Drafting Phase. Please view the Phase Two video which provides additional information regarding this important next step in the ZOMod process.

ZOMod Goals

It is the intent of this project to create a new Zoning Ordinance with the following goals in mind:

• Make user friendly
• Modernize land use categories
• Increase flexibility and transparency
• Improve speed, consistency and predictability
• Utilize figures, graphics and tables more frequently
• Minimize reliance on current Conditional Use Plan of Development (CUPD) process
• Modernize and align with Comprehensive Plan 
• Address changing conditions and demographics
• Create unique document specific to the needs of Chesterfield

Presentations and Resources

As the ZOMod Project continues to progress, previous status presentations and other resources will remain available.

Current Presentations and Resources

• The county is in the second stage of the Scope of Work, which is the Drafting Phase. Please view the Phase Two video which provides additional information regarding this important next step in the ZOMod process.

Previous Presentations and Resources

• View the Tuesday, March 21, 2023, ZOMod project update presentation to the Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project Update (20PJ0107) at timestamp 00:06:42).
• View the Tuesday, July 19, 2022, ZOMod project update presentation to the Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project Update (20PJ0107) at timestamp 00:11:41.) Download the July 2022 presentation (PDF).
• View the Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, ZOMod Project update presentation given by consultant Mark White, of White & Smith, LLC,  to the Chesterfield Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project Update (20PJ0107) at timestamp 00:09:03.) 
• View the Tuesday, July 20, 2021, ZOMod Project update presentation given by consultant Mark White, of White & Smith, LLC,  to the Chesterfield Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Approaches to Zoning at timestamp 00:12:08.) Download the July 2021 presentation (PDF).
• View the Tuesday, June 15, 2021, ZOMod Project update presentation given by consultant Mark White, of White & Smith, LLC,  to the Chesterfield Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project Update (20PJ0107) - Overview of Zoning Ordinance Analysis Report at timestamp 00:10:51.) Or, view the ZOMod Project update presentation on YouTube. 
• ZOMod Analysis Report Presentation - 6.11.21
• Zoning Ordinance Analysis Report Draft - 6.11.21 (PDF)
• Comprehensive Plan Policy Analysis - 6.11.21 (PDF)
• Use Table Analysis - 6.11.21 (PDF)
• Zoning Ordinance Listening Session Comments 2020 (PDF)
• View the Tuesday, April 20, 2021, ZOMod Project update presentation given by ZOMod Project Manager Rachel Chieppa to the Chesterfield Planning Commission. (Event bookmark: Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project Update (20PJ0107) at timestamp 1:04:00.) Download the April 2021 ZOMod Presentation (PDF).
• View the Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, presentation given by White & Smith which explains the project timeline stages to the Planning Commission and download the February 2021 ZOMod Presentation (PDF).
• ZO Presentation CPC July 2020 (PDF)

Learn More About Zoning - ZOMod Educational Video Series

Our educational video series will explain more about zoning and how it affects you.

• ZOMod General Overview - Learn more about the ZOMod Project.
• Zoning 101 - Part 1 - An introduction about zoning that includes background information about its purpose in our communities.
• ZOMod Comprehensive Explanation and Virtual Public Outreach - Watch an in-depth explanation of the ZOMod Project process.
• ZOMod Phase Two - Drafting - Learn more about the transition from Phase One (Diagnosis) to Phase Two (Drafting). 
• ZOMod Comprehensive Explanation and Virtual Public Outreach - Part 2 - Watch an in-depth explanation of the ZOMod Project process including how public input is helping to shape the new zoning ordinance.
• ZOMod Public Comment Update - Learn more about public comment opportunities available late March 2023.
• Residential and Agricultural Districts -Learn more about public comment opportunities for Residential and Agricultural Districts.

Consultant Selection

White & Smith, LLC. was awarded the contract in March of 2020 by the Board of Supervisors; however, due to unforeseen circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project start was delayed until January 2021. White & Smith, LLC. will enlist the assistance of three sub-consultants for this project: 

• Kendig Keast Collaborative
• Dover, Kohl & Partners
• WSP

The team assembled by White & Smith, LLC, will offer the county access to the vast expertise of multiple firms. Together, these firms have national experience with many successful code updates the majority of the continental United States.