Zoning Administration

To apply for zoning approval for a new tenant to occupy an existing commercial, office, or industrial development, submit the following:

• Application must be filed in person at the Development Services Building.
• Completed and signed Application for Zoning Approval.
• Completed and signed Power of Attorney form, if the applicant is not the property owner.
• Completed and approved Address Validation from the Geospatial Technology Services (GTS). For additional information please contact GTS via email at [email protected] or by phone at (703) 792-6840.

• Processing fee in cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) in accordance with the current Fee Schedule.

The Zoning Division of the Planning Office, upon request for zoning approval, will verify the zoning of the property and then will determine if the proposed use is an allowed use by the Zoning Ordinance. As part of the verification process, the Division will check for rezoning proffers, special use permit conditions, verified nonconforming use (if any); any other applicable rules and regulations; and requirements of the applicable overlay districts (Airport Safety, Chesapeake Bay Resource Preservation Area, Data Center Opportunity Zone, Domestic Fowl, Flood Hazard Areas, Highway Corridors, Historic Areas, Redevelopment, and Technology).

If the use is a by-right use, and sufficient parking exists, a certificate of zoning approval will be issued. Prior to commencement of the use, the applicant shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Permitting Branch of the Building Development Division, Department of Development Services. Contact the Permitting Branch at 703-792-6924 to determine what is needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

After obtaining certificate of zoning approval and an Occupancy Permit, obtain a Business License if required. For further information regarding a business license, contact the Business License Office at (703) 792-6710 (TTY: 711).

Pursuant to Virginia Code 59.1-69 effective January 1, 2020 all fictitious name (trade name) filings will be handled by the Office of the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. The Circuit Court Clerk's office will no longer accept fictitious name filings after December 30, 2019. Our office will only handle amendments and dissolutions of fictitious names previously filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Fictitious Name (Trade or Assumed) web page.

For more information or questions regarding the process call the Zoning Counter at (703) 792-6830 (TTY: 711) or send an email to [email protected]