Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of zoning is to guide and control land and building uses. The intent of zoning regulations is to allow property owners reasonable use of their property as long as it is not incompatible or detrimental to abutting properties. Zoning sets standards of development that is the implementation tool of the City's Master Plan - document that guides future development of the locality. The Master Plan is general in nature and is not static as it is required to be updated every five (5) years. 

Implementation of the Master Plan, and any associated area plan(s), are accomplished through the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 30 of the City Code) regulations and the zoning maps. Every property in the City is mapped (see the Zoning Mapper) and located within a specific zoning classification. The zoning district regulations determine how the property can be used and developed. Each zoning district classification incorporates regulations that also govern the density and physical layout of uses within the district.

Zoning only regulates private property, it cannot regulate City streets, alleys or sidewalks; the Department of Public Works and the Police Department regulate use of these public spaces. 

You may contact the Zoning Office at our e-mail address: PDRZoningAdministration@RVA.gov or by telephone at: (804) 646-6340.

Use this link to access the Zoning Ordinance online. To access your zoning district information, use the Zoning Mapper link or by accessing the Zoning Webpage that has the Zoning Map and other links at: 
https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/zoning-administration 

Surveys of properties, if they exist, are typically recorded with the deed to your property. Deeds can be viewed and copied at the Circuit Court Record Room located in the basement of the John Marshall Courts Building located at 801 East Clay Street (East Clay Street between North 8th & North 9th Streets) in downtown Richmond.

The Zoning Division reviews applications and other requests to verify that the use and other features of the property are met. Specific uses, such as restaurants, apartments and service stations, to name just a few, fall into several broad categories, these are: residential, business or industrial. 

Features of the property that are reviewed include such things as: number of parking and loading spaces and related improvements, yards (setbacks), signs, landscaping, trash collection areas, etc. There are several types of approvals:
•    As a matter of right, (can be approved if all code requirements are met);
•    As an Administrative Variance (approvable by the Zoning Administrator after a 21-day notification period);
•    As a Variance or Special Exception, approvable by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) after a public hearing; or, 
•    As a Special Use Permit (SUP), Conditional Use Permit (CU), Community Unit Plan (CUP) or a re-zoning (legislative action after a public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council).

Zoning Division Staff reviews are required for the following applications:
•    All Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) applications.
•    All Zoning Confirmation Letter (ZCL) requests
•    All Home Occupation (HO) applications
•    Most Building Permit (BP) applications
•    All Certificate of Occupancy (CO) applications or requests
•    All Sign Permit applications
•    All Sidewalk Café applications
•    All Short-Term Rental applications
•    All Tent Permit applications
•    All Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and Administrative Variance (AV) requests.
•    All Re-zoning, Special Use Permit (SUP), Conditional Use Permit (CU), Community Unit Plan (CUP), Plan of Development (POD), Subdivision, Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) and Urban Design Committee (UDC) requests.

Zoning Division Staff MAY be required to review the following applications:
•    Electrical Permit applications for exterior parking area lighting and additional meters in the main or accessory buildings.
•    Plumbing Permit applications for adding plumbing fixtures in main or accessory buildings that might create additional kitchen or bathing facilities.
•    Mechanical Permit applications that include certain equipment (gas and oil tanks, heat pumps, solar panels, etc.) located outside and adjacent to property lines - dependent on size and/or the location of the equipment.
•    Land Disturbance Permit applications that may be creating retaining walls or disturbing zoning-related buffers.
•    Work-in-Street Permit (WISP) applications that may include driveways or site entrances or street or sidewalk at-grade or overhead encroachments or signs or storage containers in the public right-of-way.

Zoning Staff, during the zoning review process, will contact you if they discover non-compliance with zoning requirements. During these discussions, they will offer you alternatives and suggestions on how the project may be amended to meet code regulations without having to obtain special approval(s). However, in certain instances, your project may require additional or special approval(s) such as an Administrative Variance (AV), Variance or Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) from the Commission of Architectural Review (CAR), Plan of Development (POD) or a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CU) from City Council. In these instances, you will be advised as to whom to contact for your particular situation. 

A Building Permit (BP) is a document that permits construction of or any change to the use of any property, as determined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), including additions and alterations and certain accessory buildings or structures, including garages, decks, swimming pools, signs, etc. However, there are certain exemptions to requiring a building permit (see “Exemptions to Requiring a Building Permit”). If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit or if you have other questions contact the Permits and Inspections Division telephone at: (804) 646-4169 or by E-mail at: PDRPermitsandInspections@RVA.gov. Additional information is also available on their website page at: https://www.rva.gov/index.php/planning-development-review/permits-and-inspections

Zoning approval is required for most building permit applications, including interior renovations. A building permit application must indicate the existing and proposed improvements to take place on the property. New buildings or additions must also include a survey or site plan showing the location of all improvements in relation to the property lines. 

Zoning Staff does not generally review certain applications, such as electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) or roofing installations, which have no impact on the use of the premises. 

Certain common residential improvements do not require a building permit, including but not limited to, the following:

•    One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, not exceeding 256 square feet.
•    Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety or as a barrier for a swimming pool.
•    Concrete or masonry walls not exceeding 6 feet in height above the finished grade.
•    Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of fill.
•    Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.
•    Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height.
•    Ordinary repairs that include the following unless in a City Old & Historic District:
        - Replacement of windows and doors with similar operation and opening dimensions.
        - Replacement of roof covering or siding or 256 square feet of roof decking.
        - Installation or replacement of floor finishes in all occupancies.
        - Replacement of interior wall or ceiling finishes.
        - Installation or replacement of cabinetry or trim.
        - Application of paint or wallpaper.

NOTE:  Installation of replacement siding, roofing and windows in buildings within a City Old & Historic District are NOT exempted and require a building permit be obtained.

Due to the nature and complexity of individual requests, it is not always practical to guarantee a specific review period for certain applications. However, the Zoning Administration Office does have established permit-processing deadlines and most reviews are completed within ten (10) working days of the submittal. However, the Zoning Administration Office typically reviews or approves approximately half of all application requests the same day and approximately seventy-five percent (75%) within five (5) working days. Almost all home business (Home Occupation) applications are processed the same day.

Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) requests, as the result of new construction, are scheduled for inspection within two (2) business days of receipt of the request for a Final Zoning (299) inspection.

Certain factors may alter these deadlines, namely: incomplete or inaccurate information or plans, the need for coordination with other agencies, workload and/or inspection requirements or incomplete site work.

Fences, except those required as a barrier around a swimming pool, do not require a building permit. In addition, walls up to six feet (6’) also are exempted from obtaining a building permit.

Fences or walls can be located within rear and side yards (setbacks) and along the property lines if they do not exceed six and one-half feet (6½’) in height. They are permitted an additional one and one-half feet (1½’) of height for posts, columns or gates. Fences or walls cannot exceed four feet (4') in height in the front yard, except in the R-1 zoning district. The front yard is the area between the street line and the front wall of the main building.

It is recommended that prior to erecting a fence or wall you should review your survey (if one exists) to ensure the location of any property line(s), easement(s) and/or underground utilities. It is also necessary to contact VA811 and submit a dig request so any utility lines can be identified and marked on your property. Also, be wary of any underground electrical cables, gas lines, electric pet fences and similar on-site appurtenances that may exist.

Fences that are electrified or contain barbed or razor wire are further regulated by City Code and not permitted in residential areas. Fences or walls in City Old & Historic Districts require Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) review and approval.

Accessory buildings (garages, tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc.), including pre-fabricated buildings, typically must be set a minimum distance from a property line. This minimum distance, known as a required yard or setback, varies by zoning district and is specified in the Zoning Ordinance. There are certain exemptions and modifications to required setbacks that are dependent on a number of factors, including: the zoning district, the use, the width, shape or orientation of the lot or adjacent lots, the presence and location of any building(s) on adjacent lots, or when the lot was created or platted.

In certain districts, an accessory building not exceeding twelve feet (12’) in height may be built up to the rear and side yard property line provided it is within an area no more than thirty feet (30’) from the rear property line. Height is measured to the mid-point (the area between the eaves and the ridge) of a pitched roof. Accessory buildings on residential property that do not exceed 256 square feet of floor area do not require a building permit. However, such buildings or structures still need to meet required setbacks. 

Building or placing an accessory building too close to the property line requires that you ensure it does not encroach on a neighboring property or that no overhang, gutter or downspout crosses the property line. It will also, under the Building Code, require specific fire-ratings depending on the distance to a property line. It typically will not permit any wall penetrations (window or door openings) if it is within three feet (3’) of a property line. Locating a building too close to a property line may present maintenance issues; you may need to access the neighboring property to paint or repair the building. 

The maximum allowable size of any and/or all accessory building(s) cannot exceed the footprint size of the main building. In addition, no accessory building within a residential zoning district can exceed twenty feet (20’) in height.

Erecting or placing any accessory building or structure (fence or wall) on properties located within City historic areas also require Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) approval.

Finally, it is also recommended that you review or obtain a survey to ensure the location of the property line(s), any easement(s) and/or underground utilities. 

[See also: "Can I build anything in the easement on my property?"] 

In-ground and above-ground pools must meet the normal minimum yards (setbacks) of the underlying zoning district. In addition, a pool may not be located in front of the main building. For safety reasons, the Building Code requires a fence or wall around pools to meet specific standards regarding type, height and access. Fencing around pools is required to obtain a building permit.

Some properties have easements on them that allow the use of the area for specific purposes. These generally include easements for utilities (power, gas, water or sewer) or for telephone or cable. Since there may be gas pipes or power cables under the surface that could severely injure someone, it is very important not to dig in these areas without contacting VA811 prior to any construction or digging. Generally, if you build in an easement, the company or entity that has an interest or ownership in the easement, can remove any improvement (shed, fence, etc.) or vegetation (trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.) without your permission or notification. Any easement is typically shown on a survey of the property.

There is nothing that the City can do about this issue; this is a private matter between the individual parties and must be resolved in Civil Court. Fences and privacy walls (or certain other structures) that are on your property without your permission are a civil matter between the owners and the City typically cannot force their removal. Contact an attorney experienced in real estate law in matters regarding property line disputes. A survey will typically show all improvements on the property, including fences, walls and building setbacks, that may also help assist in determining the location of your property line.

Generally, Portable Storage Units (POD's), dumpsters and similar structures, can be placed in your yard temporarily for up to fifteen (15) consecutive days if you are moving and does not require any permit or approval. It may remain for a longer period during renovation of your property. If it is to remain longer than 15 days, it must meet normal yard (setback) requirements and cannot be located in the front of the building. In cases where you cannot locate the POD in your yard and meet the setback requirement(s), the Zoning Administrator must be consulted.
For placement within the right-of-way (street, sidewalk or alley), contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at (804) 646-6430, by E-mail at: Ask Public Works or visit their website page at: https://www.rva.gov/public-works/right-way-management as they may allow and issue a permit for these structures needing to be placed in these locations.

Yes, they may be parked in residential areas, but not in front of the house or within the required side yard (setback). Side yards range between 5-10 feet, depending on the specific zoning district. In no case may you use a recreational vehicle for living purposes have it connected to utilities. 

Vehicles exceeding 6,500 pounds empty weight, semi-trailers or commercial vehicles may not be parked or stored on private property in residential areas. A commercial vehicle is any vehicle that exceeds 6,500 pounds empty weight, a trailer or semi-trailer, which is designed or used for carrying freight, merchandise or more than 10 passengers, including buses. Buses used for carrying passengers and parked on a church or school site are permitted. Commercial vehicles parked on the street are regulated by the Police Department, as zoning rules only regulate private, and not public, property. 

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is a document that is required under the Building Code and authorizes the use and occupancy of any building or structure within the city. A C.O. is typically issued after the completion of a new building or structure, or addition thereto, or after the use of a building or structure is changed. 

The C.O. specifies, after the final inspection of the various (i.e. - structural, electrical or plumbing) components of the building, that the use and construction of the building is safe and can be occupied. The requirements for new construction and inspections are the responsibility of the Commissioner of Buildings and the Building Inspection Office staff located within the Bureau of Permits & Inspections. 

A C.O. can also be requested independently of any construction work occurring. This type of request is known as an H-CO permit and is also available in Room 108. Certain uses that permit group gatherings (i.e.: restaurants, nightclubs, churches or theatres) require H-CO approval. This ensures conformance with standards mainly related to building and fire safety issues. 

The Zoning Divisions reviews all C.O. requests, whether they are independently requested for existing structures (H-CO) or upon completion of new construction work. Zoning Staff verifies conformance with zoning-related regulations, such as: yards (setbacks), height, parking, signs, landscaping, etc. Due to Zoning Administration's review, inherent in any C.O. approval is compliance with zoning standards. 

The Commissioner of Buildings is the official keeper of Certificate of Occupancy records. It is suggested that you call that office to determine what C.O. approvals have been issued for the property. 

Applications begin as a Plan and a plan number is assigned after the application is submitted and the requisite fee is paid. Once reviewed and it is determined the Plan complies with code requirements, the Plan is approved to authorize the requested work and a Permit is generated with an assigned permit number. Once the work progresses, it is necessary to request periodic inspections of the work in order to receive approval of the various phases and components of the construction.

Once all construction inspection approvals are obtained, your permit may be re-routed back through agencies that initially reviewed the application to verify that other aspects of the project are complete and the building is ready for occupancy. After all requisite agency inspections are approved; a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) must be issued in order to occupy the building. Be aware that if a Certificate of Occupancy is required, all of the agencies that reviewed your building permit application must complete and approve a final inspection. These will always include, at a minimum, a Building Final (199) and a Zoning Final (299). It is your responsibility to schedule these inspections using the appropriate inspection codes. Building Finals are typically conducted by the next business day and Zoning Finals are usually conducted within 2 business days. DO NOT SCHEDULE A ZONING FINAL if all of the site work (landscaping, paving, lighting, trash collection and screening, etc.) in not complete.

To schedule a Zoning Final (299) inspection:
•    Send an E-mail to: PDRZoningAdministration@RVA.gov
•    Call (804) 646-6340

After zoning approval is obtained, a hard-copy of the building permit (BP), Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) or Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) document is produced for display at the property. 

A Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) is a permit issued by the Zoning Administration Office that certifies conformance with the City of Richmond Zoning Ordinance. A CZC is required for any use of land, building or structures, or portion thereof, other than an existing single-family dwelling or an individual residential unit (apartment) within multifamily buildings. 

A CZC is not transferable and any new owner or tenant must obtain an updated CZC for the use of the premises. An inspection is required to determine if the property complies with zoning requirements. 

A CZC is also required in order to obtain a license to operate a business in the city. A CZC cannot be issued for a building or structure unless there is a corresponding C.O. on file that reflects the same use and conformance with the Building Code. 

A fee is required and is dependent on the specific use of the property, including the square footage of the commercial use or number of dwelling units associated with the use.

An Administrative Variance by the Zoning Administrator or a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Variance or Special Exception is a waiver process whereby the Zoning Administrator or the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) may grant relief from certain specific zoning requirements on your property. Either approval process is subject to specific limited criteria regarding the granting of these waivers, which are the result of a unique or extraordinary situation such as topography, shape of the site or some other unusual factor(s). An Administrative Variance by the Zoning Administrator can typically only waive certain side and rear yard and limited front yard (setback) requirements. A BZA Variance or Special Exception typically allows broader waivers to other zoning requirements applicable to the property. 

If it is determined that an Administrative Variance, BZA Variance or a Special Exception is needed, Zoning Division Staff will assist you. Due to legal notice requirements, you must submit a completed package to the Zoning Administration Office. Either of the processes require that you first discuss your request with Zoning Administration Staff. If it is determined that your request can be supported, you must submit a completed application, required fee, survey (or site plan), and design drawings (floor plans & elevations) showing the proposed project.

An application for an Administrative Variance will require that Zoning Administration Staff prepare the request that will be mailed to adjoining property owners, nearby neighborhood organizations and all adjacent property owners located within one-hundred fifty feet (150’) of your property. Once mailed, any notified party can comment in support of or opposition to your request. Per Virginia law, if an adjoining owner opposes your request, the Administrative Variance cannot be authorized. In this case, if your still wish to pursue the waiver, it will be necessary to file a separate request for a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearing. For information on the Administrative Variance and process, contact any Zoning Division Staff member.

In the case of a BZA Variance or Special Exception request, the request is required to be filed with the Zoning Administration Office and, after being and reviewed and prepared, is forwarded to the BZA Secretary to docket for the next scheduled meeting. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) holds a public hearing (first Wednesday of each month), which is held at City Hall where you must be present to provide information as to why your specific request is justified.

For information on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), the BZA Variance or Special Exception process, filing requirements, fee schedule and meeting dates, access the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) website age at: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/board-zoning-appeals 

Richmond has more than 4,000 properties that are either historically significant or are located within the City Old & Historic District. These properties are subject to an additional approval process through the Commission of Architectural Review (CAR). Information on the Commission or Architectural Review process and in locating City Old & Historic District properties can be obtained from their website page at: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/commission-architectural-review 

Properties in the City Old & Historic District require, depending on the scope of the work, CAR approval for any exterior change to the building or property that is visible from a public street or alley. Regulated changes might include additions, the replacement of windows or doors, siding, roof materials, fences or walls and paint color. It is advised that you contact the Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) Secretary at (804) 646-6335 to speak with them about any proposed exterior change(s) to a building, structure or property located within any City Old & Historic District.

Zoning Administration responds to reported zoning complaints and concerns. Typical violations include the illegal use or density of property, operation of businesses without required permits, fences that are too high, auto repair operations and parking of commercial vehicles in residentially-zoned areas and similar problems. If you believe someone is violating the Zoning Ordinance, file and monitor your complaint by the following methods. 

•    Contacting the Zoning Division Office at: (804) 646-6340.
•    Writing a letter to: 900 E. Broad St., City Hall, Rm. 110, Richmond, VA 23219.
•    Sending an email to: Ask Zoning.
•    Or, accessing RVA311 

Before filing a complaint you must obtain the numeric address of the property and the specific nature of the violation. Although you do not need to divulge your name, address or phone number; in most instances it assists us in addressing and responding to your concern(s). If you provide your name, it will NOT be disclosed, because it is protected from disclosure under Virginia law. It is also important that you notify us as soon as any problem is discovered, especially if it involves illegal construction work.

Zoning Division staff will record the complaint information and forward it to zoning enforcement staff for investigation who will, if necessary, conduct a site inspection. If the inspection reveals a zoning violation, the Zoning Officer will send a Violation Notice and Correction Order to the property owners and/or the responsible part. This notice gives the property owner(s) and/or violator a set time-frame, not less than 10-days nor more than 30-days, to correct the violation. 

At the end of this 10-day or 30-day period, Zoning Division staff will re-inspect the property to verify if compliance has been achieved. If the violation has been corrected the investigation is closed. If, however, the violation still exists, Zoning Division Staff may initiate court action by preparing a criminal summons in an attempt to obtain judicial remedies to force conformance. Violation of the Zoning Ordinance is a Class I misdemeanor, which means a conviction is punishable by fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to 12 months in jail, per violation, or some other disposition determined by the court. 

Some properties in some subdivisions are subject to covenants or deed restrictions that regulate the use of property beyond the limitations of the Zoning Ordinance. These deed restrictions and covenants are private agreements between property owners and are not enforced by the city. Check with your homeowner’s association for regulated items. 

Current zoning requirements limit occupancy of individual apartments or houses to a no more than three (3) unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit. Certain facilities may have up eight (8) persons, plus staff, if licensed by the State of Virginia. 

You generally have the legal right to trim branches of a neighbor's tree that hang over your property line. The city does not regulate or maintain trees on private property. It is suggested you contact an attorney experienced in real estate law regarding these issues prior to trimming or removing a neighbor's tree. If the tree is on city property, please contact www.RVA311.com  

Since 1976, all commercial and multi-family buildings and uses with commercial trash pickup have been required to enclose and provide screening around trash collection areas. Screening must be opaque and can be constructed of brick, stone, wood or some other appropriate material. Chain-link fences with slats are not an approved method of screening. Enclosure is required to provide both a visual barrier from adjoining properties or the street as well as to stop trash from blowing onto adjacent properties or public spaces. Before constructing a trash enclosure, submit a plan to the Zoning Office for review and approval. Single- and 2-family dwellings are exempt from this requirement.

The commercial keeping or commercial boarding of more than five (5) dogs, cats or other household pets over the age of four (4) months is considered a kennel and can only be located within certain zoning districts. Also, keeping of domestic animals (horses, goats, etc. ) for non-commercial purposes, although allowed, requires that all pens, runs, out-buildings and other facilities for the housing or enclosure of the animals are not less than two-hundred feet (200’) feet from all property lines.

Care of up to five (5) children, not including children of a family residing on the premises, is permitted within your residence. Up to four (4) is exempt from State licensure provided no employees reside off of the premises. However, facilities with more than three children under the age of 2-years are not exempted and shall be licensed. 

Day nurseries are permitted as accessory uses when located within churches, or other places of worship, community centers or school buildings, provided the outdoor play area requirements are met.

No, City Code specifically prohibits any sign (placard, banner, flag, bulletin, etc.) to be placed or erected on any fixture (pole, tree, light, fire hydrant, trash receptacle, wire, bridge, railroad trestle, drinking fountain, traffic sign or device) upon or over public property (street, sidewalk, alley, bridge, park or playground) without specific approval. This provision includes any sign soliciting or promoting a good, product, service or activity as well as political campaign signs. Any citizen is permitted to abate the violation by removal of a sign from a public way without liability or other legal consequence. Violation of this provision is punishable by a fine for each offense. If abatement is made by the City, the City may assess reasonable costs incurred in removal against any person responsible for or beneficiary of the sign. Further, for a willful violation, the city shall be entitled to recover any additional costs, including attorney’s fees and punitive damages, for any proceeding which it may bring to enjoin future violations.

A business operated within a house or apartment is known as a Home Occupation and is a permitted accessory use, subject to certain limitations. Generally speaking, certain businesses that do not generate customer or employee traffic, manufacture or store materials or require the use of commercial-sized vehicles are permitted. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required and approvals can usually be completed the same day. However, in certain instances, depending on the specific type of business, properties may need to be inspected. Tenants in rental property need to obtain the owners' (or authorized agent) approval certifying knowledge of the proposed business.

The following provisions apply to home occupations:

Employment. Only persons living together as a family on the premises shall be employed on the premises in the conduct of the home occupation.

Location. The home occupation shall be conducted within the dwelling unit or within a completely enclosed accessory building on the same property, provided that the home occupation use of an accessory building shall be permitted only when authorized by exception granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 30-1040.3. Use of an accessory building for motor vehicle parking or incidental storage of products or materials used in conjunction with a home occupation conducted within the dwelling unit shall not require an exception. There shall be no outside activity or outside storage of products or materials in conjunction with any home occupation.

Area. The home occupation, whether located in the dwelling unit or in an accessory building, shall not occupy an area greater than the equivalent of 25 percent of the enclosed and heated floor area of the dwelling unit or more than 500 square feet, whichever is less. Areas within enclosed buildings and used for parking of vehicles as may be required by Section 30-640.2 shall not be included in calculation of the area devoted to the home occupation.

Appearance. There shall be no signs, other than specifically permitted by Article V of this chapter, and no displays or alterations to the exterior of the building or premises that would distinguish it as being devoted to a non-dwelling use.

Intensity/traffic. Visitation by clients, customers, vendors or other visitors associated with the home occupation, including deliveries, shall not exceed a total of four vehicles per day, nor more than two persons at any one time, and shall occur only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Vehicles. Parking or storage of vehicles shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 30-640.2 of this chapter, provided that no more than two vehicles used in conjunction with a home occupation shall be parked or stored on the premises either outside or inside a completely covered enclosed building.

Prohibited activities. In conjunction with any home occupation, no product shall be offered for sale directly to customers on the premises, there shall be no housing of persons for compensation, and there shall be no repair of vehicles or internal combustion engines. The following uses or activities shall be prohibited as a home occupation: beauty salons, barber shops, manicure or pedicure services, massage therapy, medical or dental offices and clinics, catering businesses, kennels, veterinary clinics and similar uses or activities.

Performance. There shall be no process or activity conducted or equipment operated that generates any noise, vibration, odor, smoke, fumes, glare or electrical interference discernable to the normal senses beyond the lot lines of the property on which the home occupation is conducted. In the case of a home occupation conducted in a dwelling unit other than a single-family detached dwelling, such impacts shall not be discernable to the normal senses outside of the dwelling unit. The use or storage or both of hazardous materials of such type or in such quantities not normally permitted in a residential structure shall be prohibited.

The Zoning Ordinance regulates lighting in certain other, limited, instances. Section 30-670 of the Zoning Ordinance specifies, “Lighting shall be located, directed or shielded so as not to shine directly on adjoining properties or to create a traffic hazard by means of glare or similarity to or confusion with traffic signals, warning lights or lighting on emergency vehicles.” (Emphasis added).

Although not definitive, this has been interpreted and determined to preclude property owners from installing flood lights that are specifically and directly pointed at adjoining properties. A floodlight aimed at an adjoining house would meet the “directly” rule. A street light on public property or a security or porch light on private property, though of great illumination intensity, spreads light over a wide area with the main purpose to provide light below and to diffuse light along the street line or onto the property; this would not meet the “directly” rule. However, more importantly, lighting shining onto streets, flashing lights or similar illumination causing traffic or other inherent danger, would not be allowed.

Very few complaints of this nature are received, with the Zoning Administrator having discretion on a case-by-case basis, but the owner of any property should consult a lighting professional and use some discretion in the interest of being a good neighbor when installing lights on property. Light nuisances may also require civil action between the parties in General District Court.

For properties vehicles on private property that have neither a current license plate nor inspection sticker, contact the Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement (PMCE) Office at: (804) 646-6398, utilize www.RVA311.com or send an E-mail to: PropertyMaintenance@RVA.gov. 

Repair of motor vehicles IS NOT permitted in any residentially-zoned district, except for repairs to your personal vehicle(s) and in all districts, junked or dismantled vehicles unfit for operation on the streets must be stored in a fully-enclosed building.

For unlicensed or abandoned vehicles on the street or in the alley, contact the Police Department using their non-emergency number.

Improper storage and accumulation of garbage and rubbish may attract rodents, animals or other vermin, produce noxious odors and create potential health hazards. Garbage should be placed in leak-proof and covered containers. The accumulation of rubbish such as ashes, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, tree branches and yard trimmings, tin cans, metal, discarded appliances and other inoperable mechanical equipment is not permitted and should be disposed of properly. You may contact the Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement (PMCE) Office at: (804) 646-6398, utilize www.RVA311.com or send an E-mail to: PropertyMaintenance@RVA.gov. 

City Code can require owner to cut grass and weeds on property when it gets to a height of 12 inches. Bushes, shrubs, hedges and other similar vegetation shall not project into the street, alley or sidewalk. Each owner is responsible for his or her property to the center of any alley that adjoins it. Contact the Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement (PMCE) Office at: (804) 646-6398, utilize www.RVA311.com or send an E-mail to: PropertyMaintenance@RVA.gov.