Land Development Division

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 – Building Permit Zoning Approval.” Please follow the instructions on the 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 the close of business.​​​​​​​

Please note:

• The maximum building height for residential additions is 35’.
• Addition must meet primary dwelling setbacks (see step 3).
• Proposed additions may not create a separate dwelling unit.
• If proposing a secondary food preparation area within the addition, separate zoning approval is required. (Note: Only one (1) kitchen permitted in the dwelling).
• Building plans must show that the addition is accessible from the existing dwelling. Minimum 5’ cased opening may be required for access.
• Dwellings are subject to SEC32-300.13 zoning occupancy limitations.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for residential additions must be submitted to the Building Development Division. To learn more visit Residential Buildings, Structures and Additions, call (703) 792-4040 or email [email protected].
• 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 a completed Zoning Application Form.
• Provide the full-size, 100% to-scale, house location survey plat that clearly shows the surveyor’s seal, signature, and scale used.
• Draw the addition to-scale on the house location survey plat.
  • Provide the number of stories with the exact dimensions of the full project scope, including length and width for the addition.
  • Measure and show the setbacks to each property line from the addition.
  • Highlight the addition's location.
  • If applying in-person, provide 2 copies of the 100% to scale house location survey plat.
• Provide building plans that show the exact dimensions (length, width, and height) of the proposed addition. Provide the proposed use of all rooms included in the addition. Show access points, including floor plan of inside of the existing dwelling that the addition is being accessed from, cased openings, elevations, and other items as required by the Building Development Division.
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.

• A Special Power of Attorney Affidavit is required if the applicant is not the homeowner or a registered Prince William County contractor.
• If the property is identified as having a Resource Protection Area (RPA), 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, Environmental Management review will be needed before zoning issuance. Please find the Environmental Management Combined Application Form / Flood Hazard Use Permit Application.
  • A lot grading plan may be required before zoning review if an addition project exceeds the footprint of the original dwelling or exceeds 2,500 sq. ft.
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• 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.
• Condominium Units – An approval letter from the condominium association is required for processing.
• Zoning Administration or non-conforming use review may be required at the time of review due to lot size, setbacks, structure, verifications, recertifications, determinations, or use. To learn more, email [email protected].
  • A-1 zoned lots less than 10 acres must have a completed approved non-conforming use review on file before zoning review or issuance.
• If the property is on a well and septic, approval from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is required for additions. Health Department approval is required to be obtained prior to zoning approval issuance. The Health Department recommends a setback of at least 10’ from the well and drain field.
• Lot coverage allowances are zoning district-specific. All structures count towards a property's lot coverage. Lot coverage percentages can be found under the Development Standards for your zoning districts subsection within the Zoning Ordinance. This information may also be found on the original subdivision plans or lot grading plan for your property.
  Lot Coverage examples:
  • R-4 Development Standards – 40% max lot coverage
  • SR-1 Development Standards – 25% max lot coverage
  • A-1 Cluster Development Standards – 25% max lot coverage
• To find the setbacks for additions, please review 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.
  Setback examples:
  • A-1 Setbacks
  • SR-1 Setbacks
  • R-4 Setbacks

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.

For record requests, contact the Records Center.

To get your utilities marked before you dig, call 1-800-552-7001or visit https://va811.com/.

A residential addition may qualify for a Rehab Tax Exemption from the County’s Real Estate Assessment office. For more information, visit Rehabilitated Real Estate.

One dwelling unit is permitted per lot. Dwelling definition:Dwelling unit shall mean a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. A dwelling unit shall have no more than one kitchen.

After zoning approval is issued, applications for residential additions must be submitted to the Building Development Division for review.