Residential Planned Community (RPC) Dwelling Encroachment Agreement

To apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal or in-person. To apply for zoning approval for a residential addition, visit Residential Additions.

Please note:
The Residential Planned Community (RPC) Dwelling Encroachment Agreement is only available in relation to additions in RPC-zoned properties that were built before 1991.

• Prince William County Code Sec. 32-305.10(1)(a) allows single-family dwellings in the RPC Zoning District constructed before November 22, 1991, to have additions which encroach into the required ten-foot setback, provided the following conditions are met:
  • Dwellings have been constructed on adjoining lots;
  • The addition shall be located not less than 24 feet from any other dwelling;
  • The property owner of the dwelling located closest to the proposed addition has agreed in writing to the encroachment;
  • Construction of the addition shall begin within one year of the date of the issuance of the zoning approval.
• The RPC dwelling encroachment form must be filled out and notarized by the property owner located closest to the proposed addition
• The adjacent property owner’s house location survey plat must be provided to ensure there is at least 24 feet between dwellings.
• The adjacent property owner’s consent to encroach into the required setback may prevent or restrict future additions to their dwelling because of the required 24 feet separation between the dwellings.
• If consent is not provided for the encroachment, the proposed addition must comply with current standards and maintain the required 10’ from all property lines.
• The property owner/applicant shall be responsible for obtaining all other required permits and approvals from other County agencies.
• The property owner/applicant shall grant permission to County staff to enter and inspect the property upon request.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for addition must be submitted to the Building Development Division for review. For information on addition permits and submission requirements, 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.

• Completed and notarized Residential Planned Community (RPC) Dwelling Encroachment Agreement form. This form must be completed by the adjacent property owner closest to the addition.
• House Location Survey plats for the property and the adjacent property owner closest to the addition.
• All standard addition requirements as described on Residential Additions.
• 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 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.

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

Residential Planned Community (RPC) Encroachment Definition:
Residential Planned Community (RPC) Dwelling Encroachment: Refers to a situation where a proposed addition on a single-family detached dwelling in the RPC zoning district that was constructed prior to November 22, 1991, may extend into the permitted setback boundaries provided there is at least 24’ between dwellings and with the adjacent property owner’s notarized written consent.