Planning & Zoning

ATTENTION: Only 2 sets of paper plans are required for each site plan submittal. Please DO NOT provide MORE than 2 paper sets! In addition to the paper sets, a digital copy of the plans is required for each submittal. Thanks!

The Planning Department provides a variety of services intended to promote orderly development of the community. There are four primary focus areas:

Current Planning (Development Administration)

Staff members are responsible for the administration and enforcement of the subdivision and zoning ordinances. Tasks associated with the administration of these ordinances include the processing of subdivision proposals, site plans, rezoning applications, conditional use permit (CUP) applications, and variances. Staff members also respond to general inquiries and other requests. The department serves as the primary staff contact for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and provides support to the Board of Supervisors as needed or requested.

Long-Range Planning (Project/Policy Development & Management)

Planning recommendations are routinely provided to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors on a wide array of issues. Strategic and long-term planning begins with preparation and implementation of the comprehensive plan; associated comprehensive plan or zoning text amendments; review of the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) by the Planning Commission; and other local projects. These planning documents provide the foundation for many of the land use and budgetary decisions implemented by Powhatan County. 

Code Compliance

Code compliance helps ensure that Powhatan County’s zoning regulations are enforced consistently and equitably. A variety of code issues related to land use are reported to the department, including possible zoning violations and the storage of inoperable vehicles. Possible violations are investigated as complaints from the public are received.

Environmental Management

Staff members work with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to ensure that developing sites are in conformance with Chapter 42: Article III of the County Code (Erosion and Sediment Control) and other local and state regulations.