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1. When do I need a Zoning permit to do work?

The Botetourt County Code of Ordinances explains best when a Zoning permit is required:

Sec. 25-571. - Zoning permits.

No permitted principal or accessory building, structure or use, or building, structure or use permissible by special exception shall be constructed, reconstructed, moved, added to or structurally altered or otherwise allowed without a permit therefore issued by the building official and approved by the zoning administrator.

A zoning permit is required in all cases where a building permit is required.

2. How do I apply for a Zoning permit?

Zoning permits can be applied for by filling out the appropriate PDF application from the website and submitting it by email. For residential projects please send them to [email protected]. For commercial projects please send them to [email protected]. Future versions of the permitting software will offer more interactive online options for more efficient service.

3. After applying how long does it take to have a Zoning permit issued?

The timeframe, or turn around time, for a Zoning permit to be reviewed varies based on the workload the department has at the time. For the most accurate information concerning this question please contact the department directly at (540)928-2080 during normal business hours.

4. I need a plat or survey of my property. Where can I find one?

The first place to check is with the Clerk of Courts in Fincastle. Sometimes they will have documents on hand that can be helpful. In the absence of those documents a professional may need to be retained by the property owner to complete a survey. The County does not survey properties.

5. I would like temporary power to a site, how do I apply for it?

Please apply for an electrical permit. Temporary power can only be granted to sites with currently permitted construction activities. This can include new construction, renovations, or disaster recovery. Temporary power is not permitted to be used to power RVs, campers, or any other use.

6. Where can my RV/camper be stored on my own property?

If you have a utility trailer, RV, camper, boat, or other recreational vehicle at your home it must be kept behind the front building line of your house (to the side or rear), in an enclosed garage or in another building. If your house is on a corner lot that fronts on two streets the storage is only permitted to be as close to either street as the house.

7. Where can I live in my RV/camper in the County?

Occupancy of RVs and campers is only allowed in permitted recreational vehicle parks. Otherwise RVs and campers are not permitted to be used as dwellings even on a temporary basis.

8. When is a sign permit required? What signs are exempt and what are prohibited?

The County code section on sign begins with subpoints on intent, when permits are required, when permits are not required, and what signs are prohibited. Please follow the link to this section in its entirety. 

Section 25-461, Signs

9. Where can I operate a food truck in Botetourt County?

Food trucks are not currently a permitted use within Botetourt County at this time. Checking with the three independent towns of Fincastle, Troutville, and Buchanan may offer different opportunities.

10. I have received a Zoning Courtesy Notice or Notice of Violation. What do I do next?

After reading over the notice please contact the Code Enforcement Officer using the information at the bottom of the letter. Having a plan, application for a permit, or other components that could aid compliance on hand will be helpful. Know the finding a code compliant solution is the goal of this staff member. In person meetings in the office can be requested and very helpful to the process. Site visits are available when the Code Enforcement Officer deems them as necessary but are not guaranteed.

11. What animals are allowed and what are prohibited from residential Zoning use districts?

Please follow the link for the complete code section. A key excerpt is listed below. Please review the section in its entirety. Contact the Zoning office with any questions.

Section 25-431, Accessory uses and structures; parcel limitations

(g) Home agriculture.

(3) General requirements.

a. Animals not addressed in this section are not permitted under the "home agriculture" use category.

b. Home agriculture may only be located on parcels with a single-family, detached residence.

c. The minimum lot size for poultry and rabbits is fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet.

(4) Animals allowed.

a. Poultry. Up to twelve (12) of any combination of chickens (hens only), quail, pheasant, pigeons and doves. Roosters, capons, ducks, guinea fowl, geese, peacocks and turkeys are prohibited.

b. Rabbits. Up to six (6) over six (6) months of age and up to fifteen (15) under four (4) months of age.

c. Honeybees (see section 25-447 (f)).

 

12. Where can I find the Zoning ordinance about wind energy systems?

Section 25-446, Wind energy systems

13. What does the term Substantial Improvement mean in Zoning?

When the cost of improvement to a building (or the cost to repair a building to the pre-damaged condition) is greater than or equal to 50% of the value of the building the work is considered a substantial improvement. Property owners with buildings in the Flood Hazard Overlay, which comprises the Floodplain and Floodway, need to be aware of this FEMA regulation.

FEMA - Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved or Substantially Damaged Buildings