Contacts:
Debbie Byrd, Civil & Environmental Engineer

 The Department’s Environmental & Land Development component administers Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation [DCR] land disturbing regulations, provides inspection services and monitors compliance of land disturbing activity, and reviews land development proposals, including traffic ways.

DCR regulations state, in part, that land disturbing over 10,000 square feet requires a permit with some noted exceptions such as agricultural clearing, home landscaping, and utility work.

County issued residential building permits cover the land disturbing activity for all single family dwellings; therefore, a separate permit is not necessary. A Land Disturbing permit is required for all new roads. When subdividing property, a county standard road is required for all minor subdivisions and a VDOT standard road is required for all major subdivisions. All new commercial buildings and parking lots require permits.

As is the case with planning & zoning matters, it is highly recommended that Environmental & Land Development staff be contacted as early as possible when contemplating development and land disturbing activities of any nature.