I created a Zoning Publication for the City of Williamsburg as an educational tool

1. Z o ni n g in th e
Ci t y o f
W i ll i am sbu rg
What is Zoning ? Organization
Zoning is a tool that is used to
control development in a useful
purposeful manner. The manner
in which the development is con-
trolled is an effort which pro-
motes the health, safety and gen-
eral welfare of the public.
In Williamsburg zoning supports
the values of history and visual
quality and is designed to provide
for the orderly and controlled
development of the city.
A Guide to Zoning
Zoning is a tool that provides Reed T. Nester, AICP, Planning Director
direction to current and future A Guide to Zoning Carolyn A. Murphy, AICP, Deputy Planning
Director
Rodney S. Rhodes, CZA, Zoning Administrator
development. The direction Karen Kelly, Senior Secretary
planning@williamsburgva.gov
which Williamsburg intends on Reed T. Nester, AICP, Planning Director Phone: 757-220-6130
Carolyn A. Murphy, AICP, Deputy Planning Fax: 757-259-8050
leaning with zoning regulations is Director
Rodney S. Rhodes, CZA, Zoning Administrator Disclaimer
laid out in the cities Comprehen- Karen Kelly, Senior Secretary
This Brochure is for informational and educational purposes only and is
planning@williamsburgva.gov
sive Plan. Phone: 757-220-6130
not intended as legal advice. It has been prepared by Wesley Winner as
a course project for Geography 444: Environmental Land Use Planning
Fax: 757-259-8050 (Fall 2010) and is provided to as a courtesy of the student of that
course. For further information contact the course instructor, Dr.
By Wesley Winner of Shippensburg University George Pomeroy, Director, Center for Land Use. Department of
Geography-Earth Science, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. 1871
Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, Pa 17257-2299. E-mail:
gmpome@ship.edu/ Phone (717) 477-1776

2. A Gu i d e to Z o n ing in Wi ll ia msb u r g , VA
Benefits of Zoning Opposition to
Zoning
We zone to preserve history, Historic Preservation is too
with zones like the Colonial Wil- expensive. New development
liamsburg District. looks better and is cheaper
How do I change/affect zoning?
We zone to preserve a quality of We don’t need open space or
life, by creating quite neighbor- parks. Parks complicate traffic Zoning can be changed in many ways
hoods and protected areas. patterns.
 Attend a public meeting: there are several meetings held
How does zoning a accomplish the monthly. Some discuss zoning changes and others discuss proposed
We zone to keep industrial sites Industries brings jobs, let them developments: The Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission,
goals of promoting the health, away from quite residential com- decide where they build . Architectural Review Board, Beautification Advisory Committee, and
Regional Issues Committee are all boards that hold public meeting
safety and general welfare of the munities.
and encourage public input on decisions that they make.
public? Zoning can protect our natural Nature will clean itself.
resources and waterways, by  If you feel that you have a sufficient reason to violate the zoning
utilizing stream buffers. ordinance you can request a variance. A variance allows you to
build the structure (which does not meet the zoning regulation), if
the Board of Zoning Appeals agrees that you have sufficient reason
Zoning restricts uses that could be Zoning can also direct growth Growth Patterns are natural and to violate the zoning ordinances. Variances are granted because the
where growth is needed. Zones should not be managed . Sprawl board determines that the property applying for the variance would
harmful to the public, and zoning like our Economic Development is a myth. Growth will occur suffer an undue hardship without the variance, and this hardship is
regulates the size and density of District and Planned Unit Devel- wherever the best opportunities suffered only by this landowner (not shared by neighboring proper-
ties). The final requirement for the board to approve a variance is
opment District funnel growth in exist, and some areas will be left
structures. the most appropriate direction. behind. that the variance, once approved, will not be of substantial detriment
to adjacent property and that the character of the district will not be
changed.
 If you intend on using the property for a purpose which is not agree-
Some example of uses are: able with the zoning regulation but is agreeable to the type of land
uses surrounding the properties you can apply for a special use
In Williamsburg, zoning is one of the most important tools used to pre- permit. A special use permit allows a use that may not be other-
Single Family Dwelling Districts
serve Williamsburg as a truly unique city that brings tourism and gives wise allowed. Usually the special uses are services like medical clinics
Multiple Family Dwelling Districts or small law offices that can be granted within one of the dwelling
Limited Business Districts the citizens of Williamsburg a place to proudly call home. Without zon- districts. This special use must be in harmony with the adopted
ing the sprawling from Richmond and Norfolk would have made Wil- comprehensive plan, be in harmony with the intent and purpose of
Downtown Business District the zoning district, and be in harmony with the adjacent properties,
Limited Industrial District liamsburg one continuous line of strip malls and typical subdivision devel-
The Colonial Williamsburg District opment. Zoning in Williamsburg takes into consideration the fragility of  The largest change that a citizen can request is a rezoning.
The Museum Support District the Chesapeake Bay by designating stream buffers that prevent harmful Rezoning covers a large area such as a neighborhood and changes
the zoning district for that whole area. To rezone you must prove to
The William and Mary District development that degrades the bay’s ecosystem. Without zoning indus- the Board of Zoning Appeals that the zoning district is no longer
trial waste sites could potentially build new plants and factories with compatible with this area.
Each zoning district has its own nearby residents exposed to the harmful effects. Zoning focuses on A Variance, Special Use Permit, or Rezoning all require that
rules associated with the type of areas that require heavier elements of development and prevents un- citizen or citizens requesting the change apply for a permit at
development which is allowed to wanted land uses to enter neighborhoods. Zoning keeps real-estate the Planning Office. There are application fees which are asso-
ciated with each request. For more Information on the fees or
prices high, by guaranteeing that the land is used in a non-destructive
application please call the Planning Department 757-220-6130
manner.