Zoning Procedures

Steps necessary for a new business locating in an existing building to start operations in the County of Warren (outside the Town of Front Royal) are as follows:

• Ensure that the property is zoned for the proposed use.
• If the property has proper zoning and the business is moving into an existing business structure, the business must:
  • Apply to the Planning Department for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity is not a use by right, either a Conditional Use Permit or a request for an amendment to the zoning ordinance will be required.  Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
  • Submit a letter of intent to the Planning Department addressed to the Planning Commission at least 14 days prior to the monthly meeting (2nd Wednesday of each month).
  • Go to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office for a County business license.
  • Register trade name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
• If the property does not have the proper zoning, a rezoning is needed. Rezoning requires a public hearing before both the Warren County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Specifics of the project should be discussed with the Planning Department.

A new business or an existing business wishing to construct a new building would need to follow these steps:

• Ensure that the property is zoned for the proposed use and is suitable for development (i.e., not in a floodplain or geological risk area).
• If the property has proper zoning, the business must:
  • Appear before the Warren County Planning Commission for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity is not a use by right, either a Conditional Use Permit or a request for an amendment to the zoning ordinance will be required. Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
  • Submit to the Planning Department twelve (12) copies of an engineered site plan and a letter of intent addressed to the Planning Commission at least 14 days prior to the monthly meeting (2nd Wednesday of each month).
  • Apply for a building permit at the Building Department after approval has been received.  The Building Department is responsible for for approving the construction methods and sediment and erosion control plan.
  • Obtain business license and register trade name as previously described.
• If the property does not have proper zoning a rezoning is needed as described above.

Useful Links:

• ECode360 Website (current Warren County zoning ordinances)
• Frequently Asked Questions