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Phone: 804-492-3520
Fax: 804-492-3697
Andrew V. Sorrell, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Christen L. Ingram, Assistant Zoning Administrator
The Cumberland Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the County’s subdivision and zoning ordinances.
This includes the review and approval of subdivision plats and site plans; the processing of rezoning, conditional use permit and variance applications. The department also processes firework and festival permit requests.
The Planning & Zoning Department also staffs the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) committee and the Citizen’s Landfill Advisory Committee (CLAC).
(1st working day of month)
(4th Monday of month)
(3rd Monday of month)
11/23/09 Has Been MOVED To 11/30/09*
* Normally Scheduled to begin at 6:30PM and are not meetings at which public hearings are conducted.
** Normally scheduled to begin at 7:00PM and are the meetings at which public hearings are conducted.
*** 1st Meeting of the Year
**** Notes meetings that have been rescheduled due to a Holiday or other conflict.
Forms, Information and Applications:
Lot Line Adjustment / Vacation of Line: When the configuration of existing parcels change. Allowable as long as the adjustments do not make any parcel involved less conforming to dimensional requirements of the subdivision and zoning ordinances.
How do I perform a Boundary Line Adjustment or Vacation of Line?
First you will need to locate a survey plat of your property. On a copy of this survey you will have a professional surveyor or engineer designate which line will be adjusted and how it will be adjusted. Next you will need to complete the application. Please note, If you are adjusting a line that will affect someone else’s property the owner of that property will also need to sign the application. Finally you will need to submit your application along with a copy of your survey to the Planning & Zoning Department for approval. Prior to picking-up your plat you will need to pay the application fee.Download
Conditional Use Permit (CUP): A conditional use permit (CUP) authorizes a use not routinely allowed on a property without review of how the use will affect the area and adjacent properties. A CUP requires a public hearing and, if approved, adherence to specific conditions. The County Code describes uses for each zoning district that may be permitted with a CUP (for example, a church may be permitted in an agricultural zone with a CUP). More information about CUPs and conditional zoning can be found in County Code Sec. 74-671 through 74-677. A general information fact sheet can also be viewed by opening the below application.
Download
Rezoning (REZ): Changing the zoning of a property (i.e. to change it from agricultural to residential). Applicant may submit proffers (conditions) that help offset the impact the change in use may have on the County. A cash proffer policy was established in 2006 for those interested in pursuing residential rezonings. The cash proffer policy helps to remove the tax burden for the increased services that new development.
Download
Signs: Most permanent and temporary signs require a permit from the County. There are size and placement limitations based on the property zoning. Contact the planning and zoning office if you have any questions.
Download
Site Plans: Plans of development required for commercial, industrial, and large-scale residential developments. Details parking, landscaping, erosion control, outdoor lighting, and screening among other things.
Download
Subdivision: when a parcel of land is divided into 2 or more lots or parcels of land.
Family division is a subdivision between immediate family members and such divisions are generally less restrictive, a family division affidavit is required to be completed with the application.
Minor division is a subdivision which divides a parent tract into 3 lots or less. Parent tracts are any parcel of property in existence (on record in the county clerk’s office) April 5, 1991 or before.
Major division is a subdivision which divides a parent tract into 4 or more lots. Major divisions are only permitted in residential zoning districts. Also must be approved by the Planning Commission. See filling date deadlines above (except for A2 cluster subdivisions).Download
Download
Variance Request (VAR): A relaxation of the standards as stated in the zoning ordinance. When the strict application of the zoning ordinance would result in unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the property owner. All variances must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Download
Zoning Permit: Required before any building permit is issued. Completed by the Planning & Zoning Department listing building setback lines and ensuring that the proposed use complies with the zoning ordinance. Please see the below information entitled, “Approval Process to Build a Dwelling/ Accessory Building” for more details.
No Form
Festival Application: Required for any outdoor gathering of more than 150 people. Granted by the Board of Supervisors.
Download
Fireworks Permit Application: Required for any indoor or outdoor display of fireworks granted by County Administrator in consultation with the County Fire Marshal.(Choose between indoor or outdoor)
Indoor
Outdoor
Health Department Septic / Well Permit Tag Sheet: Required as part of a well or septic system permit to ensure public water and/or sewer connection is not required.
Download
Citizen's Guide to Home Construction and Subdivision
Download
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for making land use changes, preparing capital improvement programs, and for managing growth and change. The Comprehensive Plan includes an inventory and analysis of the County and its current policies, as well as goals and objectives to guide future growth. The Plan is an official statement of policy that provides guidance for the future physical development of all aspects of the County, both public and private. The 2006 – 2011 Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 12, 2006.
In 2008, the Planning Commission completed and action agenda outlining how the goals and policies as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan have and will be implemented. The action agenda will detail who is responsible for meeting the policies and when and how such policies will be implemented. The Planning Commission will begin reviewing the Comprehensive Plan for possible revisions in 2011.
Cumberland County 2006-2011 Comprehensive Plan
Cumberland County Land Use Plan (This can also be found as Section III of the complete Comprehensive Plan).
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Report
In early 2009, the Planning Commission adopted a rural land use policy and map to supplement the 2006 land use plan and map. The 2009 rural land use policy and map is intended to provide additional clarity and guidance on areas the commission feels should remain rural and agricultural uses.
Rural Land Use Policy
Rural Land Use Map
County Code of Ordinances & Planned Revisions for 2009
The County Code is the collection ordinances that implement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The Code addresses the specifics for areas such as zoning, subdivision, taxation, solid waste, fees and offenses among other things. These ordinances are maintained electronically on the internet by the Municode Corporation and the link below takes you to their website. From there you will find an index of the County Code as well as search and print features. The County updates the Code several times a year; however, it often takes time for new ordinances approved by the Board of Supervisors to be officially codified. If you have a question relating to the subdivision or zoning ordinances, please direct them to the Planning and Zoning Department. The subdivision ordinance can be found in Chapter 54 and the Zoning Ordinance can be found in Chapter 74.
If not taken directly to the website, please copy and paste the below into your internet browser:
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=13342&sid=46
In order to bring the County’s subdivision and zoning ordinance in line with the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2006, the Planning Commission will complete a major revision to both the subdivision and zoning ordinance in 2009 and 2010. In preparation for these revisions, the Commission have been and will be having workshops to review aspects of the code where issues have been found. This has included discussions on parent tracts and minor subdivisions, road standards, minor encroachments into building setbacks, and non-conforming structures among other things. The goal of the revisions are to align both the subdivision and zoning ordinance with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan as well as ensuring the subdivision and zoning requirements are meeting the needs of citizens. If you would like to be involved in this process would like to comment on revising a certain section, please contact Andy Sorrell, Zoning Administrator at 804-492-3520.
Code Enforcement
Cumberland County is committed to providing a beautiful, safe and healthy environment for all its citizens. To achieve this goal, the county seeks to clean up areas visible from roads and adjacent properties where there are abandoned vehicles, trash and junkyards.
Mr. Sorrell by email at asorrell@cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 492-3520.
Complaints do not have to provide their name in order to file a complaint.
The names of those making a zoning complaint are kept confidential and
are not subject to disclosure.
Biosolids
What are Biosolids? Solid, semisolid, or liquid materials removed from municipal sewage and treatment to be suitable for recycling as fertilizer.The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is the state agency that permits the land application of biosolids in Cumberland County. Farmers apply biosolids as a fertilizer to the soil. Prior to being applied to the land, the biosolid material is stabilized with lime at a waste water treatment plant.
In addition to state monitors, Cumberland has a local biosolids monitor to ensure biosolids are properly applied and stored in the County. The monitor, Mr. Manuel Toombs, is also the local biosolids monitor for several adjacent localities as well.
If you have any questions or concerns with the use of biosolids in Cumberland County, please contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 804-492-3520.
Erosion & Sediment Control
In compliance with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Cumberland County amended the County Code of Ordinances on April 19, 2009 in order to bring the county into conformance with state mandates. The Amendments to the Code include clarification for when an Erosion & Sediment plan is required and when one is not, performance bonds, monitoring of a site, as well as penalties and fines for violations. Below you will find links containing information and applications regarding our Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance.Should you have any questions or comments please contact the Erosion and Sediment Inspector, Richard Woody at 804-492-3800 ext. 1117 or rwoody@cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov
- To view the DCR brochure regarding Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control law click here To view the DCR brochure regarding Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control regulations including the minimum site standards click here
- To download an application for an Erosion & Sediment Permit Click here
- To download the Notice of Erosion & Sediment Control Permit Requirement Click here
- To download the checklist of items required on a Erosion & Sediment plan Click here
Historic Preservation
Recognizing that historic resources are part of what makes Cumberland County a unique place, the County is committed to historic preservation. Historic buildings and landscapes, such as mills, schools and agricultural complexes, tell the narrative about local people, places and events. Historic preservation is often a catalyst for economic development and increased civic involvement. There are many tools to aid historic preservation including surveys, rehabilitation tax credits and educational programs. The complete inventory, national and state register applications, as well as information on tax credits available for historic rehabilitation within the district are available for viewing during normal business hours in the Dept. of Planning and Zoning.
Cumberland Courthouse Historic District
To view a map of the district clickhere
The county received a cost-share grant from the Department of Historic Resources to conduct a survey of all the buildings in the Courthouse village area. The results of this work formed the Cumberland County Historic District completed in early 2007, approved by the Dept. of Historic Resources on June 6, 2007 thus placing it on the Virginia Landmark Register. The National Park Service also reviewed the findings and added the district to the National Register of Historic Places on August 16, 2007. These designations are honorary listings that will allow property owners to take advantage of rehabilitation tax credits as well as increase tourism to the County.
To continue this successful collaboration, Cumberland County partnered with the Department of Historic Resources and EHT TRACERIES, an architectural history consulting firm located in Washington D.C. in 2008. The goal of the partnership was to prepare draft design guidelines for the Cumberland Courthouse Historic District and the entrance corridor on State Route 60 between Cumberland Courthouse and the Powhatan County line. EHT TRACERIES presented their final draft of the Design Guidelines to the Planning Commission on March 5, 2009. The next step will be for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on the guidelines.
The guidelines are intended to assist property owners, architects, builders and county officials in preserving architecture and patterns of the District and Entrance Corridor as well as providing design standards for new development in these areas. Currently these guidelines are voluntary recommendations. Please contact for additional information regarding the design guidelines.
Cumberland Courthouse Historic District & Rt. 60 Entrance Corridor Design Guidelines
To view the Design Guidelines, click here
Rural Preservation
Cumberland County’s updated Comprehensive Plan is quick to identify the protection and preservation of our rural character.
The County is working to develop several programs to protect rural character. The first to be developed is a purchase of development right (PDR) program where a landowner would sell their property’s development rights to the County who would in turn extinguish them and permanently protect the land through a conservation easement. The County adopted this program on August 21, 2007. A PDR committee made up of County residents has been established to review applications and help educate landowners about the program.
Other land use tools will include conservation subdivisions using clustering and open space (instead of a traditional subdivision where all the land is used up for lots and roads, cluster subdivision allows smaller lots, but require a percentage of the development to be in open and undeveloped land). The County adopted its first cluster subdivision provisions in late 2007. This cluster subdivision is an option in the A-2, Agricultural zoning district and requires 75% of the development to remain undeveloped. The County is also developing a cluster development option for the R-2, Residential zoning district.
Another tool being considered includes a transfer of development (TDR) program. If developed, it will allow for development rights from rural parts of the County to be transferred to growth areas. Once those rights are transferred, a conservation easement is placed on the rural property to keep it from being developed. When development rights are transferred, the value of those rights will be paid to the rural landowner by the developer interested in using the additional rights in the growth area. Cumberland hopes to one of the first counties in Virginia to develop a working transfer of development rights program.
If you have any questions about the PDR program or any other concerns about rural preservation please contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
Mapping
- Tax Map Grid - Right click here to download an image of the tax map grid.
****DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE FILE PLEASE SAVE TO YOUR DESKTOP AND VIEW FROM THERE. THE IMAGE WILL NOT BE CLEAR IF VIEWED THROUGH Iternet Explorer**** - Zoning Map- the official county zoning map is on file for public viewing in the planning and zoning dept. during regular business hours which are 8:30am -4:30pm M-F