Planning and Zoning Frequently Asked Questions

Warren County Planning and Zoning Department’s

Frequently Asked Questions and General Information

(Revised September 2011)

The Planning Department aids the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other designated committees in establishing and implementing community development policies for the County. Proposals for changes in plans, ordinances, land use, and the division of land are reviewed with Federal, State, and local agencies for consistency with applicable regulations and policies. The staff also disseminates policy information to the Board, Planning Commission, other boards and committees and the public. The revenue received is primarily from zoning permits and various fees.

The County and Town Planning and Zoning departments are separate entities which are responsible for planning, community development and code enforcement in their respective jurisdictions while by a mutual agreement the County provides building inspection services to both localities. The County Planning Department and the Building Inspections are located in the Warren County Government Center in Suite 400 while the Town Planning Department is located in the Front Royal Town Hall on the lower level. Questions regarding the County can be directed to the Planning Staff at (540)-636-3354 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Planning Related:

Where can I get a copy of the Comprehensive Plan?

Log on to the County website at http://www.warrencountyva.net/ and from the main tool bar select Resources and scroll down to “Comprehensive Plan”. A hardcopy which includes color maps can be purchased from the Planning Department.

Can I subdivide my property?

Subdivision of property in Warren County varies between zoning districts and includes many factors for each district including road frontage, size and shape of new parcel and existing number of subdivided parcels from the parent parcel. The County has published brochures for subdividing in an Agricultural Zoning district and Family Subdivisions which are available on request and in our lobby. Staff can answer most questions regarding subdivision of land but some deed research may be required to verify the number of parcels and dates of subdivision in order for us to make a determination for the citizen.

Where can I get a plat of my property?

The Warren County Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the County Courthouse keeps land records, deeds and plats for properties in the County.

Zoning Related:

*Where can I find the Warren County Zoning Ordinance online?

Log on to the County website at http://www.warrencountyva.net/ and from the main tool bar select Resources and scroll down to “Warren County Code”. This will hyperlink you to eCode360 website for Warren County and the Zoning Ordinance can be found in Chapter 180.

*Where can I find out what my property is zoned?

The two sources are the County’s GIS website: http://www.warrengis.org/ or by contacting our office at (540)-636-3354.

*What are the zoning requirements to construct a single family dwelling on my vacant property?

Construction of a single family dwelling must meet the setback requirements for the underlying zoning district and the well and septic requirements as defined by the Virginia Department of Health rules and regulations and Warren County Code Section 179.

How many dwellings can I have on my property?

Section 180-11(B) of the Warren County Code states only one principle structure is permitted on a single lot in the Agricultural and Residential zoning districts. Guesthouses are allowed as a secondary dwelling in the Agricultural zoning district with the issuance of a conditional use permit by the Board of Supervisors.

What are the setbacks for structures on my property?

Zoning setbacks are determined by the underlying zoning district. A zoning districts dimensional criteria form is available on the County website under Resources and linked from Zoning Setbacks. These forms are also available in the lobby of our office.

How do I find out if my property perks for a septic field?

Contact the Warren County Environmental Health Department at (540)-635-3159 to schedule a site visit to your property.

What are the setbacks for a well and drainfield on my property?

Warren County requires a setback of 100’ feet between well to well and well to drainfield. All setbacks for your well and septic systems can be found through the Health Department or in Chapter 179 of the Warren County Code.

*What are the zoning requirements and fee for getting a business license for a home business?

A certificate of zoning must be issued by the Planning Department prior to the Commissioner of the Revenue issuing a business license. This is in order to determine if the use qualifies as a home occupation as found in County code Section 180-17.

The current fee for this is $15.00 and payment must be made in check or cash.

*How do I report a violation for trash and debris or inoperable vehicles in my neighborhood?

Contact the Planning Department or Zoning Administrator and we will fill out a Zoning Violation Complaint form with pertinent information. If it is determined to be a violation the Zoning Administrator will send a “Letter of Inspection” to the violator usually giving 30 days to bring the property into compliance.

How many dogs and cats are legally allowed in my household?

Four (4) dogs six months of age or older per household are allowed by-right in all zoning districts. The County does not have an ordinance for cats.

Can I have horses or chickens on my property?

This depends on the zoning district of your property. If zoned Agricultural (A) it is an allowed use by-right without limitations. If zoned Rural-Residential (RR) it is an accessory use permitted by-right but with some limitations, refer to Section 180-24(C) of the Warren County Code. If the property is zoned Village Residential (VR) it is a conditionally permitted use subject to limitations and conditions approved by the Warren County Board of Supervisors. It is recommended that you contact the Planning Department for further information regarding this matter.

Can I park a Recreational Vehicle or travel trailer (camper) on my property and live in it?

Major recreational vehicles shall not be used for living, sleeping or occupancy on residential lots not approved for such use. Recreational vehicles not parked in a garage, carport or other building shall be located at least 3 feet from the dwelling or accessory structures and not be located in the front yard except in a driveway perpendicular to the street and a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way on the part of the property determined to be the front yard; Section 180-10 Accessory Uses.

Floodplain Related:

*How do I determine if my property is located in the floodplain?

Look on the County’s GIS website and select the “Flood Zones” layer in the layer control panel or request a floodplain determination from the County Floodplain Manager.

How do I obtain a floodplain determination?

Contact the Planning and Zoning department with the address or tax map and parcel number for the property and speak to the Floodplain Manager or Zoning Administrator.

*Can I construct a single family dwelling if my property is in the floodplain?

Warren County Code Section 180-16 defines the zoning criteria and requirements for approval to construct in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). A meeting with the County Floodplain Manager is advised prior to starting any construction plans or the building permit process.

What are the zoning requirements for use of an RV in the floodplain?

All recreational vehicles must be on-site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use and roadworthy if parked in the floodplain in any zoning district. The Residential One (R1) zoning district requires a conditional use permit for private use camping while in the Agricultural (A) district it is considered a by-right use; Section 180-16 Floodplain Overlay District.

E-911 and GIS Related:

*How do I get an address for new construction of single family dwelling or commercial-industrial structures?

Once an application for a building permit has been received by the Building Inspections Department, they will submit a new address request to the GIS Coordinator after the foundation is constructed and inspected.

How long does it take to receive an address on my dwelling?

The GIS Coordinator assigns the address within 1 or 2 weeks of receiving the request. The property owner will then receive a light green postcard with the new address within a few days of when the address is assigned.

Does the County address accessory structures?

The County does not address accessory structures unless it is approved.

How do roads get named in the County?

Warren County Code Section 142 explains the restrictions and definitions for naming of roads. Name requests for platted private or other right-of-way access roads serving three (3) or more residences will be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator and from a list of three names submitted by the subdivision developer, property owners association or property owners to be adjacent to the new road. Road names must not be similar or identical to other road names in the County or the Town of Front Royal. Road names in compliance are put on the consent agenda for the Board of Supervisors once a name has been agreed on from the list of names. A public hearing is not required but may be scheduled by the Board at its discretion.

How do I access the County’s GIS (Geographic Information System) website?

Go to the website address: http://www.warrengis.org/ as your website. A disclaimer will pop-up which must be answered prior to use of the website. Tutorials for the website along with the GIS manager’s e-mail can be accessed via the question mark (?) icon on the right side of the toolbar. Any specific user questions can be directed to County Planning staff or the GIS Coordinator. Zoning for a property can be found by selecting the Layer Control icon in the toolbar and scrolling down to Zoning on the sidebar panel and then toggling the layer visibility button (green+) in the upper right corner and zooming to selected parcel using the search panel or zoom tool. Use the legend in the layer control panel to identify the underlying zoning district.

* Denotes question for Warren County Citizens Guide update.