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Zoning Approval for Occupancy Permits
Zoning approval is required for a new tenant to occupy an existing commercial, office, or industrial development. This guide provides a step-by-step process to acquire zoning approval.
For more information on occupancy permits or other zoning approval requirements, email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6830 (TTY: 711).
- STEP 1: Apply for Zoning Approval
To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to “Apply”, select “Plans ”, and select “Zoning Approval - Occupancy Permit 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.
Please note:
- 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.
- STEP 2: Zoning Approval Requirements
- Provide completed and approved Address Validation Application Form available from Geospatial Technologies Services at Address Validations & Permits. Follow the instructions on how to apply. Please contact GTS at [email protected] or call (703) 792-6840 with any questions.
- Provide a completed Zoning Application Form.
- Provide a description of business use ‘work’ that will be performed in the space to be occupied.
- Pay a Processing fee in cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) in accordance with the current Fee Schedule.
Upon receipt of a submission for Zoning Counter, the Zoning Counter will verify the zoning of the property and determine if the proposed use is an allowed use by the Zoning Ordinance. As part of the verification process, the Zoning Counter will check for rezoning proffers, special use permit conditions, verified nonconforming use (if any); any other applicable rules and regulations; and requirements of the applicable overlay districts (Airport Safety, Chesapeake Bay Resource Preservation Area, Data Center Opportunity Zone, Domestic Fowl, Flood Hazard Areas, Highway Corridors, Historic Areas, Redevelopment, and Technology).If the use is a by-right use, and sufficient parking exists, a certificate of zoning approval will be issued.
- STEP 3: Other Requirements
Upon Zoning Approval and before use of the space, the applicant must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from Building Permitting Services. Contact the Building Permitting Branch at (703) 792-6924 or email [email protected] to determine what is needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
After obtaining certificate of zoning approval and an Occupancy Permit, obtain a Business License if required. For further information regarding a business license, contact the Business License Office at (703) 792-6710.
Pursuant to Virginia Code 59.1-69 effective January 1, 2020 all fictitious name (trade name) filings will be handled by the Office of the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. The Circuit Court Clerk's office will no longer accept fictitious name filings after December 30, 2019. Our office will only handle amendments and dissolutions of fictitious names previously filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Fictitious Name (Trade or Assumed) web page.
For more information or questions call (703) 792-6830 or email [email protected].