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1. How can I find out what is in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance?

If you have access to a computer, the complete Unified Development Ordinance is online. If you do not have computer access, you may contact the Zoning Administrator with specific questions at 540-372-1179, ext. 231.

Unified Development Ordinance

2. Can I operate a business from my home?

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 the Zoning Ordinance.

Home Occupation Permit

3. Do I need a permit to erect a fence or wall on my property?

Fences and walls require approval of a fence permit. A Fence/Wall Permit is required to provide information regarding location and height of the fence or wall.

Fence and/or Wall Permit

4. How can I determine if I can build a deck or an addition to my home?

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 office and schedule an appointment.

5. Can commercial vehicles be parked in a residential district?

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.

6. How many personal vehicles can a resident have?

There is no limit on the amount of vehicles a resident may have as long as all vehicles are properly registered, have current City decals, and are operable. However, available parking in many areas of the City is limited and finding suitable parking for multiple vehicles may be difficult.

7. How many people can live in a home?

The zoning office uses the zoning ordinance definition of a family to determine occupancy of a dwelling unit. According to the Zoning Ordinance, 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 Community Planning & Building Department’s flyer on Residential Occupancy. Residential Occupancy Flyer

8. What is the procedure to apply for a Rezoning, Special Use Permit, or Special Exception Permit?

A meeting with the Technical Review 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 second & fourth Thursday of each month. To be placed on the agenda, please call 540-372-1179. 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.

TRC Pre-Application Conference Application

9. Can I put up a temporary banner or portable roadside sign to advertise my business?

Temporary banners must have prior zoning approval and are only allowed in accordance with UDO Section 72-59. Portable roadside signs are not permitted in any district in the City. Sign Permit Application

10. Who should I contact if I am concerned about a possible zoning violation in my neighborhood?

Please complete the Alleged Zoning Violation Form and return it to the Community Planning & Building Department. You may also call 540-372-1179 to have a complaint form mailed or faxed to you.

Alleged Zoning Violation Form