Timbering

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 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 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:

• Timbering is permitted for lots in the A-1 Agricultural District only.
• A 50-foot setback is required to be maintained from any property line. The surveyor shall clearly mark the location of the 50-foot-wide undisturbed area based on the location of these boundaries on the house location survey plat.
• A timbering permit from Environmental Management is required before obtaining Zoning Approval.
• A survey to be performed by a licensed surveyor who shall clearly mark the boundaries of the property to be timbered. 
• Refer to Section 32-250.53 of the Prince William County Zoning Ordinance on Timbering for additional requirements.
• If tree stumps are removed, additional considerations and reviews not covered in this overview will be required. For more information, contact Environmental Management at (703) 792-7070 or [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.
• The to-scale house location survey plat shall include the following:
  • Measure and show the undisturbed 50’ setback to each property line.
  • Highlight the entire boundary area(s) requesting to be timbered.
  • Include adjoining properties identified by GPIN and zoning district.
  • If applying in-person, provide 2 copies of the 100% to-scale house location survey plat with the timbering area drawn to scale.
• 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.
• Review by Environmental Management is required. If the property is identified as having a 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, additional Environmental Management review and considerations will be needed prior to zoning issuance. For more information, please find the Environmental Management Combined Application Form / Flood Hazard Use Permit Application.  
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder will be required.
• If site improvements have been completed on the property without prior zoning approval, review of those improvements may be required prior to issuance of new zoning approvals.
• 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. For more information, please email Zoning Administration at [email protected] or call (703) 792-3340.
  • A-1 zoned lots less than 10 acres must have a completed approved non-conforming use review on file prior to zoning review or issuance.

• 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 at (703) 792-6863.
• To get utilities marked before you dig, call 1-800-552-7001or visit va811.
• Timbering definition: shall mean the harvesting of trees for commercial products or for farm use, including but not limited to saw timber, pulpwood, posts, and firewood.