FAQs • Gloucester County, VA • CivicEngage

How far does a fence have to be off the property line?: The Zoning Ordinance does not regulate residential fences and, therefore, does not require a setback or Zoning Permit for these fences, except where the fence location would constitute a traffic hazard. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance does not regulate what side of the fence faces the subject or adjoining properties. However, a Building Permit may be required and all fences must maintain site distances at property corners adjacent to roadways.

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Zoning

1. How do I know what my property is zoned?: The zoning map is a layer on the County's GIS Map, which is located on the GIS Webpage. You can locate the property by the owner, address, Tax Map Number, RPC, or visually. The Department of Planning and Zoning can also assist you in providing this information by calling 804-693-1224.

2. What department handles complaints related to noise and firearms?: The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office handles noise and firearms issues. The Sheriff's Office can be contacted at 804-693-3890.

3. What department handles complaints related to tall grass and inoperative vehicles?: The Code Enforcement Department handles complaints regarding tall grass and weeds, bulky waste, and inoperative vehicles, among other issues. Code Enforcement can be contacted at 804-693-0219.

4. Are manufactured (mobile) homes permitted in Gloucester?: Manufactured homes, previously known as mobile homes, singlewides, or doublewides, or triplewides are permitted in agricultural districts (RC-1 and RC-2 Zoning Districts) as well as when replacing lawfully nonconforming manufactured homes located in other zoning districts. Once a lawfully nonconforming manufactured home (located in all other districts than agricultural districts) is removed from a property or not used as a residence for greater than 2 years, it cannot be replaced.

5. Does Gloucester County allow home occupations?: Yes, Home Occupations are permitted provided the use complies with all the criteria of Section 9-9 of the Zoning Ordinance. Generally, Home Occupations Type I are permitted when there is no customer or employee traffic, signs posted, or heavy equipment or material storage and the use is limited to the home or an accessory structure. Otherwise, Home Occupations Type II (containing employee and/or customer traffic) are permitted if approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) following notification of adjacent property owners and a Public Hearing.

6. How far does a fence have to be off the property line?: The Zoning Ordinance does not regulate residential fences and, therefore, does not require a setback or Zoning Permit for these fences, except where the fence location would constitute a traffic hazard. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance does not regulate what side of the fence faces the subject or adjoining properties. However, a Building Permit may be required and all fences must maintain site distances at property corners adjacent to roadways.

7. Do I need a permit to erect a sign?: Most signage, including new, replacement, and refacing of signage requires a zoning permit. Signage listed in Section 12-8 of the Zoning Ordinance does not require a Zoning Permit, but still must comply with the conditions listed in Section 12-8. In addition, any sign, whether requiring a Zoning Permit or not, may also require a Building Permit.

8. What department regulates subdivisions, boundary line adjustments, and family transfers?: The Planning Division answers questions on and reviews the above items, including family transfers (deeding property to a family member). You can contact the Planning Division at 804-693-1224.