Planning & Community Development

Virginia Code

Title 15.2 (22) of the Code of Virginia encourages localities within the Commonwealth to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development of their communities to the end that transportation systems be carefully planned; that new community centers be developed with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the need for mineral resources and the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that the concerns of military installations be recognized and taken into account in consideration of future development of areas immediately surrounding installations and that where practical, installation commanders be consulted on such matters by local officials; that residential areas be provided with healthy surroundings for family life; that agricultural and forestal land be preserved; and that the growth of the community be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds.

Responsibilities

The purpose of the Department of Planning and Community Development is to help create a community of lasting value, offer better choices for where and how people work and live, and engage citizens, businesses and civic leaders in creating a community which enriches the lives of its residents.

Planning implementation is aided by several citizen appointed boards and commissions which include The Board of Zoning Appeals, the Planning Commission, Wetlands Board, and the Board of Historic and Architectural Review. Further guidance is provided by the Comprehensive Plan, small area plans, subdivision and site plans, and the Capital Improvement Plan.

Maps

A link is provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Map Service Center for the purpose of obtaining information about the flood zone designation of properties in the County by using the property address.