Zoning Services Bureau

The Zoning Services Bureau is responsible for administering and enforcing the zoning ordinance of the City of Norfolk  (click here to visit Norfolk's Zoning Ordinance).

Major areas of responsibility are as follows:

• Zoning Information.  Every piece of property in Norfolk is assigned a specific zoning district that dictates the allowable uses for that parcel.  If you need to know the zoning for a piece of property, zoning is now available online.  You can also phone 664-4752.
• Rezoning.  A rezoning is required when a property owner proposes to use his land for purposes other than those permitted by the Zoning Ordinance in a given zoning district. A request for a change of zoning allows the proposed land use to be reviewed as to its appropriateness in the zoning district.  Application available online.
• Special Exception.  Special exception uses are those uses having some potential impact or uniqueness which require a careful review of their location, design, configuration, and impacts to determine, against fixed standards, the desirability of permitting their establishment on any given site. They are uses that may or may not be appropriate in a particular location depending on a weighing, in each case, of the public need and benefit against the local impacts.  Application available online.
• Site Plan Review.  Site Plan review is required for any new construction or substantial reconstruction (2,500 square feet or more of land disturbance). Minor additions, accessory structures and single family homes outside of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area do not require Site Plan Review.  Application available online.
• Business License Zoning Review.  All businesses, according to Ordinances No. 38,573, must purchase a business license before commencing operation, including home based businesses.  The cost is based on gross receipts; however, tax rates may vary according to the business category.  Licenses expire December 31st each year and must be renewed by March 1st of the following year.
• Subdivisions.  Any partition of land in the City of Norfolk must be accomplished by plat and must meet the requirements of the zoning and subdivision chapters of the City Code of Norfolk. These codes require that a preliminary plat be prepared and reviewed by the Departments of Public Works, Utilities, Planning, and the Real Estate Assessor. After preliminary approval has been obtained, a final plat must be prepared by a licensed surveyor and submitted for approval and recordation by the City.
• Design Review.  The Design Review Committee is responsible for reviewing new construction and any addition, alteration or improvement made to any structure in a Historic District, in the public right-of-way, or to property owned by the City. Examples of alterations and improvements include new roofs, siding, windows, fences, rebuilding of porches, additions, etc.  (click here to see agendas)
• Board of Zoning Appeals.  The Board of Zoning Appeals has authority to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator in the administration or enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. Any person affected by any decision of the Zoning Administrator is entitled to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Any person requesting a variance from the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance can also make an application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  Application and instructions available online.  (click here to see agendas)
• City Planning Commission.  The Norfolk City Planning Commission is comprised of seven members, appointed for four year terms by the Norfolk City Council. The City Planning Commission meets twice a month--the second meeting of every month is a public hearing  (click here to view public hearing schedule and agendas).
• Street Closures.  Anyone wishing to close, vacate or discontinue a street or portion of a street must submit a written request to the Department of Planning.
• Development Certificates.  The downtown zoning districts are intended to protect and enhance the unique land use opportunities and relationships in Downtown Norfolk as the business and cultural center of the city and region.  Certain areas such as Ghent are designated by the Zoning Ordinance as Pedestrian Commercial Overlay Districts (PCO's).  These PCO's are intended to encourage location of specialty retail, entertainment, and restaurant uses in a manner that will support the vitality of the district.  All buildings and structures to be located, constructed, or enlarged within Downtown or PCO districts require approval of a Development Certificate.
• Flood Zones.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") has designated areas in Norfolk that are subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year as "areas of special flood hazards." As a result, the City has created Floodplain/Coastal Hazard Overlay Districts ("FPCHOs") to regulate construction in these areas of special flood hazards. Regulations within such districts are intended to reduce the loss of property and life, the creation of health and safety hazards, the disruption of commerce and governmental services, the extraordinary and unnecessary expenditure of public funds for flood protection and relief, and the impairment of the tax base.