FAQs • Community Development Planning

Community Development Planning

1. Do I need zoning approval for my new business?: Yes. Depending on the type of business you are establishing and your location, there are different types of approvals needed. They may include obtaining a zoning clearance for a business license, a Special Use Permit, Commission of Architectural Review approval, or a sign permit. The Planning Division handles all of these reviews and approvals. For more information, contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260.
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2. How is my property zoned?: In order to get zoning information for your parcel, you can access the Real Estate Assessment GIS web page by entering your address or you can find the zoning of your property on the Zoning Map. You can view the Zoning Code for specific zoning regulations or call the Planning Division for help anytime Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at (434) 799-5260.

3. Can I operate a business from my residence?: Home occupations require approval from the Planning Division prior to the commencement of business operations. Zoning approval is needed prior to the issuance of a City Business License. There is a $20 fee to obtain a zoning clearance. For more information on Home Occupations, please refer to Article 2.T of the Zoning Code or contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260.
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4. Where can I park my boat or RV at my residence?: In residential districts, no motor homes, recreational vehicles (RV), trailers or boats shall be parked on the public street right of way. No more than two (2) of any combination of the above cited vehicles shall be parked on a residential lot. No parking of any of the above vehicles shall be permitted in a front yard of a residential lot. No such vehicle shall be used for any form of habitation on a residential lot and no such vehicle may be connected to a private or public utility. (Refer to Article 2.P.3 of the Zoning Code).

5. Where can I get a plat of my property?: The Planning Division does not keep individual plats on record. A plat is usually included with your deed at settlement when you purchase the property. You may contact your settlement company or have the property re-surveyed by a private land surveyor. You may also contact the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court to obtain copies of Land Records and Deeds. The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Clerk's telephone number is (434) 799-5168 and their offices are located at 401 Patton Street, Danville, VA 24541.

6. What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan?: The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, as amended, requires that local governments develop and adopt natural hazard mitigation plans in order to receive certain Federal assistance. In 2006 a regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted for the West Piedmont area, comprised of the Counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania, and the Cities of Danville and Martinsville and the Towns of Chatham, Boones Mill, Gretna, Hurt, Ridgeway, Rocky Mount and Stuart. This plan was drafted in order to study the West Piedmont Regions risks from and vulnerabilities to natural hazards and to make recommendations on mitigating the effects of such hazards. This plan is required to be updated every five (5) years and it is now that time. As part of the five (5) year update, the City is requesting citizen input on the hazards, and impacts that are caused within the region. Please take a few minutes and complete this survey so that we can better address those hazards that impact this area.

7. Why did I receive a letter from the City about a Public Hearing?: In accordance with Section 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, the City is required to notify all land owners within 300 feet of an affected parcel in writing of applications for Rezoning Requests, Special Use Permit Requests, Variance Requests, Appeals and Code Amendment Requests. As a land owner within 300 feet of an affected property, you are entitled to express your opinion as to whether you approve or disapprove of the request. For more information concerning Public Hearings before the Planning Commission or the Board of Zoning Appeals, please contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260.

8. How can I find out more about new development?: For more information on active development cases in the City of Danville, contact the Development Coordinator at (434) 799-5260.

9. How can I find out if my property is within a historic district?: Consult the Zoning Map or contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260.

10. What are the regulations for installing/constructing a fence?: In general, fences located within the front yard shall not exceed a height of forty-eight (48) inches. No fence within the side and rear yard shall exceed a height of eight (8) feet. Please refer to Article 2.Q - Walls and Fences of the Zoning Code for more information or contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260.

11. What are the regulations for building a shed (accessory building) and/or new addition on my house?: In order to ensure Zoning Code compliance, zoning approval is required to build a shed (accessory building) and/or new addition on your house. To get approval or for more information, contact the Planning Division at (434) 799-5260 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.