Zoning Procedures

If you're planning to start a new business in an existing building in Warren County (outside the Town of Front Royal), you must follow these steps:

1. Verify that the property is zoned for the proposed use.
2. If the property has the correct zoning and the business will move into an existing business structure, you must:
   • Apply to the Planning Department for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity isn't a use by right, you might need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit or request an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Contact the Planning Department for specific requirements.
   • Submit a letter of intent to the Planning Department addressed to the Planning Commission at least 14 days before the monthly meeting (held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month).
   • Visit the Commissioner of the Revenue's office to obtain a County business license.
   • Register your trade name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
3. If the property doesn't have the appropriate zoning, you'll need to apply for rezoning. This process requires a public hearing before both the Warren County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Discuss the specifics of your project with the Planning Department.

For a new business or an existing business planning to construct a new building, you should:

1. Ensure that the property is zoned for the proposed use and is suitable for development (i.e., it's not in a floodplain or geological risk area).
2. If the property has the correct zoning, you must:
   • Appear before the Warren County Planning Commission for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity isn't a use by right, you might need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit or request an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
   • Submit twelve (12) copies of an engineered site plan and a letter of intent to the Planning Department at least 14 days before the monthly meeting (held on the 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 approving the construction methods and sediment and erosion control plan.
   • Obtain a business license and register your trade name as described above.
3. If the property doesn't have the correct zoning, you'll need to apply for rezoning as described above.

• 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.

Useful Links:

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