Land Development Division

To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval - Building Permit Zoning Approval.” Please follow the instructions on screen.

To apply in-person, please bring all necessary documents and check in at the Early Assistance Desk, Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192, to obtain a service ticket for Zoning Counter services. The Zoning Counter is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets for zoning counter services stop at 2:00 pm to ensure all customers are served by close of business.

Please note:

• If the Deck has a roof, it is no longer a Deck, it is an Addition. More information on Residential Additions.
• Deck projects on apartments and all commercial locations require site plan review. Call (703) 792-6830 (TTY: 711) for information on how to apply for site plan approval.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for Deck permits must be submitted to the Building Plan Review Division, for review. For information on Deck permits and submission requirements, visit Residential Decks or call Building Plan Review at (703) 792-4040 (TTY: 711).
• This overview is for general information purposes only and may not reflect all aspects of the review process. Site specific requirements will be discussed at the time of formal review.

• Provide the full-size, to-scale, house location survey plat that clearly shows the surveyor’s seal, signature, and scale used.
• Draw the Deck to-scale on the house location survey plat.
  • Provide the exact dimensions of the deck, including length and width for the deck and length and width for any landings and stairs.
  • Measure and show the distances from the Deck to each side and the back of the property line.
  • Highlight the Deck
  • If applying in-person provide 2 copies of the draft drawing.
• Provide plans that show the exact dimensions of the deck including length & width and length & width for any landing and stairs, if available.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project
• Provide a completed Zoning Application Form.
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.

• A Special Power of Attorney Affidavit is required if the applicant is not the homeowner or a registered Prince William County contractor.
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• If the property is a Condominium, an approval letter from the Condominium Association is required for processing.
• If the property is a Mobile Home, a commitment letter notarized by the property manager and the diagram of the deck design is required for processing.
• If other home improvements projects have been completed on the property without prior zoning approval, review of those improvements may be required prior to issuance of new zoning approvals.
• If the property is identified as having an RPA (Resource Protection Area), 100 Year or FEMA floodway area, storm drain/storm sewer easement, conservation or buffer area, the project exceeds 2,500 sq. ft, or any other Public Works impacts, a review by Environmental Management will be needed prior to zoning approval.

• To research your property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.
• Learn more about House Location Survey Plats.
• To find the setbacks for Decks, please review the table within Section 32-300.06 of the Prince William County Zoning Ordinance. Modified Planned Mixed Residential (PMR) standards may have been approved for individual subdivisions. Zoning staff will verify setbacks before issuing zoning approval.
• The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends a setback of at least 10’ from the well and drain field. VDH approval is needed prior to zoning issuance if closer than 10’ to those utilities.