Hanover County Development Guide

This Guide is intended to provide an overview of the various review processes you may be required complete in order to develop your property. Within each description, you will find links to the appropriate applications and deadlines, as well as helpful hints for navigating the process. If you have any questions regarding which process is right for you or if you would like to set up a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal, please contact the Planning Department at 804-365-6171.
 

Discretionary Processes

Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Projects

Single Family Residential (attached & detached) Projects

Environmental Management

Virginia Department of Transportation

Bond Administration

Section I - Discretionary Processes

If you need to change the zoning of your property or gain approval from the Board of Supervisors for a particular use specified in the Zoning Ordinance, then you will need to go through one of the discretionary processes listed below.

Overview 

Comprehensive Plan Amendment 

Rezoning 

Conditional Use Permit 

Special Exception 

Section II - Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Projects

If you are planning to develop a parcel in Hanover County for commercial, industrial, and/or multi-family uses, you will need to have your plans of development reviewed through the Site Plan Process. If your development also includes creation of individual lots, you will also need to go through the subdivision process.

Overview 

Administrative Commercial Subdivision 

Site Plan 

Public Improvement Subdivision 

Public Utility Site Plan 

Section III - Single Family Residential (attached & detached) Projects

If you are planning to divide a parcel in Hanover County to create new residential lots, you will need to have your plans of development reviewed through the residential subdivision process. Depending on the complexity of the development and the number of lots created, you will typically go through one of the following processes: Subdivision Plat; Public Improvement Subdivision; Administrative Subdivision; or Subdivision Ordinance Exception for Family.

Overview 

Administrative Residential Subdivision 

Subdivision Plat 

Public Improvement Subdivision 

Public Utility Construction Plan 

Family Divisions 

Section IV - Environmental Management

When developing within the County, the Department of Public Works will review the proposal with regard to impacts on the environment, which may include drainage, stormwater, and erosion and sediment control. All development must also comply with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

Stormwater Quality 

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act 

Drainage Design 

Erosion & Sediment Control 

Section V - Virginia Department of Transportation - Coming Soon!

Section VI - Bond Administration

As part of your development you may be required to post surety with the County for the cost of installing required improvements such as landscaping, water and sewer, roads, and proffered amenities. This section explains the various sureties required and provides links to the appropriate forms.

Landscaping & Paving 

Public Improvement & Administrative Subdivisions 

Public Utility Requirements 

Zoning Ordinance Requirements 

Comments on this page should be forwarded to Hanover County Planning Department.