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Town Code

Permits & Applications

Town Planning Commission
& Board of Zoning Appeals

Mapping

Zoning Map

Frequently Asked Questions

American Planning Association (APA)

Virginia Chapter, APA

VAZO: Virginia Association of Zoning Officials

Virginia Association of
Zoning Officials (VAZO)

Learn about the Tobacco Heritage of South Boston
Processes, Permits, and Applications
Types of Permits
Service Cost
Minimum Review Time
 Notes

Note: All fees are doubled if construction or installation takes place prior to obtaining required permits!
Staff Services      
Zoning Permit/ Certificate of Zoning Compliance $25 2 to 5 days administrative review only
Zoning Permit/ Plot Plan required $50 2 to 5 days administrative review only
Zoning Permit/ Site Plan required $100 30 days minimum multiple agencies reviewing
Sign Permit $25 1 to 2 weeks administrative review only
Zoning Verification Letter $25 2 to 5 days administrative review only
Planning Commission      
Special Use Permit $175 60 days minimum Planning Commission & Council hearings required
Rezoning Application $175 60 days minimum Planning Commission & Council hearings required
Zoning Ordinance Amendment $250/ section 60 days minimum Planning Commission & Council hearings required
BZA      
Variance $175 6 weeks minimum BZA hearing required
Special Exception $175 6 weeks minimum BZA hearing required
Appeal to Board of Zoning Appeals $175 6 weeks minimum BZA hearing required
Subdivisions      
Preliminary Subdivision Site Plan Review $$$$ varies Admin. review for 3 lots or less
Final Subdivision Site Plan Review $$$$ varies Admin. review for 3 lots or less
Survey Plat Certification/ Lot Line Vacation $25 varies Admin. review for 3 lots or less
Publications      
Copy of Zoning Ordinance $50 1 bus. day for printing recommend online town code for free
Copy of Subdivision Ordinance $50 1 bus. day for printing recommend online town code for free
Copy of Comprehensive Plan $50 at time of payment limited number of bound color copies available

Applications for Rezonings, Special Use Permits, Major Subdivisions (4 lots or more), Variances, and Special Exceptions are due at least 6 weeks prior to the first public hearing.

Forms:       (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required Download)

•    Application for Zoning Permit/ Certificate of Zoning Compliance
•    Sign Permit Application
•    Applications to the Board of Zoning Appeals
            (Variances, Special Exceptions, Appeals of Zoning Administrator Determinations, etc.)
•    Special Use Permit Application
•    Rezoning/ Conditional Zoning Application
•    Subdivision Application
•    Site Plan Review Checklist
          (For Engineers, Surveyors, Architects, Landscape Architects for subdivisions and all construction other than single or two family residential units)

Special Use Permit Process

The uses permitted in a zoning district are classified in two ways: by-right uses and special uses.

By-right uses, which are specified in the Zoning Ordinance, do not require special permission. They simply require a site plan and in some instances a building permit. Special uses are also specified in the Zoning Ordinance but require an application to and approval from the Town Council. A Special Use Permit allows for certain land uses in a given zoning district that generally require a more in depth study than uses permitted "by-right". Special Use Permits are generally subject to certain conditions to insure that the use is appropriate to the area. In order to receive a special use permit the applicant must:

  1. Demonstrate that the proposed use will be in conformity with the statement of intent of the specific district in which it will be located and the Comprehensive Plan.

  2. Demonstrate that the proposed use will not have an adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

  3. Fulfill additional requirements for certain special uses. Please consult with the Zoning Administrator’s Office to determine whether additional requirements apply.

Other Information

  1. A pre-submission conference between the applicant and the Zoning Administrator is recommended to discuss the proposal.

  2. Applicant submits application and required materials at least 6 weeks prior to the first public hearing with the Planning Commission.

  3. Zoning Administrator studies the application and prepares a staff report on the request.

  4. Notice of public hearings by the Planning Commission and Town Council published in local newspaper for two consecutive weeks prior to the hearings. This is handled by Town Staff.

  5. Planning Commission reviews the application and staff report and holds a public hearing. Planning Commission makes a recommendation to Town Council.

  6. The Town Council holds a public hearing and makes a final decision on the permit.

  7. If approved, the applicant submits any required site plan that meets the Town's site plan requirements.

If you have any questions, please call the Planning Office at 575-4244.


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  Town of South Boston, Virginia
 
455 Ferry Street, South Boston, VA 24592
Phone: (434) 575-4200         Fax: (434) 575-4275        E-mail