Do I need a permit to have a special event for my business?
A: Yes. Grand opening and special sales events are permitted as listed in Zoning Ordinance section 9.6-Business Special Events. |
When do I need a Zoning Permit?
A: A Town Zoning Permit is required for almost any type of construction within Town. For example, constructing new buildings, room additions, interior alterations, decks, patios and accessory structures such as sheds, all require a Zoning Permit.
However, fences erected in residential districts do not require a zoning permit unless you are located within the H-1 or H-2 Historic Overlay Districts. In these Districts, erection or modification of a fence requires Board of Architectural Review and/or Town Preservation Planner approval. There are also height restrictions and material requirements which apply to fences. Contact our Planning and Zoning Department for additional information. |
Why do I need both a Town Zoning Permit and County Building Permit?
A: The Town reviews the use and location of any proposal. Loudoun County reviews Statewide Uniform Building Code requirements on behalf of the Town. For example, when requesting a permit for a deck, the Town will need to review a final house location survey or plat, with proposed deck drawn to scale, to verify that the location of the deck is within the permitted setbacks from the rear and side property lines. The County will issue a building permit in order to carry out inspections to verify that the deck is structurally sound.
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Whom do I contact at the Loudoun County for a Building Permit?
A:
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When do I need a Temporary Use Permit?
A: Certain uses may be permissible on a temporary basis. See Zoning Ordinance section 9.5 for a list of procedures and criteria for temporary use evaluation. |
Do I need a permit for a home-based business?
A: Yes. The Town issues Home Occupation Permits per Zoning Ordinance section 9.4.3 as defined in 18.1.76. |
Is a Town Zoning Permit required if all I am doing is repair work (e.g., installing additional electrical sockets, or replacing my hot water tank or leaking water pipes)?
A: If there is no work being done to the exterior of the building, there is probably no Town Permit required. Typically, the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development handles these types of improvements and/or repairs, issuing all related Health Department, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits. For more information, contact the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development at 703-777-0220; located at 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd floor, Leesburg, VA 20175. |
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
A: Permits are not needed to erect a fence in residential districts, unless in the H-1 or H-2 Historic Overlay Districts which would be subject to review and approval by the Board of Architectural Review. Limitations are listed in Zoning Ordinance section 10.4.5.C.6 for Minimum Yard Requirements for Fences, Walls and Hedges – see also Department of Plan Review and Loudoun County Building and Development. |
What type of signs can I have for my business?
A: See the Town’s Sign Regulations webpage for permissable business signs, as well as Zoning Ordinance Article 15-Sign Regulations for the latest sign ordinance information. |
Whom do I contact for additional questions regarding a Zoning Permit application?
A:
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How do I research my property, and what information may I find?
A: With Internet access this information is just a click away! The Town of Leesburg uses an interactive mapping system known as WebLogis that allows users to access:
• Loudoun County’s Mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) via
• Loudoun County Real Estate Tax, Assessment & Parcel Database.
By selecting the available links, you will be able to retrieve such information as County tax records, property owner information, tax map numbers, Property Identification Numbers (PINs), most recent sales information, deed and recordation information. You will also be able to look at GIS mapping information that provides basic zoning information, property geometrics, topography and other site specific characteristics.
For additional information about how your property is zoned, call the Town's Planning and Zoning Department at 703-771-2765, and ask for a Zoning Inspector. |
What do I need to provide to obtain a Zoning Permit?
A: In the case of a deck, shed or small building addition:
• 2 copies of your house location survey/plat with the addition or accessory structure (drawn to scale) on the plat. Staff will gladly assist homeowners who help prepare a plat for permit review.
• Depending upon the actual improvement(s), a Minor Site Plan or a Site Plan Waiver may also be required.
• A completed Zoning Permit Application.
• The appropriate fee for the type of Zoning Permit requested.
In the case of interior alterations such as finishing a basement, or remodeling a kitchen, please provide:
• 2 copies of a drawing indicating the new improvements. Interior alteration drawings do not have to be professionally prepared.
• A completed Zoning Permit Application.
• A fee is required for each permiit requested.
Also, if your property is located in the H-1 or H-2 Historic Districts, improvements will also be subject to the review and approval of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). |
What happens once an excessive occupancy complaint is received?
A: Note that when a complainant is contacted by a Zoning Inspector to follow up on a complaint, the complainant contact information remains confidential.
An investigation is opened by a Zoning Inspector, which includes site visits and surveillance. If investigation shows that probable cause exists, a courtesy letter is sent to the property owner of the dwelling in question via postal mail to inquire regarding the complaint. If there is no response, then a door hanger is placed on the dwelling.
If a violation is verified through the investigation and inquiry, a Notice of Violation letter is sent to the property owner of the dwelling in question advising the owner to abate the violation. If the property owner cooperates with the Zoning Inspectors and abates the violation, the case is ultimately closed. If the owner does not cooperate, the Zoning Inspectors work with the Town Attorney to pursue legal action to resolve the violation. |
What should I know about excessive occupancy in the Town of Leesburg?
A:
- For a confirmed violation, it may take more than 50 days to resolve.
- A shortage of parking in a residential area may not indicate a code violation.
- The Town's Zoning Ordinance addresses different aspects of excessive occupancy than the Loudoun County Building Maintenance Code:
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Under the Virginia Property Maintenance Code, what are the limitations on occupancy?
A: Limitations on occupancy are based on the minimum area requirements of Table 404.5 in Chapter 4 of the Virginia Maintenance Code.
| Space |
Minimum Area in Square Feet |
|
1-2 occupants |
3-5 occupants |
6 or more occupants |
| Living Room |
120 |
120 |
150 |
| Dining Room |
No requirement |
80 |
100 |
| Kitchen |
50 |
50 |
60 |
| Bedroom |
70 + 50 per person | |
What is excessive occupancy?
A: Excessive occupancy within the Town is defined in 2 ways:
- Under the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance, occupancy limitations are defined by familial relationship.
- Under the Virginia Property Maintenance Code, occupancy limitations are determined by the required minimum square footage of floor area, per resident of the dwelling (not familial relationship).
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Why is the Excessive Occupancy Enforcement Program in place?
A: Excessively occupied housing impacts parking, health, safety, and other quality of life issues within a neighborhood.
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What is considered to be the appropriate occupancy of a single family dwelling unit?
A:
- A person living alone.
- Any number of persons all of whom are related by blood, marriage or adoption, guardianship, or other duly-authorized custodial relationship, as verified by official public records such as driver’s license, birth or marriage certificates.
- Up to 4 persons not related to one another.
- Not more than 8 persons who are residents of a residential facility as defined by Section 15.2-2291 of the Code of Virginia, or handicapped as defined by the Fair Housing Act.
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How do I register an excessive occupancy complaint? Will my contact information remain confidential?
A:
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Whom do I contact regarding animal complaints?
A: The Leesburg Police Department should be contacted at 703-771-4500 for complaints about dogs, or the Loudoun County Animal Control at 703-777-0406 for all other animal-related complaints.
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