Driveways

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 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:

• Driveways under 8 inches tall do not have setback requirements.
• Driveways and parking areas on lots less than 1 acre may not exceed more than 35 percent or 720 square feet of the required front yard, whichever is greater.
• Gravel is not permitted as an improved driving surface on lots less than 1 acre.
• Permitted improved driving surfaces include concrete, asphalt, brick, pavers, and other similar materials commonly used for parking surfaces.
• The parking area/improved surface must be under the entire vehicle. Improved parking surfaces only under each tire or partially under a vehicle do not meet the definition of an improved parking surface and would not be permitted.
• Driveways and parking areas count towards a properties lot coverage. Lot coverage limitations are zoning district specific. See step 3 to find out more regarding lot coverage.
• To expand the existing apron or for a new second driveway; Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) approval is required before Zoning Approval can be issued. Please reach out to VDOT at 1-800-367-7623 to obtain the permit.
• For motor vehicle parking limitations, visit the zoning ordinance SEC32-300.02.1
• 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 driveway to-scale on the house location survey plat.
  • Provide the exact dimensions of the full project, including length and width.
  • Include the proposed material for the driveway.
  • Highlight the driveway location.
  • If applying in-person, provide 2 copies of the 100%-to-scale house location survey plat.
  • If expanding the apron or if request is for a second driveway, VDOT approval letter.
• 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.
  • The document must be filled out (no blank spaces).
  • The document must grant permission to the requesting individual (not company or business).
  • The document must be notarized by the property owner.
  • If the residence is owned by a business, provide documentation that the individual signing the document has the right to speak on behalf of the business.
• Review by the Environmental Management department may be 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, Environmental Management review will be needed prior to zoning issuance. 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 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 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. They may be emailed at [email protected].
  • 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.
• Lot coverage allowances are zoning district specific. 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 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.
• To get your utilities marked before you dig, call 1-800-552-7001or visit va811.
• Virginia Department of Transportation may be reached at 1-800-367-7623 to inquire about the Land Use Permit for a new or expanded apron. Application forms may be found here.