FAQs • Goochland County, VA • CivicEngage

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Planning & Zoning

1. What is zoning?: Zoning regulates the use of property. All property in the county is located within one of several zoning districts, which govern how property may be used. Zoning districts are generally classified for residential, business, or industrial use. The county’s mapping system can be used as a guide to determine the zoning classification of an individual property.

2. What Zoning do I need?: Each zoning district permits certain land uses by right and others by special permit, called a conditional use permit (CUP).
Review the zoning ordinance to determine how a property may be used and contact the Zoning Administrator for an official determination.
Upon request, a letter from the Zoning Administrator can be issued that confirms whether or not a use is permitted. To obtain such a letter, please submit an application for a zoning compliance letter.
If a property owner wishes to change the way in which a property may be used, a change of zoning classification or a conditional permit may be required. See Rezoning brochure and CUP brochure for more information.
Planning & Zoning Applications & Documents

3. Can I subdivide or divide my property?: Property is divided into smaller parcels through the subdivision process. The number and size of lots that a property owner can create depends on the zoning of the property. To subdivide a parcel, a citizen or developer must submit a subdivision application and a plat showing the new lots that will be created. Planning reviews the documentation to ensure the new lots meet applicable zoning and subdivision ordinance requirements.
Creating a new lot falls into one of these three processes. The Zoning Administrator will determine which process to follow based on:
• The number of lots proposed
• The need to extend public utilities (water and sewer) to the property
• The need to upgrade or construct roads to serve the development
• The need to construct public drainage improvements to serve the development
Please contact the Planning & Zoning Office to discuss the scope of the proposed division before submitting any applications.

4. What is a Minor subdivision?: A minor subdivision is the division of a parent tract into less than five (5) lots and also family subdivisions which results in one (1) division per family member. Also, the first two (2) divisions of land into parcels which are twenty (20) acres or more and all parcels in excess of forty (40) acres will not count toward a major subdivision, but will be counted for road construction requirements as spelled out in Article 5, Section 6 of the Subdivision Ordinance. See Minor Subdivision brochure for more information. Minor Subdivision Brochure

5. What is a Family Division?: A subdivision in which one (1) division of the parent tract is made available to any person who is a natural or legally defined offspring, spouse or parent of the owner. Family divisions have different review criteria and a separate review process from other residential subdivisions. The family exception may not be used to circumvent the Subdivision Ordinance.
For more information, please see the Minor Subdivision Brochure
Minor Subdivision Brochure

6. What is a Major Subdivision?: The division of land into five (5) or more lots. Major subdivisions require both tentative plat and final plat approvals.
Please see the Major Subdivision Brochure for more information.
Major Subdivision Brochure

7. Can I make my property larger or smaller? Adjust or delete a property line?: The size of property may be adjusted by changing property lines with adjoining parcels. Even though this transaction does not create a new lot, a surveyor must prepare a property or boundary line adjustment plat that shows the new location of the new property line(s). The reconfigured lots must meet applicable zoning requirements and must be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Office.

8. What is an Overlay district and where are they located?: The County has design overlay districts along our major corridors (River Road West, River Road, Broad Street Road, and Ashland Road) and in certain villages (Centerville, Goochland Courthouse, and Oilville). These entrance corridors and village center overlay districts are created to conserve elements of the county's scenic beauty and to preserve and protect corridors and areas. A Certificate of Approval permit is required for any exterior improvements, including signs, or new construction. The Planning & Zoning department reviews and issues COA applications. Planning & Zoning Applications and Information

9. Can I have a business in my home?: Yes, as long as your business meets the following definition of home occupation: An occupation carried on by the occupant of a dwelling as a secondary use in connection with which there is no display, and no one is employed other than members of the family residing on the premises; home occupations would include the rental of rooms to tourists, the preparation of food products for sale and similar activities; professional offices, such as medical, dental, legal, engineering and architectural offices, conducted within a dwelling by the occupant.
Please note that you will need to obtain a business license from the Commissioner of Revenue.

10. Can I add an in-law suite or second dwelling to my property?: A second dwelling is allowed if the property is twenty-five (25) acres or more. If less than twenty-five acres a Conditional Use Permit is required.
An in-law suite is a two-family dwelling which would require a Conditional Use Permit .
CUP Brochure

11. How do I find property ownership information?: The county’s mapping system can be used to find ownership information GIS Mapping Website

12. How do I order a missing or damaged street sign?: All public road signs will be installed by the Goochland County. Private road signs are the responsibility of the property owners. You can place an order for a private road sign with the Planning & Zoning Office and the fee is $45.00. Report a damaged or missing street sign

13. Do I need Zoning approval for my business license?: Yes, fill out the Zoning Approval for Business License Form and submit to the Planning & Zoning Office at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Suite 280, Goochland, VA 23063 Zoning Approval for Business License

14. I want to build a farm building or a structure less than 256 sq. feet. What permit do I need?: Fill out the Zoning Compliance Application and submit to the Building Inspection Office. Zoning Application for Farm or Accessory Structure

15. How do I place a zoning complaint?: Please submit your complaint through the form on the Planning & Zoning webpage or call 804-556-5859. Zoning Complaint Form

16. Who do I contact for addressing?: The County’s GIS department assigns all addresses. You may contact them by calling 804-556-5832 or visit their webpage. GIS Webpage

17. Where do I go to find recorded surveys, deeds, or plats of property?: All recorded surveys, plats, deeds, and easements are housed at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office in the Records Room. They may be reached at 556-5353.