This chapter of the Code of the County of Stafford, Virginia, may also be known as the "Stafford County Zoning Ordinance," or simply the "zoning ordinance."

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-101, 8-9-94)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Stafford County, Virginia, and to accomplish the objectives and purposes of Code of Virginia § 15.1-427 and the provisions of article 8, chapter 11, title 15.1 of the Code of Virginia.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-102, 8-9-94)

The provisions of this chapter are adopted pursuant to the authority of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-103, 8-9-94)

(a)

No building, structure, or land within the jurisdictional territory of Stafford County, Virginia, shall hereafter be used, changed in use, developed or occupied, and no building or structure, or any part thereof, shall hereafter be erected, constructed, re-constructed, moved, or structurally altered, except in conformance with the regulations specified in this chapter.

(b)

No yard or lot existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter shall be reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements set forth in this chapter. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this chapter shall meet the minimum requirements established by this chapter, subject to the provisions of Code of Virginia § 15.1-492.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-104, 8-9-94)

Chapter 28 as in effect prior to [August 9, 1994,] the date of adoption of this chapter is hereby repealed, and replaced by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-105, 8-9-94)

If any portion of this chapter is in conflict with a Virginia Statute, the Virginia Statute shall prevail. If any portion of this chapter is in conflict with another portion of this chapter, or with another section of the Stafford County Code, the more restrictive provision shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-106, 8-9-94)

If any part of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person, property, or circumstance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter and its application to other persons, property, or circumstances shall not be affected.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-107, 8-9-94)

This chapter of the Stafford County, Virginia, Code shall become effective on January 1, 1995.

(Ord. No. 094-29, § 28-108, 8-9-94)