Mission

Responsibilities

The Planning Department is responsible for developing and recommending growth management strategies, encouraging aesthetically pleasing development, and ensuring our community grows through positive land use development practices. Specifically, the division is responsible for:

• Processing and reviewing rezoning applications, conditional use permits, zoning complaints, site plans, and subdivisions. Section 15.2-2240 of the Code of Virginia requires that all localities have subdivision ordinances. Section 10.1-2109 of the Code of Virginia requires all localities in Tidewater Virginia to have zoning ordinances
• Providing staff support to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, including reviewing and providing recommendations on all land use matters presented to the commission and the board
• Developing, reviewing, and updating the county’s comprehensive plan and development ordinances. Section 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia requires all localities to have a comprehensive plan and set requirements for review and update
• Assisting in the preparation of the county’s Capital Improvement Program. Section 15.2-2239 of the Code of Virginia requires localities to have capital improvement programs and stipulates that they must include the planning commission’s review and recommendations
• Providing accurate and timely demographic and economic data and projections to staff, agencies, boards, commissions, and the general public