Planning & Zoning

Mission

The Planning & Zoning Department is tasked with ensuring the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of Nelson County’s citizens, and to plan for appropriate, sustainable development. The Department maintains, administers, interprets, and enforces the comprehensive land use plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances. Staff is available to assist the public via phone, e-mail, and in-person inquiries regarding planning and zoning concepts and procedures.

Comprehensive Plan

The Nelson County 2042 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range, high-level planning document that addresses topics such as land use, development, natural environment, transportation, and resource utilization. The plan is Nelson County’s vision for where it wants to be in 20+ years and includes strategies to achieve that vision. Under Virginia State Code 15.2-2223, local governments in Virginia are required to adopt a Comprehensive Plan and to review that plan every 5 years for necessary updates. Though having a plan is required, the content of the plan is not regulatory. Rather, a Comprehensive Plan is a decision-making guide for changes to the natural and built environment, and serves as the basis for regulatory tools such as the zoning and subdivision ordinance. It assists citizens in understanding the county and guides the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, state agencies, and private developers in providing for the County’s future needs.

Nelson County adopted the 2042 Comprehensive Plan in April 2024.

Learn more about the Nelson County Comprehensive Plan >>

Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance Update

The Nelson County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances are tools used to regulate the physical development of land and the kinds of uses allowed on individual property. They also regulate the dimensional requirements for lots, buildings, and structures; the density of development; and how development relates to its surroundings, including other buildings, open spaces, and the street. Zoning is regulated under Virginia State Code 15.2, Chapter 22, Article 7.

The County is currently undertaking an overhaul of its current Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, and the process is expected to take approximately 18 months. Follow along the update process here.

QUICKLINKS

Schedule & Fees | Forms & Documents | Geographic Information System (GIS)

About

The Nelson County Department of Planning & Zoning strategically works to:

  • Protect and strengthen the County’s special sense of place and extremely high quality of life;
  • Facilitate the growth of a strong local economy;
  • Protect and enhance property values;
  • Meet the Code of Virginia requirements to, “improve the public health, safety, convenience, [and] welfare of its citizens,” (15.2-2200) and to, “facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community…” (15.2-2283).
  • Within the guidance of the Board of Supervisors, the Department collaborates with all other County Departments and works with a wide variety of local and regional stakeholders. These working relationships are all oriented towards helping the Nelson County community successfully pursue a more prosperous and more sustainable future.

Community engagement is openly welcomed; public input and participation increase the department’s capacity to serve the community well. The Planning & Zoning Department is here to offer assistance, respond to your needs, and serve the public interest of the Nelson County community.

External Resources

PLANNING & ZONING

80 Front Street
P.O. Box 558
Lovingston, VA 22949

Office: 434-263-7090
Fax: 434-263-7086

Dylan Bishop, Director

Libby Ashby, Administrative Assistant/Permit Tech