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Open Houses
Dates TBD, Fall 2026
Vision Statement
The City of Harrisonburg has a zoning ordinance, and we’re working on updating it. Through the Zoning Ordinance Update Project, we are seeking to make Harrisonburg’s zoning ordinance clearer, more consistent, and easier to use. Doing this will give both the community and City Council a better foundation for ongoing policy discussions, which are often focused on meeting a variety of housing needs, strengthening economic activity in our business centers and neighborhoods, and protecting the environment – all priorities that were established in the Harrisonburg City Council 2045 Vision Plan.
Right now, the Zoning Ordinance Update Project is focused on improving organization, updating language + definitions, streamlining procedures, and creating a new set of zoning districts + a zoning map that better reflects development patterns in Harrisonburg. It also proposes changes to things like zoning districts and the zoning map, setback and residential lot area requirements, land uses, development processes, and commercial parking requirements, along with other community-driven ideas. We want your feedback on all of the proposed changes!
An updated zoning ordinance also sets the stage for the next update of our Comprehensive Plan. Our Comprehensive Plan accomplishes two things: 1. It outlines the type of community we want to become, and 2. It guides City staff's decisions on how to get there. The Comprehensive Plan is/will also be based on public input regarding development, growth, preservation, and other important zoning-related topics. Once the zoning ordinance is clearer, more consistent, and easier to use, the update to the Comprehensive Plan can focus on the future. This will also be a community-driven project.
More Information
Planning Commission Work Sessions
- June 16, 2026
- July 21, 2026
- August 18, 2026
View the current zoning ordinance.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact the Planning & Zoning Division at CDPlanning@HarrisonburgVA.gov or call 540-432-7700.