Planning & Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for all short and long-range planning functions affecting the growth and development of unincorporated Botetourt County. It provides citizens with information related to short-range and long-range development of land, zoning, FEMA floodplain determinations, Home Occupation Permits, , rezoning and special exception permit (SEP) applications, site plan review, subdivision approvals, sign permits,  variances and appeals, and performs the review, inspection, and enforcement duties. 

The Planning & Zoning Division oversees the following:

• Comprehensive Planning
• Subdivision of Land and Plat Approvals  
• Floodplain Development
• Business and Home Occupation Zoning Compliance
• Zoning Complaints

All plans are required to be submitted digitally. Other than final plats requiring signatures for recordation at the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court, paper submittals larger than 11 by 17 are not accepted. Applications made via email to  Planning and Zoning will receive priority processing. 

County Code

Botetourt County Code

How much are zoning and subdivision fees?

Fee Schedule

Applications, Permits and Related Documents 

• Site Plan Development Application (PDF) 
• Short Term Rental Permit (PDF) 
• Home Occupation Permit (PDF)
• Rezoning/SEP/Text Amendment and Change in Proffers/Conditions (PDF) 
• Zoning Text and Comp Plan Amendment (PDF) 
• Pre-Application Conference Request Form (PDF) 
• Temporary Use Permit Application (PDF)
• Sign Permit Application
• Conservation Easement Statement

Planning Commission

The Botetourt County Planning Commission is composed of five members who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to represent their respective magisterial districts. The Commission makes recommendations on rezoning, text amendments, and special exception permit applications. The Board of Supervisors then makes the final decision regarding the Commission's recommendations.

For more information, including meeting agendas and minutes, please visit the Planning Commission's web page.

Incorporated Towns

There are three incorporated towns within Botetourt County. What does this mean for you? If you own property within the incorporated town limits of the Town of Buchanan,  the Town of Fincastle or the Town of Troutville, the town will guide you with any zoning, floodplain and subdivision questions. 

Here's how to contact each of the towns: 

Other Resources

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Maps

State & Federal

• FEMA Floodplain Map Store
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• VA Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• VA Department of Transportation (VDOT)