Zoning Administration

Zoning Approval is required prior to the construction of any new structure or building, and/or the commencement of any new use on a property. Zoning approvals will be issued by the Zoning Administrator or designee after ensuring compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

The Zoning Counters of the Department of Development Services on the first floor Suite 180 of the Development Services Building is responsible for processing the following:

• Certificate of Live Entertainment (CLE)
• Decks
• Detached Accessory Structures & Buildings (e.g., sheds, garages, gazebos, etc.)
• Donation Drop-Off Box
• Fences
• Home Employment Certificate
• Home Occupation Certificate - Home Office (HOC1)
• Manufactured/Mobile Homes
• Mobile Food Vendor Policy Summary
• Mobile Home Replacement and Addition of Accessory Structures in Lawful Nonconforming Mobile Home Parks (Setbacks, Development Standards, and Procedures for Zoning Approval)
• Occupancy Permits/New Businesses in Commercial Buildings
• Parking Tabulations
• Perc Tests (for residences not on public sewer)
• Residential Additions
• Residential Planned Community (RPC) Dwelling Encroachment
• Retaining Walls
• Secondary Food Preparation Areas
• Signs
• Swimming Pools
• Temporary Activity Permits (Events & Sales)
• Temporary Construction Trailers
• Temporary Family Health Care Structures
• Temporary Home Sales Office
• Timbering (in A-1 Agricultural Districts)

Additional Information

• Application for Zoning Approval
• House Location Survey Plat
• Mobile Food Vendor Policy
• Procedure for Construction of Tenant House(s) Accessory to a Bona Fide Agricultural Use
• Special Power of Attorney for Zoning Approvals
• Tents Used as Temporary Structures

Please Note:

• The amount of time needed for review varies depending on the complexity of the specific proposal, completeness of the information provided, and seasonal workload.
• Applicants should call (703) 792-6830 (TTY: 711) before visiting the Zoning Counters to verify the information required for submission, that appropriate staff is available, or to schedule an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended as a guide only. It has no legal status. The Prince William County Zoning Ordinance is the legislative act adopted by the Board of County Supervisors.