Planning and Zoning Department

*PLEASE NOTE: The Planning & Zoning Department, including the customer service front counter, will be closing at 2pm on Friday, December 15^th. Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, December 18^th. All County offices will be closed for the holidays from Friday, December 22^nd – Monday, December 25^th, and January 1^st.

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Responsibilities

Stafford County's Planning and Zoning Department provides services related to the well being and orderly development of the community. Three primary areas of responsibility include current planning, long range planning, and code enforcement. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Department provides guidance to the Board of Supervisors and appointed Boards and Commissions in developing and implementing the vision of Stafford County. 

Special Initiatives    


DATA CENTERS
On October 17, 2023 the Board of Supervisors approved Comp Plan Amendment (R23-214) and Zoning Ordinance (O23-24) which updated Stafford County's standards for data centers.  Applications to develop data centers have been submitted to the County. Click here to learn more.




SOLAR FACILITIES
On May 16, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment O23-01 which updated Stafford County Code Sec. 28-25, Sec. 28-35, and Sec. 28-39 which established standards for Solar Facilities and Energy Storage Facilities. 
Click here to Learn More

Divisions of the Planning and Zoning Department

Administration

Oversight of the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, Agricultural and Land Conservation (ALC) Committee, Historical Commission, and works with County Administration with regard to Planning and Zoning items for the Board of Supervisors' review.  

Development Review

Responsible for the processing, routing, code compliance reviews and project management for site plans, subdivision/construction plans, and plat applications. 

Long Range Planning

Provides vision and guidance for the long range development of the county. Responsibilities include creating and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use applications for Rezoning and Conditional Use Permits (CUP), and the establishment and management of Proffers. 

Zoning and Compliance


Responsible for enforcing the county's Zoning Code regulations. This includes document review for compliance, land use reviews, zoning verifications and determinations, compliance inspections, and handling issues affecting community appearance.





More ABOUT Stafford County's Planning and Zoning Department

PLAN SUBMISSIONS

Please use the below link to our new system for submitting digital plans. User guide and information is provided to assist navigation. 

Home - CIVICS (staffordcountyva.gov)

Rhythm User Guide

Electronic Submission Standards