Frequently Asked Questions - Zoning
Raymond P. Ocel, Jr.
Director/Zoning Administrator
715 Princess Anne Street, Room 209
P.O. Box 7447, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
Write to Mr. Ocel
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(540) 372-1179
FAX: (540) 372-6412
Office Hours: M - F
8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Debra M. Ward
Zoning Officer
715 Princess Anne Street, Room 209
P.O. Box 7447, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
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(540) 372-1179, ext. 288
FAX: (540) 372-6412
Office Hours: M - F
8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Q. How can I find out what is in the City’s Zoning Ordinances?
A. If you have access to a computer, the complete City Code is online. If you do not have computer access, you may contact the Zoning Officer with specific questions at 540-372-1179, ext. 288.
Q. I plan to open a business in the City. What should I do first?
A. Prior to obtaining a City Business License, you must first apply for a Certificate of Zoning Use. This approval from the Department of Planning & Community Development is necessary to obtain a City Business License from the Commissioner of Revenue.
Q. Can I operate a business from my home?
A. A home-based business is considered a home occupation and requires application for and approval of a Home Occupation Permit. A home occupation is permitted in any dwelling unit, subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator and the conditions/restrictions of City Code Chapter 78-71.
Q. Do I need a permit to erect a fence or wall on my property?
A. Fences and walls require approval of a fence permit. An application is required to provide information regarding location and height of the fence or wall.
Q. Do I need a permit to erect a shed or gazebo on my property?
A. A zoning permit for approval of an accessory structure is required. Review for approval includes size, height, and location. If the structure is larger than 150 square feet in area, a building permit will also be required.
Q. How can I determine if I can build a deck or an addition to my home?
A. There are several different residential districts within the City. Each have differing setback requirements. The best way to receive answers to any questions you may have regarding decks or building additions is to call the Zoning Officer and schedule an appointment.
Q. Can commercial vehicles be parked in a residential district?
A. Storage or overnight parking of commercial vehicles is prohibited in any residential district in the City of Fredericksburg. This includes private property and public streets.
Q. How many personal vehicles can a resident have?
A. There is no limit on the amount of vehicles a resident may have as long as all vehicles are properly registered and have current City decals. However, available parking in many areas of the City is limited and finding suitable parking for multiple vehicles may be difficult.
Q. How many people can live in a home?
A. The zoning office uses the zoning ordinance definition of a family to determine occupancy of a dwelling unit. According to the City Code, Chapter 78-1, Definitions, a family means "one person or two or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, with no more than two boarders, or a group of not more than three unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit." For more information on this, please see the Planning & Community Development Department’s flyer on Residential Occupancy.
Q. What is the procedure to apply for a Rezoning, Special Use Permit, or Special Exception Permit?
A. A meeting with the Preliminary Planning Committee is required before making application for a Rezoning, Special Use Permit, Special Exception Permit, Site Plan and Subdivision. This committee holds a meeting on the first Thursday of each month. To be placed on the agenda, please call 540-372-1080. The location of the property to be discussed, identified by the tax map number, is useful information you may want to supply when making an appointment for a committee meeting.
Q. Can I put up a temporary banner or portable roadside sign to advertise my business?
A. Temporary banners must have prior zoning approval and are only allowed under certain circumstances, such as banners that announce a “grand opening” or “going out of business” sale. Portable roadside signs are not permitted in any district in the City.
Q. Who should I contact if I am concerned about a possible zoning violation in my neighborhood?
A. An alleged zoning violation complaint form is available here. You may also call 540-372-1179 to have a complaint form mailed or faxed to you.
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