Changing a Property’s Zoning District

Every property in Pittsylvania County is assigned to one of the twelve zoning districts outlined in the Zoning Ordinance, which was adopted in 1991. These districts are:

• Agricultural District (A-1)
• Residential Estates District (RE)
• Residential Suburban Subdivision District (R-1)
• Residential Combined Subdivision District (RC-1)
• Residential Multi-Family District (RMF)
• Residential Planned Unit Development (RPD)
• Residential Manufactured House Park District (MHP)
• Business District, Limited (B-1)
• Business District, General (B-2)
• Industrial District, Light Industry (M-1)
• Industrial District, Heavy Industry (M-2)
• Conservation District (C-1)

Each district has regulations that govern development within the district and allow for certain uses that are considered compatible with the district’s purpose. In each zoning classification, some uses are allowed by right, while others require a special use permit.

Sometimes, a property’s zoning classification must be changed in order to allow the property to be developed or used in a certain way. This process is called rezoning.

How to Rezone a Property

To get a property added to a different zoning classification, a rezoning application must be submitted to the Department of Community Development by 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.  In the event of a holiday, the deadline is the preceding Wednesday by 5 p.m. You can return this rezoning application to Community Development via email, fax, or in-person at 53 N. Main Street, Chatham.

The application is heard by the Planning Commission during a public hearing to allow for community input. The Planning Commission makes a recommendation of approval or denial to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors then reviews the application during another public hearing to allow additional public input before either affirming or overturning the Planning Commission’s recommendation. In order for the rezoning to be approved, the request must be compatible with existing zoning designations in the area, surrounding development, and the County’s Comprehensive Plan.