Chesterfield, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has approved a new zoning ordinance aimed at modernizing the county’s land-use regulations. This ordinance reduces land-use districts from 24 to 14, promoting diverse residential construction and increasing affordable housing options. Key additions include designations for semi-urban neighborhoods, suburban communities, and mixed-use centers. To facilitate the transition, most existing zoning designations will convert automatically to the nearest new district. The ordinance retains agricultural spaces and introduces new commercial districts to foster a vibrant economy while maintaining rural character.
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Approves New Zoning Ordinance
On September 18, 2025, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved a new zoning ordinance that signifies the conclusion of a years-long process known as the Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (ZOMod). This comprehensive update is designed to modernize land-use regulations in Chesterfield County, an effort that seeks to align with current development trends and provide a more user-friendly framework compared to the existing ordinance, which dates back to the 1970s.
The new ordinance will reduce the number of land-use districts from 24 to 14. This significant change aims to encourage a wider variety of residential construction projects within the county, providing more affordable housing options to address community needs. Among the newly introduced zoning classifications is the Semi-Urban Neighborhood (SU), which encourages the integration of affordable housing with minimum lot sizes of 4,500 to 7,500 square feet.
Highlights of the New Zoning Districts
- Suburban Community (SC): Focused on quality single-family neighborhoods with lots between 8,000 to 14,500 square feet.
- Rural Community (RC): Allows subdivisions in rural settings with lots of at least 5 acres.
- Semi-Rural Neighborhood (SR): Offers transitional zoning for lots of 0.5 to 2 acres.
- Alternative Residential (AR): Designed for innovative housing concepts with lot areas starting at 1,500 square feet.
- Urban Residential (UR): Supporting higher density developments near mixed-use centers.
- Mixed-Use Center (MU): Facilitating a combination of residential and commercial uses.
This updated zoning ordinance will officially take effect in January 2026, ensuring that most existing zoning designations convert to the closest new district, thus minimizing disruptions to approved zoning conditions. A five-year grace period has also been established, allowing property owners to continue developing under existing commercial and industrial zoning rules, although this does not extend to data center projects.
Updated Standards and Community Features
The ordinance introduces more modern approaches to zoning, including shared responsibilities for buffering between residential and commercial developments, alongside a proffer adjustment process that allows developers to tailor projects to mitigate their impacts. A standardized amenities list will also be included, enhancing recreational features and infrastructure within new developments. Furthermore, the ordinance retains the Agricultural (A) designation and adds commercial districts specifically for restaurants and shopping centers.
Public feedback regarding the ordinance has been mixed, with several residents voicing their support for the new regulations, citing potential improvements in housing affordability and increased clarity in zoning policies. The ZOMod initiative began in 2021, working with a budget of $1 million and the planning consultant White & Smith. After thorough community engagement, the planning commission endorsed the ordinance update in July.
Chesterfield County has not updated its zoning ordinance since the late 1990s, with the majority of current content still originating from the 1970s. This modernization is aligned with Chesterfield’s comprehensive plan that was updated in 2019, reflecting a proactive approach to zoning regulations that consider contemporary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors’ latest decision regarding zoning?
On September 18, 2025, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved a new zoning ordinance to modernize land-use regulations.
When will the new zoning ordinance take effect?
The ordinance will take effect in January 2026.
What are the major changes in the new zoning ordinance?
The new ordinance will reduce the number of land-use districts from 24 to 14, encourage a wider range of residential construction, and include new zoning classifications like Semi-Urban Neighborhood and Suburban Community.
Is there a grace period for existing developments?
A five-year grace period will allow property owners to develop under existing commercial and industrial zoning rules, but not for data center projects.
What budget was allocated for the ZOMod initiative?
The ZOMod initiative began in 2021 with a budget of $1 million.
Key Features of the New Zoning Ordinance
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 2026 |
| Number of Land-Use Districts | Reduced from 24 to 14 |
| New Zoning Classifications | Semi-Urban Neighborhood, Suburban Community, Rural Community, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, Alternative Residential, Urban Residential, Mixed-Use Center |
| Grace Period | Five years for existing commercial and industrial zoning |
| Project Budget | $1 million for ZOMod |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Richmond BizSense: Chesterfield Supervisors Approve Zoning Ordinance
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Virginia Mercury: Chesterfield Leaders Seek Community Feedback
- Google Search: Chesterfield Zoning Ordinance
- Wric: Chesterfield to Hold Meetings for Zoning Modernization Project
- Google Scholar: Zoning Modernization
- Richmond BizSense: Chesterfield Would Restrict Data Center Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning
- 12 On Your Side: Proposal Aims to Update Zoning Ordinance Chesterfield
- Google News: Chesterfield Zoning Updates
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