We invite you to look at these frequently asked questions below to answer any general questions you may have or to determine whether or not something you have seen is a violation.
The Roanoke County Zoning department actively pursues violations of the Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Questions
Planning Questions
2009 Sign Enforcement Information
County Sign Ordinance General Informational Letter Temporary Signs Letter
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Zoning Questions
Can I operate a home-based business in my home?
A home based business is referred to as Home Occupations, Type I and Type II in the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance and considered to be accessory uses within residential dwellings. More than one Home Occupation is permitted but each must not exceed the Type I or Type II standards listed below. The structure must stay consistent with the residential use. Goods, products, equipment or other materials must be stored inside. Firearm sales are prohibited. All goods or products sold must be produced on the premises. Traffic and parking should not increase. No commercial delivery of materials or products are allowed. Water, sewer or garbage collection shall not increase. Equipment or process shall not create excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference. Any activity in conjunction with a business which may adversely impact or disturb adjoining property owners shall be conducted between 7:00am and 10:00pm. Additional standards are listed below.
A home occupation is an accessory use of a dwelling unit for gainful employment involving the production, provision, or sale of goods and/or services in accordance with Article V, Use and Design Standards. A Type I home occupation of an intensity suitable for the more densely established residential areas typically found in the urban service areas of the county. A Type II is a home occupation of an intensity suitable for agricultural and rural areas of the county.
Additional standards for all Type I home occupations: Permitted in the following zoning districts: AG3, AG1, AR, AV, R1, R2, R3, R4, PRD, C1 and C2
- The maximum floor area permitted for a home occupation shall be ten (10) percent of the finished floor area of the dwelling unit. Storage of goods or products shall not exceed five (5) percent of the finished floor area.
- Home occupations shall be confined to the primary dwelling. To conduct a home occupation in an accessory building, a special use permit shall be obtained from the Board of Supervisors pursuant to Section 30-19.
- No one other than permanent residents of the dwelling shall be engaged or employed in such occupation.
- There shall be no display or storage of goods or products visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent property.
- The sale of goods or products produced on the premises, or providing services which involve the consumer coming to the premises shall be limited to no more than ten (10) customers or clients in any one week period.
- Baby sitting for five (5) or less children shall be permitted.
- Lessons in the applied arts shall be permitted, provided the class size for any lesson does not exceed five (5) students at any one time and shall not exceed ten (10) students in any one week period.
- No sign may be placed on the property advertising the home occupation.
- No advertising through local media, including telephone books, and flyers shall call attention to the residential address of the home occupation.
Additional standards for all Type II home occupations: Permitted in the following zoning districts: AG3 and AG1
- The maximum floor area permitted for a home occupation shall be twenty-five (25) percent of the finished floor area of the dwelling unit. Storage of goods or products shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the finished floor area.
- One person who is not a permanent resident of the dwelling may be engaged or employed in the home occupation.
- An accessory building or structure may be used with the home occupation, provided that the total floor area devoted to the home occupation in the accessory structure and dwelling unit does not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the finished floor area of the dwelling unit.
- Lessons in the applied arts shall be permitted, provided the class size for any lesson does not exceed five (5) students at any one time and shall not exceed ten (10) students in any one week period.
- One non-illuminated sign, a maximum of two (2) square feet in area, shall be permitted per dwelling, regardless of the number of home occupations within the dwelling. Any sign must conform with the provisions of Section 30-93 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Visit the Commissioner of the Revenue webpage for more information.
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What types of signage does Roanoke County allow?
See the current Sign Ordinance on our Documents Page for more information.
All signs in Roanoke County must have an approved sign permit. Refacing or replacing a sign still requires a new sign permit. Click on sign ordinance above or contact zoning at (540) 772-2068 for more information on allowable number and placement of signs.
“Each business or use on a lot shall be allowed to display one (1) temporary sign at any time during a calendar year.” (Section 30-93-8.(A)1 of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance) Businesses must obtain a temporary sign permit for the sign. The sign permit is only valid for one year and must be renewed January 1st of every year. Remember that portable signs are prohibited and banner type signs are preferred.
Garage sale signs or other advertising or signs are not allowed to be tacked onto utility poles, highway or street signs or posted in the right of way. Section 33.1-373 of the Code of Virginia.
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What are the setbacks for my zoning district?
Please click here for zoning district setback information.
What are the permitted uses in each county zoning district?
Please click here for Zoning Ordinance Summary Listing.
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What is an inoperative vehicle?
Section 12-122 defines an "inoperative motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer" as one which is not in operating condition or which for a period of sixty (60) days or longer has been partially or totally disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine or other essential parts required for operation of the vehicle or on which there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a valid inspection decal. Inoperative vehicles are subject to enforcement by Roanoke County. The owner of such a vehicle can remedy the problem by doing one or all of the following:
(A) Completely screening or shielding the vehicle from public view so that it is not visible from any side or above; tarpaulins, tents, and similar shields are not satisfactory; or,
(B) Removing the vehicle from the premises.
(C) Obtaining valid license plates, a valid inspection sticker, and a valid County tax decal.
There are many organizations that accept donations of inoperative vehicles in the area. Please see the yellow pages in your phone book or search the web under "Roanoke Valley Car Donations" for phone numbers and information.
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What kinds of vehicles are not allowed to be parked in a residential zoning district?
Sections 30-91-2 of the County Code states that parking a commercial vehicle in a residential zoning district is prohibited. Such a vehicle is a truck or commercial vehicle with, or designed to have, more than two (2) rear wheels, except for pickup body type trucks. These types of vehicles are prohibited from parking in residential districts, and must be placed elsewhere.
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Are campers and boats allowed to be parked in residential districts?
Section 30-91 of the County Code states that campers and boats are allowed in all residential districts. However, except for vehicles parked within multi-family developments, all recreational vehicles shall be parked behind the front building line, unless space is provided in a completely enclosed garage or other building. For the purposes of the above mentioned section only, a corner lot that fronts on two (2) streets shall have only one (1) front building line in accordance with section 30-100-7. In the case of a unique house configuration, the zoning administrator shall determine the parking location for the recreational vehicle, based on having no interference on sight distance in accordance with section 30-100-8.
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When is a weed lot considered a public nuisance?
County Code defines weeds as any plant grass or other vegetation covering a substantial portion of a parcel which is over twelve (12) inches long, other than trees, shrubbery and agricultural plants. A lot is considered a nuisance if the above situation is present on the lot. The owner of the lot is responsible for maintaining that lot and prevent such a situation from arising. Click here for the new Weed and Trash ordinance.
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What is an accumulation of debris?
County Code states that all exterior property areas and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe condition free from any accumulation of trash (or debris). Failure to do so shall constitute the accumulation of debris, and is a public nuisance. Accumulation of debris is prohibited, and the property owner must dispose of the debris properly. For additional information, please call either this department at (540) 772-2093 or General Services at (540) 387-6999.
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How tall can I build my fence?
Per Section 30-100-9. Location and Design of Fences, except as provided for in Sections 30-92 and 30-100-8, fences may be constructed in any location, on any lot and on any lot occupied by a residential use type, fences located in front of the building line shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Additionally, on corner lots, per Section 30-100-8. Establishment of Sight Triangles, keep in mind:
(A) To promote visibility for pedestrians and the operators of motor vehicles, a clear sight triangle shall be established at the intersecting rights-of-way of any two (2) public streets. The legs of this sight triangle shall be twenty (20) feet in length. They shall begin at the point of intersection of the two (2) street rights-of-way, and shall extend twenty (20) feet along each right-of-way line. The triangle shall be formed by connecting the endpoints of these two (2) lines.
(B) Within this sight triangle nothing in excess of three (3) feet in height shall be constructed, placed, or permanently parked. In addition, no vegetative plantings within the triangle shall be allowed to grow to a height of greater than three (3) feet.
(C) Nothing in this section shall imply the necessity of removing obstructions within this sight triangle, provided that these obstructions were installed or planted prior to the effective date of this ordinance. Routine trimming of shrubbery violating this height requirement shall be required, if the trimming will not endanger the health of the species.
Remember to call Miss Utility before digging @ 1-800-552-7001.
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The noise level from the adjoining property is loud at all times of the day and night, or their dog is barking at all hours of the night - what can I do about it?
The first step is to talk with your neighbor to see if the problem can be resolved without having to get a County official involved. The County does regulate noise levels in residential districts. In the instance of the barking dog, if the barking persists, and you and your neighbor cannot reach a solution, then you can call the Police Department at 562-3265, and make a complaint. Click here for the county noise ordinance regulations.
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How many dogs and cats can I have at my house? Do I need to apply for a Multiple Dog Permit? If I need one, how do I apply?
Per Section 5-24 of the Roanoke, County Code, "The harboring or keeping of more than 3 dogs over 4 months of age per dwelling shall be unlawful, unless a muliple dog permit has been issued pursuant to this article and/or the harboring or keeping of more than 6 cats over four months of age, (no more than 2 may be fertile) per dwelling shall be unlawful..."
Per Section 30-82-4 of the Roanoke County Code, generally, a multiple dog permit is permitted "by right" in all the agriculture zoning areas and in the residential areas if the property is at least 1 acre or more in size. A multiple dog permit shall be permitted only when accessory to a single family dwelling. Exterior runs, pens and other confined areas designed to house four (4) or more animals shall be set back at least 25 feet from any property line.
In R-1 Low Density Residential District, a Special Use Permit is required to obtain a Multiple Dog Permit.
Multiple dog permits are issued by the Treasurer's Office on the first floor of the Roanoke County Administration building. Prior to issuance of the permit, the applicant must receive approval for the location of the permit from the zoning department on the second floor. Upon approval of the location and remittance of the appropriate fees, the permit will be issued. The fees for the kennel license and animal tags are at the address below:
http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/Departments/Treasurer/DogCatTags/Default.htm
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Can I have a horse on my property?
A Private Stable is defined as "The keeping, breeding, or raising of horses or ponies exclusively for the personal use and enjoyment of the owner or occupant of the property or the riding of horses or ponies by the owner or occupant of the property and their guests."
Private Stables are permitted by right in all agriculturally zoned properties. In the R-1 - Low Density District, a Private Stable is permitted by Special Use Permit.
There are Use and Design Standards for Private Stables which include:
(A) Private stables in AR Agricultural Residential , AV Agricultural Village, and R-1 Residential Low Density districts shall comply with the following requirements:
- Minimum lot size: Two (2) Acres
- On lots of less than five (5) acres, no more than one stable animal per acre shall be permitted.
- Stables and corrals shall comply with all the setback requirements for accessory buildings.
- Stables shall properly manage animal waste so as to not create a nuisance or health hazard to adjoining or nearby property owners.
- More questions? Please contact Planning@RoanokeCountyVA.gov
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Planning Questions
Why Plan?
Planning is a way for a community to envision its future: what it will look like, where
things will be located, how it will function, who will live in it and affect it, and when and where changes will take place. A community defines itself through planning, both short- and long-term. Planning is not self-correcting; instead is a successive cycle of planned strategies and actions set forth to meet certain goals. In order for planning to be effective, policies must be constantly analyzed, monitored and revised to adjust to an ever-changing environment and society.
The most well thought-out plans are worthless without realistic goals and means of achieving them. Critical components of successful planning include setting reasonable objectives and designing ways to accomplish them. The staff of the Roanoke County Planning and Zoning Division works with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, the private sector and special interest groups, other municipalities and citizens of Roanoke County to develop goal-oriented strategies and maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by all in the Roanoke Valley.
Planning is a multi-step process that includes identifying problems or goals, analyzing the existing conditions, developing a process to achieve the desired results, evaluating possible consequences of the process, monitoring its progress and constantly adjusting policies.
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What does the Planning and Zoning Division Do?
The Planning and Zoning Division works with a variety of people on a daily basis, including the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, land developers, commercial and residential builders, realtors, new or prospective businesses, special committees and special interest groups, citizens, other County departments and divisions and other governmental agencies.
The staff is constantly involved in a variety of projects and tasks. Some of these include:
- Administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and other County Codes Preparing land use analyses and planning reports for the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and Board of Zoning Appeals. Typical issues include rezoning applications, planned development projects, special use permit and variance applications.
- Reviewing and recommending changes to the zoning ordinance, planning policies, and other County codes. This also involves keeping up to date on new Federal and state legislation affecting land use regulations.
- Reviewing site plans and development plans for compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Helping property owners and/or developers through various land use and development processes. Providing support and information to other County departments, including the Utilities Department, the Western Virginia Water Authority, Economic Development, the Treasurer, and other departments.
- Working with other agencies on planning and land use issues, such as the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Roanoke Valley-Allegheny Regional Commission, and other municipalities. Preparing and assisting in the design and implementation of special projects, including greenways, commercial corridor studies and Community Development Block Grants.Assisting citizens with any questions or problems regarding land use or planning issues throughout Roanoke County.
- Preparing, updating and maintaining the Community Plan through neighborhood plans, corridor studies and other special projects.
- Providing staff resources to implement and maintain on-going planning/community projects such as the Williamson Road Mini-Grant/Design services Program and the median landscaping program.
- Providing staff liaisons to planning related groups such as Western Virginia Land Trust, Greenways Commission, Roanoke Regional Housing Network, Transportation technical Committee, and Project Impact Committee.
- Undertaking special planning-related projects on a yearly basis, such as the I-81 corridor and interchange study, Colonial Avenue Corridor Study and greenway prioritization.
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What is the Community Plan? Please see "Community Plan."
The Roanoke County Community Plan is a blueprint for the future growth and development of the County over the next 10-15 years. It provides direction and guidance, for both the public and private sectors, in making decisions about land development, public services and resource protection. This Plan allows decision makers to study the long-term consequences of current decisions and recognize that today’s actions will impact the County for many years to come.
The Community Plan is a planning document and reflects the community’s goals and visions of what the future might be. It allows the Board of Supervisors to present a snapshot of the County’s long range goals, policies and strategies to the community. This includes those involved in private land development, neighborhood organizations and civic groups, neighboring jurisdictions, County departments, commissions and boards and the general public. It also provides those in the land development process the opportunity to anticipate Board decisions and to actively work in concert with the Plan rather than in conflict with it.
The Community Plan is a public document, developed with a great deal of public participation. It encourages individual participation in public affairs and particularly the long-range planning process of the County. It also ensures citizens that decisions based on the Plan are well-thought out and in the best interests of the County as a whole.
The Community Plan is a blueprint for zoning ordinances, among other things, and seeks to manage the placement, height, bulk and coverage of structures within each individual district. The ordinance is a critical tool used in the implementation of existing and future land use policies set forth in the Community Plan.
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What is a Zoning Ordinance?
A zoning ordinance is a collection of regulations related to land use and development. A zoning ordinance is typically adopted along with an official zoning map, which assigns all property into various zoning districts. Each zoning district has a clear objective and indicates which land uses are permitted by right. For example, there are residential zoning districts which allow for homes, commercial zoning districts which allow for retail and other commercial development, and industrial zoning districts which allow for more intensive industrial uses.
Who is responsible for maintaining and constructing streets?
While the County participates in the planning and scheduling of street construction and repairs, the Virginia Department of Transportation is ultimately responsible for the physical work. Roanoke County and VDOT work together cooperatively to set priorities for road construction, upgrading and repair. For questions about road construction, repairs or planning, please call the Transportation Engineering Department for Roanoke County at 772-2065 x.224 or the VDOT Salem Residency Office at 387-5488.
More questions? Please contact Planning@RoanokeCountyVA.gov
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