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Community Development

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to build a fence or a deck?

Yes - in most cases, you will need a permit. Please contact us by visiting Town Hall or calling 540-338-2304 for more information.

2. Who do I contact for additional questions regarding permits?

Any member of the Department can assist you with questions related to zoning, occupancy, or sign permits. Most permits are handled by our Planning Technician and Zoning Associate. To contact them, please call (540) 338-2304.

3. When do I need a zoning permit?

A zoning permit is required by the Town for any new construction, alteration, or addition. This includes both residential and non-residential properties. Accessory structures such as fences and sheds also require a permit. Commercial properties should obtain a zoning permit before altering a building for a tenant. Loudoun County may also require a building permit. For more information on the County’s regulations, please see link below. The County will not accept applications for a building permit within the corporate limits without the accompanying approved zoning permit. Replacements typically do not require a permit (such as a new door, roof, fence) provided that the replacement is the same size and location as the original feature. To be sure, contact the Department at (540)338-2304. Loudoun County Website...

4. I don’t own the property; Can I still pull a permit?

Yes, however the majority of the Town’s permits require a property owner’s signature or a statement from the property owner authorizing someone else to sign the permit in their absence. To accommodate you, we can accept faxed or emailed/scanned signatures in addition to original signatures.

5. We’re changing the name of our business do I need a new occupancy permit?

Occupancy permits are not required for a change in name, however, please contact the Department at (540)338-2304 so that we may update our records with your name change. If you are expanding your business in size, relocating, or occupying a space for the first time, an occupancy permit will be required from the Town.

6. Will my project require BAR approval?

The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) approves all projects in the non-residential districts and certain projects in the Historic Corridor Overlay, for more information please visit our BAR page or contact Community Development at (540)338-2304.
BAR Page

7. May I install a temporary sign advertising my business or event?

Yes, the Zoning Ordinance establishes the criteria for temporary signage in Town. A sign permit is also required.

8. What is the zoning of my property? What uses are permitted?

Please click here to view the online zoning map. You may also contact the Department of Community Development to determine the zoning for your property. The Zoning Ordinance, which describes each district in detail (including the permitted uses), is available here.

9. Can I change the zoning of my property?

Yes, a zoning map amendment or “rezoning” application will be required. Rezoning applications are legislative applications which require final approval from the Town Council. To set up a meeting with Department staff, please contact us at (540)338-2304.

10. What are the setbacks for my district?

Setbacks are the minimum required distance between a structure and the property line. The Town has different setback standards for each zoning district and differentiates between primary structures and accessory structures. Certain features (such as decks and porches) are permitted to encroach the established setback lines. In order to determine the setbacks for your specific request, please contact the Department at (540)338-2304.

11. What’s the difference between a “by right” use and a “special use”?

A “by right” use is a use which is permitted in a specified zoning district without further legislative approval from the Town Council. A “special use” is a permissible use, established by the district regulations of the Zoning Ordinance, which requires a special use permit from the Town Council, following a report from the Planning Commission. Uses which are not listed as permitted or special uses for a particular district are typically not allowed within that district.

12. How do I file a zoning violation complaint?

To file a violation complaint, please contact our Zoning Associate, Tucker Keller, via email or in the office at (540)338-2304. You may find the alleged zoning violation complaint form under our
Zoning Page

13. What happens once my complaint is received?

Once your violation complaint is received, the Department will open an investigation to determine if a violation exists (typically within 10 business days of receiving the complaint). If a violation exists, the property owner will be notified of the violation with a courtesy phone call, email, or letter. If the Town is unable to reach the property owner, a door hanger may be placed on the property. If the property owner does not address the violation after the courtesy contact, the Town may send an official notice of violation. Once that notification is received, the Town will work with the property owner to abate the violation and once the violation is removed, close the investigation. In rare circumstances, when a property owner does not abate the violation, the Town may need to work with the Town Attorney to pursue further action in Court.

14. Will my neighbor know I complained?

The identity of a complainant is not subject to disclosure unless you provide the Town with written authorization to do so. The Town will maintain your anonymity during the investigation process unless otherwise compelled by a court of law after consultation with the Town Attorney.

15. What do I do if I received a notice of violation?

If you received a courtesy call, email, or letter from the Town or if you received a violation door hanger, please contact the Department at (540)338-2304 as soon as possible to abate the violation on your property. Department staff will provide you with the necessary steps to correct the violation on your property. If you received an official notice of violation from the Town, we encourage you to meet with staff as soon as possible after receiving the notice in order to correct the violation. You may appeal an official notice of violation to the Board of Zoning Appeals if you believe that the Zoning Ordinance was not violated. Board of Zoning Appeals

16. When is a site plan required?

A site plan is required for all new commercial buildings and most additions. The Town has a site plan waiver for smaller projects (see Article 5 of the Land Development and Subdivision Control Ordinance) and a minor site plan process for midlevel projects. In order to formally determine the requirement for your project, please contact the Department of Community Development to set up a pre-application conference.

17. Can I subdivide my property?

The Zoning Ordinance determines the minimum lot requirements for parcels in each zoning district. Minimum lot size, width, street frontage, and depth must be met for the proposed lots before a subdivision can be approved. A pre-application meeting with the Town staff is recommended. To set up a meeting, please contact us at (540)338-2304. A copy of the plat for the property to be subdivided will be required.

18. Can I operate a business from my home?

Certain businesses are permitted in the residential districts with an approved home occupation permit and business license. Contact the Department for more information at (540)338-2304. Home occupation permits are only issued to residences within the corporate limits, if you reside in Loudoun County please contact their Department of Planning and Zoning for licensing requirements and procedures.

19. I cannot provide all of the required parking; Can I still locate my business here?

The Town has several parking alternatives which may apply to your property in order to assist you with the off-street parking requirements. Please contact the Town for more information at (540)338-2304.

20. Do I need a business license?

Please contact the Finance Department at (540)338-7093 for information related to business licensing and taxes. An occupancy permit or home occupation permit may be required prior to issuing the license.

21. What steps should I take to open a new business in Purcellville?

Prior to opening a new business in Purcellville, we recommend that you meet with Town staff from several of the different departments to get a comprehensive idea of the Town’s needs and requirements. In meeting with Town staff, we can assist you with determining an appropriate location for your business, identifying the necessary licenses and permits, assist you with signage, determine if adequate water/sewer exists, etc.

22. What steps should I take to relocate my business within Purcellville?

Prior to relocating your business to a different commercial space within the Town, please contact us to be sure that the your use is permitted at the new location. We will help you determine if any additional permits are needed prior to the relocation and assist you in preparing for the move. As with new businesses, we can assist you in determining the needs of each of the Town’s departments so there are no “surprises” when the relocation begins.

23. What is PUGAMP?

PUGAMP is the Purcellville Urban Growth Area Management Plan. The Plan was adopted by both Loudoun County and the Town of Purcellville as a joint comprehensive plan for the area established as the Joint Land Management Area (JLMA); however, PUGAMP has been rescinded by both governments and is no longer in effect as of July 1, 2013. For more information on PUGAMP, please contact the Department at (540)338-2304.

24. I own property outside of Town, can I be annexed?

Properties outside the corporate limits AND within the Joint Land Management Area (JLMA) may be eligible for annexation in accordance with the adopted annexation guidelines and the Purcellville Urban Growth Area Management Plan. At this time, parcels which are not included in the JLMA are not eligible for annexation; however, Loudoun County and the Town of Purcellville are in the process of rescinding the previous agreements governing annexation. To determine if your property is eligible or for more information, contact us (540)338-2304.

25. What is the Comprehensive Plan? When do I need a Comprehensive Plan amendment?

The Comprehensive Plan is a long term plan which guides development within the Town. The Plan is developed with input from different citizen and business groups in an attempt to provide an inclusive approach to managing the long term growth of the Town. The Code of Virginia establishes certain requirements of the Plan. Amendments to the plan should be minimal. However, in some circumstances, an amendment may be requested or desired by the Town. Typically, property owners submit amendments to the Planned Land Use Map when a rezoning request does not comply with the planned use of a property.

26. What should I submit with my rezoning application?

Typically, a rezoning application is submitted to the Town with a concept plan, a traffic impact analysis (TIA), a statement of justification, proffers (if any), and any other impact statements or statements supporting the rezoning request. Additional information may be requested by the Town or the other reviewing bodies during the course of the review. For more information, please consult the rezoning application package or contact the Department at (540)338-2304.

27. I received a notice of public hearing in the mail. What does this mean? Do I need to come to the meeting?

For certain applications (such as rezonings, special use permits, and comprehensive plan amendments), the Code of Virginia requires the Town hold public hearings prior to making a decision. The public hearings are the opportunity for Town residents and interested parties to provide the Planning Commission or Town Council with their opinions, feedback, and concerns about a proposed development. When a public hearing is required for these applications, the Code of Virginia also requires that notices of that hearing be sent to adjoining property owners. Often, the adjoining property owners will be the most impacted by the proposed development. Attendance at the hearing is not required but is encouraged if you have any opinion or comment that might help the Town make a more informed decision on an application.

28. How do I determine what kind of improvements I can make to my property?

The improvements you can make on your property are determined primarily by the permitted uses of your zoning district and the setback regulations as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. The Community Development Department can advise you on any additional restrictions that may apply.