The Planning and Zoning Division supports implementation of Harrisonburg’s Comprehensive Plan by administering the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and other land use codes. Planning and Zoning staff answer zoning questions and process zoning, subdivision, and land-use applications.
Contact the Planning and Zoning Division
I want to...
- Find my zoning and what I can do on my property
Visit the Zoning page to learn about zoning regulations and find your property’s zoning district. You can also request a Zoning Verification Letter- a document provided by the City to verify the current zoning, land use, and other information regarding a property.
- Open or move a business
Individuals interested in operating a business must complete the Zoning & Building Form before applying for your Business License with the Commissioner of Revenue.
A sign permit is required prior to displaying signage for your business.
- Use my home for a business and/or lodging (Airbnb)
Home Business: Individuals interested in operating a business from their home may apply for a Home Occupation Permit before applying for a Business License with the Commissioner of Revenue.
Lodging (Airbnb): Residents may operate a Homestay (commonly referred to as “Airbnbs”), if they meet the requirements for operating a Homestay, with an annual permit. Residents who wants to operate outside of what is permitted through a Homestay use may apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a Short-Term Rental.
- Keep chickens or honeybees in my backyard
Residents may raise chickens or keep honeybees for domestic purposes with an annual permit.
- Install a sign for my business
A sign permit is required prior to displaying signage. Visit Sign Regulations for information and to apply for a sign permit.
- Divide my property or adjust property lines (Subdivisions)
Dividing a property or adjusting or removing property lines is called a subdivision. When the division of a lot, tract or parcel of land involved more than five (5) acres in gross area or is proposed to be divided into more than four (4) lots, a major subdivision is required. Visit the Subdividing Property webpage for more information.
- Change what's allowed on my property
Property owners may want to use their property in a way that is not allowed by-right in their zoning district. The proposed use may require a special use permit or rezoning to a different district. These requests require review by the Planning Commission and approval by City Council.
Sometimes, property owners may request a variance to deviate from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance or appeal against a decision of the Zoning Administrator. Variances or appeals are heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Propose an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
Community members may propose an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to change regulations.
- View or make changes to the Comprehensive Plan
The City of Harrisonburg Comprehensive Plan presents a vision of what kind of community the City would like to be in the future and identifies steps to move toward that vision. The Plan is the central organizing umbrella under which other plans, regulations, and initiatives exist, and establishes the preferred overall long-term vision for our community.
Planning Commission and City Council review requests to amend the Comprehensive Plan. To learn more about amending the Comprehensive Plan visit Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Close (vacate) a public street or alley
Property owners may request to "close" adjacent streets or alleys and acquire them as additional land for their property. For information visit Street & Alley Closings.
- Encroachments in Downtown public right-of-way (Sidewalk cafés, placement of items on the sidewalk, signs)
The City allows downtown outdoor dining on public streets and sidewalks in the B-1 Central Business District through review and approval by City Council. For information visit Downtown Encroachments.
- Learn about floodplain regulations
Properties located within the floodplain are subject to additional regulations. Contact the Zoning Administrator at 540-432-7700 for more information. Flood Map Service Center (FEMA).