Non-commercial Kennel

To apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal or in-person.

To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Certificate of 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 from 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:

• A non-commercial kennel shall be permitted in the A-1, Agricultural and SR-5 zoning districts, provided that no more than eight (8) dogs may be kept in the kennel.
• A non-commercial kennel shall be permitted in the SR-1 and SR-3 zoning districts upon approval of a Special Use Permit.
• A non-commercial kennel for more than eight (8) dogs shall be permitted in the A-1, SR-5, SR-3, and SR-1 zoning districts upon approval of a Special Use Permit.
• Separate zoning approval is required for any detached accessory structures associated with the non-commercial kennel.  
• Dogs kept as a part of a non-commercial kennel shall be securely restrained by pens, runs, fences, or other restraining devices, except when otherwise under the control of the owner.
• Any structure or other facility or use associated with a non-commercial kennel shall be located only in the rear or side yard(s) and shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all property lines. When a Special Use Permit is required for a non-commercial kennel, in addition to other reasonable conditions, a greater setback may be required, and a limit on the number of adult dogs may be established as a condition of approval of the Special Use Permit.
• For more information on Special Use Permits, please contact the Planning Office, at (703) 792-7615 or [email protected].  
• Dog licenses are issued by the Animal Services Bureau and can be obtained online.
• Kennel licenses are issued by the Animal Services Bureau after zoning approval is obtained.

• Provide a completed Application for Zoning Approval.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.
• 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 other home improvement projects have been completed on the property without prior zoning approval, review of those improvements may be required before issuance of new zoning approvals.
• If the property is zoned A-1 and is under 10 acres, a non-conforming use may be required. For more information, contact Zoning Administration at (703) 792-3340 or [email protected].

• To research your property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.

Non-commercial Kennel Definition:

Non-commercial kennel shall mean a kennel maintained for non-commercial purposes as an accessory use to an agricultural or residential use and where all of the dogs or other animals are owned by the owner or tenant of the property on which the kennel is located except for an occasional dog temporarily kept.