Purcellville City Zoning Code
Complete index of all zoning chapters, sections, and subsections
ARTICLE 1
- INTRODUCTION AND USING THIS ORDINANCE
Sections
- Sec. 1.1.- Title and effective date.
- Sec. 1.2. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 1.3. - Applicability.
- Sec. 1.4. - Rules of interpretation and construction.
- Sec. 1.5. - Rules of measurement.
- Sec. 1.6. - Clear visibility triangle.
- Sec. 1.7. - Encroachments.
- Sec. 1.8.1. - Lot area.
- Sec. 1.8.2. - Yards and open space.
- Sec. 1.8.3. - Front yards.
- Sec. 1.8.4. - Side yards.
- Sec. 1.8.5. - Rear yards.
- Sec. 1.9. - Saving provision/invalidity.
- Sec. 1.10. - Pending applications for permits.
- Sec. 1.11. - Conformance with regulations required.
- Sec. 1.12. - Location on a lot required.
- Sec. 1.13. - Structures built on more than one lot.
- Sec. 1.14. - Street frontage required.
- Sec. 1.15. - Encroachment; reduction of lot area.
- Sec. 1.16. - Accessory buildings; prior construction.
- Sec. 1.17. - Reference to Virginia Condominium Act.
- Sec. 1.18.1. - General requirements.
- Sec. 1.18.2. - Nonconforming uses.
- Sec. 1.18.3. - Nonconformities.
- Sec. 1.18.4. - Nonconforming lots.
- Sec. 1.19. - Ordinance roadmap.
- Sec. 1.20. - Cluster subdivisions.
- Sec. 1.20.1. - Clustering permitted.
- Sec. 1.20.2. - Procedures.
- Sec. 1.20.3. - Resubdivision.
- Sec. 1.20.4. - Floodplain and water areas.
- Sec. 1.20.5. - Reduction of lot area, lot width and yard areas permitted.
- Sec. 1.20.6. - Compatibility with developed properties.
- Sec. 1.20.7. - Public facilities and open spaces.
- Sec. 1.20.8. - Maintenance of common ownership properties.
- Sec. 1.20.9. - Preservation of landscape amenities.
ARTICLE 2
- BASE DISTRICTS
Sections
- Sec. 2.1.- Establishment of base districts.
- Sec. 2.2. - Establishment of the zoning map.
- Sec. 2.3.1. - Revisions of the zoning map.
- Sec. 2.3.2. - Informational copies of the zoning map.
- Sec. 2.4. - Interpretation of zoning map boundaries.
- Sec. 2.5. - Zoning upon annexation.
- Sec. 2.6. - R-2 single-family detached residential low density.
- Sec. 2.6.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.6.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.6.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.7. - R-3 single-family detached residential medium density.
- Sec. 2.7.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.7.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.7.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.8. - R-8 single-family attached residential.
- Sec. 2.8.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.8.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.8.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.9. - R-15 multi-family apartment building residential.
- Sec. 2.9.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.9.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.9.3. - Generally applicable rules.
- Sec. 2.10. - C-1 professional office.
- Sec. 2.10.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.10.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.10.3. - Special approval for offices and other business buildings.
- Sec. 2.10.4. - Additional standards and requirements for special permit uses.
- Sec. 2.10.5. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.11. - MC mixed commercial (neighborhood and medium).
- Sec. 2.11.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.11.3. - Additional design standards for all uses.
- Sec. 2.11.4. - Additional standards and requirements for special permit uses.
- Sec. 2.11.5. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.12. - C-4 Mixed-use neighborhood scale.
- Sec. 2.12.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.12.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.12.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.13. - IB industrial business.
- Sec. 2.13.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.13.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.13.3. - Special regulations for manufacturing and commercial buildings.
- Sec. 2.13.4. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.14. - IG institutional and government.
- Sec. 2.14.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.14.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.14.3. - Additional design standards for all uses.
- Sec. 2.14.4. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.15. - AC agricultural tourism commercial.
- Sec. 2.15.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.15.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.15.3. - Additional standards for certain uses.
- Sec. 2.15.4. - Exceptions to development standards.
- Sec. 2.15.5. - Design standards.
- Sec. 2.15.6. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.16.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.16.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.16.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
- Sec. 2.17.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 2.17.2. - Development standards.
- Sec. 2.17.3. - Generally applicable regulations.
ARTICLE 3
- USES
Sections
- Sec. 3.1.- Uses not permitted are prohibited.
- Sec. 3.2. - Similar use determinations.
- Sec. 3.3. - Permitted and conditional uses by district.
- Sec. 3.4. - Use standards.
- Sec. 3.5. - Construction trailers.
- Sec. 3.6. - Home occupations.
- Sec. 3.7. - Temporary family health care structures.
- Sec. 3.8. - Use of certain facilities for dwelling not permitted.
- Sec. 3.9. - Short-term rentals.
- Sec. 3.10. - Small cell facilities.
ARTICLE 4
- OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Sections
- Sec. 4.1.- Intent of overlay districts.
- Sec. 4.2. - List of overlay districts.
- Sec. 4.3. - Authority.
- Sec. 4.4. - Administration of overlay districts.
- Sec. 4.5. - DN downtown north overlay district.
- Sec. 4.5.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.5.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.5.3. - Land use permitted.
- Sec. 4.5.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.5.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.6.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.6.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.6.3. - Land uses permitted.
- Sec. 4.6.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.6.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.7. - DSW downtown southwest overlay district.
- Sec. 4.7.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.7.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.7.3. - Land use permitted.
- Sec. 4.7.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.7.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.8. - EM east main overlay district.
- Sec. 4.8.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.8.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.8.3. - Land uses permitted.
- Sec. 4.8.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.8.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.9. - HE Hirst east overlay district.
- Sec. 4.9.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.9.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.9.3. - Land use permitted.
- Sec. 4.9.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.9.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.10. - HW Hirst west overlay district.
- Sec. 4.10.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.10.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.10.3. - Land use permitted.
- Sec. 4.10.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.10.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.11. - WE west end overlay district.
- Sec. 4.11.1. - Intent.
- Sec. 4.11.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.11.3. - Land uses permitted.
- Sec. 4.11.4. - Lot and bulk standards.
- Sec. 4.11.5. - Site design standards.
- Sec. 4.12.1. - Purpose of chapter.
- Sec. 4.12.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 4.12.3. - Compliance and liability.
- Sec. 4.12.4. - Abrogation and greater restrictions.
- Sec. 4.12.5. - Severability.
- Sec. 4.12.6. - Penalties.
- Sec. 4.12.7. - Definitions.
- Sec. 4.12.8. - Establishment of the floodplain overlay district.
- Sec. 4.12.9. - Official zoning map.
- Sec. 4.12.10. - District boundary change.
- Sec. 4.12.11. - Interpretation of district boundaries.
- Sec. 4.12.12. - General provisions.
- Sec. 4.12.13. - Factors to be considered when granting variances.
- Sec. 4.12.14. - Design criteria for utilities and facilities.
- Sec. 4.12.15. - Existing structures in the floodplain overlay district.
- Sec. 4.12.16. - Administration.
- Sec. 4.12.17. - Standards for subdivision proposals.
- Sec. 4.13.1. - Purpose and definitions.
- Sec. 4.13.2. - Architectural control overlay districts (ACOD).
- Sec. 4.13.3. - Historic corridor overlay district (HCOD).[1]
- Sec. 4.13.4. - Historic properties overlay district (HPOD).
- Sec. 4.13.5. - Modification of development standards in AR overlay districts.
- Sec. 4.13.6. - Administration.
- Sec. 4.13.7. - Appeals.
- Sec. 4.13.8. - Design criteria.
ARTICLE 5
- LANDSCAPING, BUFFERS, SCREENING, FENCING, AND OPEN SPACE
Sections
- Sec. 5.1.- Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 5.3. - Flexibility in administration.
- Sec. 5.4. - Landscape plan required.
- Sec. 5.5. - Special use permits.
- Sec. 5.6. - Required landscaping, buffering and open space areas.
- Sec. 5.7.1. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.7.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 5.7.3. - Credit for existing vegetation.
- Sec. 5.7.4. - Removal of existing trees.
- Sec. 5.7.5. - Tree preservation and protection measures.
- Sec. 5.8.1. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.8.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 5.8.3. - Streetscaping standards.
- Sec. 5.9.1. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.9.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 5.9.3. - Bufferyards and screening.
- Sec. 5.9.4. - Buffering matrix.
- Sec. 5.9.5. - Buffering of outdoor storage lots, loading areas, and the like.
- Sec. 5.9.6. - Buffering along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.
- Sec. 5.9.7. - County adjoiners.
- Sec. 5.9.8. - Modifications of buffering requirements.
- Sec. 5.10.1. - Utilities and easements.
- Sec. 5.10.2. - Overhead utility lines.
- Sec. 5.10.3. - Minimum specifications for plant materials.
- Sec. 5.10.4. - Planting procedures.
- Sec. 5.10.5. - Plant lists.
- Sec. 5.10.6. - Minimum plant spacing.
- Sec. 5.10.7. - Monitoring and enforcement.
- Sec. 5.10.8. - Maintenance requirements.
- Sec. 5.10.9. - Sight distance.
- Sec. 5.11.1. - Purpose.
- Sec. 5.11.2. - Minimum open space required.
- Sec. 5.11.3. - Nonresidential properties.
- Sec. 5.11.4. - Open space for residential properties.
- Sec. 5.11.5. - Submission requirements.
- Sec. 5.12.1. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.12.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 5.12.3. - Permitted encroachments.
- Sec. 5.12.4. - Parking lot landscaping, overall requirements.
- Sec. 5.12.5. - Perimeter parking lot landscaping.
- Sec. 5.12.6. - Interior parking lot landscaping.
- Sec. 5.12.7. - Modification of parking lot landscaping requirements.
- Sec. 5.13.1. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 5.13.2. - Stream and creek buffer established.
- Sec. 5.13.3. - Effect of buffer.
- Sec. 5.13.4. - Development criteria.
- Sec. 5.13.5. - Exceptions.
- Sec. 5.14. - Fencing and screening.
- Sec. 5.15. - Refuse storage.
ARTICLE 6
- OUTDOOR LIGHTING REGULATIONS
Sections
- Sec. 6.1.- Statement of purpose.
- Sec. 6.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 6.3. - Definitions.
- Sec. 6.4. - Exempt outdoor lighting and related acts.
- Sec. 6.5. - Temporary exemptions.
- Sec. 6.6. - Prohibitions.
- Sec. 6.7. - Lighting permit required.
- Sec. 6.8. - Lighting standards.
- Sec. 6.9. - Glare standards.
- Sec. 6.10. - Nonconforming lighting.
ARTICLE 7
- PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
Sections
- Sec. 7.1.1. - Off-street parking requirements.
- Sec. 7.1.2. - Applicability.
- Sec. 7.1.3. - Temporary closures.
- Sec. 7.1.4. - Spaces for the handicapped.
- Sec. 7.1.5. - Parking alternatives.
- Sec. 7.1.6. - Off-street parking and drive aisle standards.
- Sec. 7.1.7. - Additional parking lot and drive aisle design standards.
- Sec. 7.2. - On-site loading standards.
- Sec. 7.3.1. - Bicycle parking for multi-family buildings.
- Sec. 7.3.2. - Bicycle parking for all other uses.
- Sec. 7.4.1. - Watercraft and recreational vehicle parking.
- Sec. 7.4.2. - Commercial vehicle parking.
ARTICLE 8
- SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections
- Sec. 8.1 - Statement of purpose.
- Sec. 8.2. - Protection of First Amendment rights.
- Sec. 8.3. - Applicability.
- Sec. 8.4. - Sign permit required.
- Sec. 8.5. - Definitions.
- Sec. 8.6. - Prohibited signs.
- Sec. 8.7. - Exempt signs.
- Sec. 8.8. - Temporary signage.
- Sec. 8.9. - Legal nonconforming signs.
- Sec. 8.10. - Signs permitted.
- Sec. 8.11. - Maintenance and construction.
- Sec. 8.12. - Permits.
- Sec. 8.13. - Removal of illegal signs.
ARTICLE 10
- ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
Sections
- Sec. 10.1.1. - Board of architectural review (BAR).
- Sec. 10.1.2. - Board of zoning appeals (BZA).
- Sec. 10.1.3. - Planning commission.
- Sec. 10.1.4. - Planning and community development department.
- Sec. 10.2.1. - Authority.
- Sec. 10.2.2. - Composition.
- Sec. 10.2.3. - Organization.
- Sec. 10.2.4. - Procedure.
- Sec. 10.2.5. - Powers.
- Sec. 10.3.1. - Authority.
- Sec. 10.3.2. - Composition.
- Sec. 10.3.3. - Organization.
- Sec. 10.3.4. - Procedure.
- Sec. 10.3.5. - Powers.
- Sec. 10.4.1. - Authority.
- Sec. 10.4.2. - Composition.
- Sec. 10.4.3. - Organization.
- Sec. 10.4.4. - Procedure.
- Sec. 10.4.5. - Powers.
- Sec. 10.5.1. - Jurisdiction and authority.
- Sec. 10.5.2. - Procedures for variance.
- Sec. 10.5.3. - Standards for variance.
- Sec. 10.5.4. - Conditions and restrictions.
- Sec. 10.5.5. - Burden of applicant.
- Sec. 10.5.6. - Reconsideration.
- Sec. 10.5.7. - Conformance and expansion.
- Sec. 10.6. - Amendment of variance.
- Sec. 10.7.1. - Purpose of special use permit.
- Sec. 10.7.2. - General guides and standards.
- Sec. 10.7.3. - Specific guides and standards.
- Sec. 10.7.4. - Procedures for approval of special use permits.
- Sec. 10.7.5. - Planning commission review and recommendation.
- Sec. 10.7.6. - Town council review and decision.
- Sec. 10.7.7. - Lapse of a special use permit.
- Sec. 10.7.8. - Modifications to approved special use permits.
- Sec. 10.8.1. - Purpose of planning commission permits.
- Sec. 10.8.2. - Procedures.
- Sec. 10.9.1. - Appeals.
- Sec. 10.9.2. - Certiorari to review decision of BZA.
- Sec. 10.10.1. - Initiation of change.
- Sec. 10.10.2. - Report from planning commission.
- Sec. 10.10.3. - Notice and hearing.
- Sec. 10.10.4. - Withdrawal of application.
- Sec. 10.10.5. - Action by the town council.
- Sec. 10.10.6. - Conditional zoning.
- Sec. 10.10.7. - Reconsideration, one-year limitation.
- Sec. 10.11.1. - Revocation of permits.
- Sec. 10.11.2. - Agreement and bond.
- Sec. 10.11.3. - Approval and extension.
- Sec. 10.11.4. - Right of developer to continue project.
- Sec. 10.11.5. - Inspection and supervision of improvements.
- Sec. 10.12.1. - Plans to accompany applications for zoning permits.
- Sec. 10.12.2. - Site plans.
- Sec. 10.12.3. - Site plan/subdivision plat preparation and permit requirements.
- Sec. 10.12.4. - Temporary site plans.
- Sec. 10.12.5. - Site grading plan.
- Sec. 10.13. - Public notices.
- Sec. 10.14.1. - Certificate of occupancy.
- Sec. 10.14.2. - Zoning permit.
- Sec. 10.14.3. - Enforcement.
- Sec. 10.14.4. - Violation and penalties.
- Sec. 10.14.5. - Conflict of interest.
- Sec. 10.14.6. - Disclosures of real parties in interest.
APPENDIX A
LEGACY DISTRICTS
Sections
- 1.1. - Purpose.
- 1.2. - Permissible uses.
- 1.3. - Use limitations.
- 1.4. - Permitted signs.
- 1.5. - Lot size standards.
- 1.6. - Yard and setback standards.
- 1.7. - Height standards.
- 1.8. - Off-street parking and loading standards.
- 1.9. - Landscaping, screening and open space.
- 2.1. - Purpose of the district.
- 2.2. - Permissible uses.
- 2.3. - Use limitations.
- 2.4. - Lot size requirements.
- 2.5. - Bulk regulations.
- 2.6. - Maximum density.
- 2.7. - Open space.
- 2.8. - Procedures for review and approval of all PDH districts.
- 2.9. - Final development plan approval.
- 2.10. - Development standards for all PDH districts.
- 2.11. - Submission requirements for PDH districts.
APPENDIX B
LAND DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION CONTROL ORDINANCE
Sections
- ARTICLE 1. - GENERAL PROVISION
- ARTICLE 2. - PREPARATION AND RECORDATION OF PLATS
- 2.1. - Preparation of subdivision plat, filing and recordation.
- 2.2. - General requirements.
- 2.3. - Subdivision plat.
- 2.4. - Submission requirements.
- 2.5. - Preliminary plat option.
- 2.6. - Construction plans required.
- 2.7. - Performance bond.
- 2.8. - Construction plans—Approval/disapproval.
- 2.9. - Approval—Period for which valid.
- 2.10. - Boundary line adjustments.
- 2.11. - Transfers, sales and zoning permits.
- 2.12. - Plat vacation.
- 2.13. - Hold harmless.
- ARTICLE 3. - DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
- ARTICLE 4. - PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS
- ARTICLE 5. - SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
- ARTICLE 6. - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- ARTICLE 7. - DEFINITIONS