Planning & Zoning Division

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Planning & Zoning is responsible for the review and processing of residential and commercial development applications within the City, including re-zonings, special use permits, comprehensive plan amendments, zoning approvals, zoning appeals, and zoning variances.

The division serves as staff to the Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and liaison to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

As of May 5, 2026, the City of Staunton Community Development Department is moving to a new online permitting system. The new system allows the applicant to submit their projects online, request inspections, and view the status of the project. The process to apply for permits in the Community Development office is still available but we are encouraging citizens and contractors to use the online portal.

If your permit was issued prior to May 5th, you will still need to call the office to request your inspections or have any questions regarding your permit.

There are information guides available to sign up for a new account and to apply for a permit.

Below, you can find information on each specific type of permit. This includes the application, permit fees, estimated processing times, and documents that will need to be uploaded as part of your application process.

Zoning Permit Application Process

Home Occupation Permit

Online Submittal or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule

The request must comply with the zoning regulations, Home Occupation.

Documents Required: Permission letter, if not owner occupied.

Estimated Review Time: Five (5) business days.

Processing: The permit will be emailed to the applicant once approved and is also available in the online portal.

At that time, the applicant must apply for a Business License with the Commissioner of Revenue.

Residential Apiary Permit

Online Submittal or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule

The request must comply with the zoning regulations, Residential Apiary.

Documents Required:

A site sketch or plat indicating the location of hives, distances to the property lines, fly zone barrier (if required), and location of water source/type.
Permission letter, if not owner occupied.

Estimated Review Time: Ten (10) business days.

Processing: Once the submitted plan has been approved, the applicant will receive an email indicating that the hives location is approved.

When the construction is complete, email the Zoning Administrator, Linda Nesselrodt, to request the final inspection.

After the inspection is complete; the permit will be emailed to the applicant and is also available in the online portal.

Chicken Permit

Online Submittal or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule.

The request must comply with the zoning regulations, Chickens.

Documents required:

A site sketch or plat indicating the location of coop/pen with distances to the property lines and a detailed plan indicating the sizes of the coop and pen.
Permission letter, if not owner occupied.

Estimated Review Time: Ten (10) business days.

Processing: Once the submitted plan has been approved, the applicant will receive an email indicating that the sizes of coop/pen and location is approved.

Once the construction is complete, email the Zoning Administrator, Linda Nesselrodt, to request the final inspection.

After the inspection is complete; the permit will be emailed to the applicant and is also available in the online portal.

RE Temporary Office

Online Submittal or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule.

In any district, a temporary use permit may be issued for a temporary real estate sales office in any new subdivision which has been approved in accordance with the regulations of Staunton. Such office shall contain no sleeping or cooking accommodations. Such permit shall be valid for not more than one year, but may be renewed a maximum of three one-year extensions. Such office shall be removed or converted to a conforming use upon completion of the development of the subdivision or upon expiration of the temporary use permit, whichever occurs sooner.

Documents required: A floor plan of the proposed office.

Estimated Review Time: Ten (10) business days.

Processing: Once the submitted plan has been approved, the applicant will receive an email indicating that RE Temporary Office is approved.

Email the Zoning Administrator, Linda Nesselrodt, to request the required final inspection.

After the inspection is complete; the permit will be emailed to the applicant and is also available in the online portal.

Sign Permit

Online Submittal or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule.

This sign permit is for properties NOT located in a Historic District. If the property is located in a historic district, the applicant will need to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage.

Signage regulations are found in the Staunton City Code (SCC) 18.140.

Documents required: Site sketch to include locations and setbacks from property lines for freestanding signs and sign plans.

Plans to include: proposed signage with dimensions, location on building, and nighttime view for internally illuminated cabinet signs.

Estimated Review Time: Ten (10) business days.

Processing: Once the plans have been submitted, they will go through plan review for zoning compliance. If there are any comments or revisions that are required, the applicant will be notified by email to check the comments on the online portal.

If the plans are approved, the permit will be emailed to the applicant and is also available in the online portal.

A final inspection is required. Inspections can be requested in the online portal.

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