Purpose: This Chapter is enacted to promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the County. It is the intention of the Board of Supervisors that the provisions of this Chapter will implement the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan of the County by encouraging the most desirable use of the land for residential, recreational, agricultural, forestry, commercial, industrial, conservation, public service, floodplain, drainage, and other purposes; by encouraging the most appropriate use and occupancy of buildings; by protecting and improving the quality of the waters within and adjacent to the County; and by promoting good civic design and arrangement. The provisions of this Chapter provide reasonable standards with respect to the location, height, bulk, size of buildings, and other structures; yard areas, courts, off-street parking facilities and other open spaces; the use of buildings, structures; and land for trade, industry, business, residence, or other purposes.

Generally. The standards in the following overlays supersede the typical district standards identified in Article 2, Divisions 2, 3, and 4 and the development standards in Article 4 where applicable.  Where the overlay does not have a standard or is silent, the County-wide standards shall apply.

Land Uses. The permitted by-right (P), permitted subject to restrictions (R), conditional (C), conditional use with additional guidance (C*), special exception (S), and prohibited uses are set out in the underlying zoning district (see Article 3, Uses).

1. A.
   Established. The zoning district boundaries are shown on the "Zoning Map.” This map is adopted and made a part of this Chapter.  
2. B.
   Effect. All notations, references, and other information shown on the Zoning Map have the same force and effect as though fully set forth and described in this Chapter.  However, if there is an inconsistency between any information shown on the Zoning Map and any decision made by the Board of Supervisors or Board of Zoning Appeals after January 1, 1973, the decision of the Board of Supervisors or Board of Zoning Appeals governs.
3. C.
   Location. The Zoning Map and district boundaries derive from the authoritative data source provided by the Director of Planning and maintained by the County's Geographic Information System (GIS).  The Director of Planning shall preserve the Zoning Map and file it in either hard copy or digital form. The map shall be available in the Planning Department for public inspection along with the Ordinance creating the conditions, in addition to the zoning district regulations.
4. D.
   Changes. The Director of Planning shall cause all extensions, contractions, or other changes made in the boundaries to be indicated on the Zoning Map as soon as practicable after the effective dates of a zoning approval.
5. E.
   Conditions. The Zoning Map shall show, by appropriate symbols, the existence of conditions attached to the zoning of a property.
6. F.
   Zoning District Boundary Uncertainty. If uncertainty exists regarding the location of the boundary line of a zoning or overlay district shown on the Zoning Map, the boundary line is determined as follows:

   1. 1.
      As shown on any map or plat which accompanied the rezoning request;
   2. 2.
      Using the center line of any road or alley nearest the periphery of the district;
   3. 3.
      Using the property line of the lots or blocks nearest the periphery of the district if there is no road or alley; or
   4. 4.
      Using the distance as measured on the Zoning Map.
7. G.
   Adjustment of Boundary Due to Vacation of Right-of-Way. If any road, alley, or other right-of-way is vacated by official action, the zoning district adjoining each side of the road, alley, or right-of-way is automatically extended to the center line of the vacation.

The County is divided into the following zoning districts:

Purpose. The Agricultural (A) District provides land areas for large lot single-family dwellings as well as forest and farmland including agricultural and silvicultural operations and ancillary uses that contribute to and complement the natural environment and rural character. The role of this district is to preserve natural areas, water resources, wildlife habitat, and open spaces while protecting the rural economy of the County and preventing the encroachment of premature and incompatible land uses.

1. A.
   Applicability. The A District should be used to implement the areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan as Rural Residential/Agricultural (maximum 0.2 dwelling units per acre) or Residential Agricultural (maximum 0.5 dwelling units per acre). Displayed in Figure 19.2-8.2, Illustrated Renderings, are graphic depictions of the lot and building standards. The standards in Table 19.2-8.1, Agricultural (A) Lot and Building Standards, reflect a base development pattern and one non-residential option with private well and septic systems:

   1. 1.
      Base Pattern. The base pattern provides for rural residential development on five acre or larger parcels.  Standards are included to accommodate parcels that were approved before the effective date of this Chapter. 
   2. 2.
      Option 1. This option allows for non-residential development that serves the needs of the County's agricultural community and rural residents.
2. B.
   Land Uses. The uses available in this district are listed in Sec. 19.2-29, Principal Use Matrix, and Sec 19.2-31, Accessory Use Matrix.

3. C.
   Dimensional Standards.

4. D.
   Family Subdivision. Lots created through the family subdivision process identified in Sec. 17-42 shall have a minimum size of one acre and a minimum road frontage of 15 feet, excluding frontage on the terminus of a stub road intended to serve future development. Unless otherwise stated here, the bulk standards for Agricultural District parcels/lots recorded after 2/27/01 shall apply.

Figure 19.2-8.1,  A Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1

Figure 19.2-8.1,  A Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1

Figure 19.2-8.1,  A Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1

Figure 19.2-8.1,  A Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1

5. E.
   References to Other Related Standards. 

(ZO-2025-002, Relative to Auto Sales, Required Utility Connections, and Site Plans, adopted 12/17/2025, effective 01/01/2026) 

Purpose. The Rural Community (RC) District provides for residential development on minimum five acre lots.  The role of the RC District is to provide a large lot subdivision development option served by new or existing public roads in the rural areas of the County with limited agricultural related uses.

1. A.
   Applicability. The RC district should be used to implement the areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan as Rural Residential / Agricultural (maximum 0.2 dwelling units per acre) or Residential Agricultural (maximum 0.5 dwelling units per acre).  The standards in Table 19.2-9, RC Lot and Building Standards, reflect a minimum five-acre lot served by private well and septic systems. Displayed in Figure 19.2-9.2, RC Illustrated Renderings, are graphic depictions of the lot and building standards.
2. B.
   Land Uses. The uses available in this district are listed in Sec. 19.2-29, Principal Use Matrix and Sec. 19.2-31, Accessory Use Matrix.
3. C.
   Dimensional Standards. 

4. D.
   Family Subdivision. Lots created through the family subdivision process identified in Sec. 17-42 shall meet the bulk standards of this Section.

Figure 19.2-9.1, RC Illustrated Renderings
Base

Figure 19.2-9.1, RC Illustrated Renderings
Base

Figure 19.2-9.1, RC Illustrated Renderings
Base

Figure 19.2-9.1, RC Illustrated Renderings
Base

(ZO-2025-002, Relative to Auto Sales, Required Utility Connections, and Site Plans, adopted 12/17/2025, effective 01/01/2026) 

Purpose. The Semi-Rural Neighborhood (SR) District provides for residential development on larger lot sizes ranging from two acres to half-acre. The role of the SR District is to transition from the rural areas to developing areas of the County by encouraging developments that incorporate environmental features and green areas as key components.

1. A.
   Applicability. The SR District should be used to implement the areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan as Residential Agricultural (maximum 0.5 dwelling units per acre) and Residential Neighborhood 1 (maximum of 1.0 dwelling unit per acre), typically located in the southernmost part of the County. Displayed in Figure 19.2-10.2, SR Illustrated Renderings, are graphic depictions of the lot and building standards. The standards in Table 19.2-10.1, SR Lot and Building Standards, reflect a base development pattern and two options for single-family development:

   1. 1.
      Base Pattern.  The base pattern provides for estate-sized lots of at least two acres served by water and private septic systems. 
   2. 2.
      Option 1. This option provides for one acre lots served by public water and private septic.
   3. 3.
      Option 2.  This option provides for half-acre lots served by both public water and wastewater.

2. B.
   Land Uses. The uses available in this district are listed in Sec. 19.2-29, Principal Use Matrix, and Sec. 19.2-31, Accessory Use Matrix.

3. C.
   Dimensional Standards.

4. D.
   Family Subdivision. Lots created through the family subdivision process identified in Sec. 17.1-42 shall meet the bulk standards for the Base Pattern of this Section. Utility connection requirements may be administratively waived for a family subdivision.
5. E.
   Properties not subdivided before January 1, 2026. Property zoned R-88, R-40, and R-25 and not subdivided prior to January 1, 2026, shall be controlled by 19.2-72.C.

Figure 19.2-10.1, SR Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-10.1, SR Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-10.1, SR Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-10.1, SR Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

6. F.
   References to Other Related Standards.

(ZO-2025-002, Relative to Auto Sales, Required Utility Connections, and Site Plans, adopted 12/17/2025, effective 01/01/2026) 

Purpose. The Suburban Community (SC) District provides for quality single-family neighborhoods in the developing areas of the County and as infill opportunities within established areas of the County. Developments in the SC District should feature connectivity to employment centers, services, amenities, and other neighborhoods.

1. A.
   Applicability. The SC District should be used to implement the areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan as Residential Neighborhood 2 (2.0 dwelling units per acre or less), Phased Residential (2.0 dwelling units per acre or less) or Residential Neighborhood 4  (4.0 dwelling units per acre or less). Displayed in Figure 19.2-11.1, SC Illustrated Renderings, are graphic depictions of the lot and building standards.  The standards in Table 19.2-11.1, SC Lot and Building Standards, reflect a single-family base development pattern and two single-family options served by public water and wastewater:

   1. 1.
      Base Pattern.  The base pattern provides for large lot residences on third-acre (14,500 sf.) lots.
   2. 2.
      Option 1. This option provides for quarter-acre (11,000 sf.) lots.
   3. 3.
      Option 2.  This option provides for fifth-acre (8,000 sf.) lots  with amenity space.
2. B.
   Land Uses. The uses available in this district are listed in Sec. 19.2-29, Principal Use Matrix, and Sec. 19.2-31, Accessory Use Matrix.

3. C.
   Dimensional Standards.

4. D.
   Family Subdivision. Lots created through the family subdivision process identified in Sec. 17.1-42 shall meet the bulk standards for the Base Pattern of this Section. Utility connection requirements may be administratively waived for a family subdivision.
5. E.
   Properties not subdivided before January 1, 2026. Property zoned R-15, R-12, or R-9 and not subdivided prior to January 1, 2026, shall be controlled by 19.2-72.C.

Figure 19.2-11.1, SC Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-11.1, SC Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-11.1, SC Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

Figure 19.2-11.1, SC Illustrated Renderings
Base
Option 1
Option 2

6. F.
   References to Other Related Standards.

(ZO-2025-002, Relative to Auto Sales, Required Utility Connections, and Site Plans, adopted 12/17/2025, effective 01/01/2026) 

Purpose. The Semi-Urban Neighborhood (SU) District provides for single-family dwellings on smaller lots. The role of the SU District is to provide a transition from corridors and more intensely developed areas to single-family neighborhoods and may be appropriate in areas where environmental constraints make achieving Comprehensive Plan densities difficult.  Developments in the SU District are encouraged to integrate affordable housing with market-rate development where appropriate.

1. A.
   Applicability. The SU District should be used to implement the areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan as Residential Neighborhood 4 (4.0 dwelling units per acre or less) and Residential Neighborhood 8 (8.0 dwelling units per acre or less). These areas are located along arterial roads and are used to transition higher and lower intensity land uses.  Displayed in Figure 19.2-12.1, SU Illustrated Renderings, are graphic depictions of the lot and building standards.  The standards in Table 19.2-12.1, SU Lot and Building Standards, reflect a base development pattern and two options all requiring connection to public water and wastewater systems:

   1. 1.
      Base Pattern.  The base pattern provides for single-family uses on 7,500 square foot lots with amenity space.
   2. 2.
      Option 1. This option provides for single-family uses on 6,000 square foot lots with amenity space.
   3. 3.
      Option 2. This option provides for single-family uses on 4,500 square foot lots with amenity space.
2. B.
   Land Uses. The uses available in this district are listed in Sec. 19.2-29, Principal Use Matrix, and Sec. 19.2-31, Accessory Use Matrix.

3. C.
   Dimensional Standards.