Ordinances, Policies and Regulations

Ordinances

View the subdivision (Chapter 17) (PDF) and zoning (Chapter 19.1) (PDF) ordinances of the County Code. View active code amendment projects. 

Zoning and Development Ordinances Map

View the Zoning and Development Ordinances Map.

Zoning Code Compliance Enforcement

Zoning code compliance can contribute to clean, attractive and safe neighborhoods. Code violations are primarily addressed on a complaint basis. However, there are proactive enforcement measures and programs including the proactive sign enforcement program and the volunteer sign removal program for illegal portable signs in the right of way. Report zoning code compliance enforcement using the Citizen Access Enterprise Land Management (ELM) Portal. View additional information on Community Enhancement's Enforcement page.

Zoning Ordinance Frequently Requested Topics

Banners and Limited Duration Signs (Section 19.1-278): Typically a business is allowed to display one banner/limited duration sign at a time on their property, either on their building or in front of their business. Banners are to be no more than 32 square feet in area, and if they are freestanding, they must be at least 20 feet from any travel lane of a road. They can be displayed a maximum of 60 consecutive days and no more than 120 days in a calendar year. There is no fee for requesting a banner, but all requests must be filed online using the Community Development ELM portal. For more information, view the Temporary Signs page.

Business from the Home, Home Occupation (Section 19.1-53): The zoning ordinance allows someone to operate a business from their home, with a few guidelines. Some of the guidelines include not having more than two customers on the premises at a time, not having employees on the premises who live outside of the home, not having more than one business vehicle parked on the premises and not having any outside storage of business items.

Fees (Section 19.1-41): All Planning Department fees are found in Section 19.1-41 of the zoning ordinance.

Home Day Care, Family Day Care Home (Section 19.1-52.A. and 19.1-53): A person may care for up to five children at any time, in addition to their own children, as a business, without needing zoning approval. Caring for six to 12 children requires a conditional use. The application fee for this zoning approval is $300. These applications must be heard by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Please allow four months for processing once payment has been received. All applications for a family day care home must be filed online using the Community Development ELM portal.

Residential Areas - Dogs (Section 19.1-52.A. and 19.1-52): A maximum of three adult dogs may be kept on any residentially zoned property in Chesterfield County. If someone would like to keep four or more dogs, they must apply for a special exception for a private kennel. The application fee is $300 and the application will be heard by the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals. All private kennel applications must be filed online using the Community Development ELM portal. Please allow 60 days for processing once payment has been received.

Residential Areas - Fences (Section 19.1-301): On residentially zoned property, fences are allowed in the front yard, up to a maximum of 4 feet in height. In the rear yard, fences are allowed up to a maximum of 7 feet. The Planning Department does not require a permit for installing a fence.

Residential Areas - Recreational Vehicle Parking (Section 19.1-53): On residentially zoned property, all recreational vehicles must be parked behind the house, and must be at least 5 feet from all side property lines and must be at least 10 feet from the rear property line. If any of these requirements cannot be met, you must apply for conditional use planned development. The application fee is $300 and the application must be heard by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. All applications must be filed online using the Community Development ELM portal. Please allow four months for processing once payment is received.

Swimming Pools (Section 19.1-305): Swimming pools must be at least 6 feet from all property lines and must meet front and corner side yard accessory building setbacks.

Zoning Letters/Written Determinations (Section 19.1-5): Planning provides written confirmation of zoning for properties in Chesterfield County. The fee for each zoning letter is $150 and all zoning letter requests must be filed online using the Community Development ELM portal. Please allow two to three weeks for processing once payment is received.

Policies