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 unanimously approved a new zoning ordinance that marks the end of a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (ZOMod). This initiative began in 2021 with a budget of $1 million, aiming to modernize the county’s land-use regulations, which had remained largely unchanged since the 1970s.
The new ordinance is crafted to align with modern development trends and aims to provide a more user-friendly approach to zoning regulations. One of the most significant changes includes the reduction of land-use districts from 24 to 14, facilitating clearer and more efficient planning processes.
Key Features of the New Zoning Ordinance
The ordinance introduces several new designations aimed at promoting a wider variety of residential constructions, including affordable housing options. These new designations include:
- Semi-Urban Neighborhood (SU): Lot sizes ranging from 4,500 to 7,500 square feet, encouraging a mix of housing options.
- Suburban Community (SC): Lots of 8,000 to 14,500 square feet, focused on quality single-family neighborhoods.
- Rural Community (RC): Subdivisions with a minimum of 5 acres in rural locales.
- Semi-Rural Neighborhood (SR): Lots ranging from 0.5 to 2 acres, serving as a transitional area.
- Alternative Residential (AR): Innovative housing concepts allowed with minimum lot sizes of 1,500 square feet.
- Urban Residential (UR): Areas designated for higher density residential developments adjacent to mixed-use centers.
- Mixed-Use Center (MU): A district where residential and commercial uses can be integrated.
The updated zoning ordinance will take effect in January 2026. Most existing zoning designations will transition to the closest new district, ensuring that there are minimal impacts for property owners with approved zoning conditions.
Transition Period and Development Adjustments
A five-year grace period will be provided, allowing property owners to develop under the existing commercial and industrial zoning rules, excluding projects for data centers. New methods for buffering between projects will also be introduced, promoting shared responsibilities between residential and commercial developments. Additionally, a proffer adjustment process will enable developers to tweak their projects in a way that minimizes impacts on the surrounding area.
The new ordinance will also include a standardized amenities list aimed at improving recreational features and infrastructure within the community. While retaining the Agricultural (A) designation, the ordinance also introduces new commercial districts tailored for restaurants and shopping centers.
Public Response and Future Steps
Public hearings related to the ordinance yielded mixed reactions from residents. Some expressed support, emphasizing the importance of housing affordability and improved clarity regarding zoning policies. The planning commission endorsed the ordinance update in July after hosting multiple community meetings to gather feedback.
Chesterfield last updated its zoning ordinance in the late 1990s; however, many provisions date back to the 1970s. The comprehensive plan was updated in 2019, and the new zoning ordinance aims to be in sync with this plan, thereby facilitating modern land-use regulations that meet the evolving needs of the community.
Encouragement for Resident Feedback
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the new zoning regulations, which involve updated terminology and are designed to align with current development needs. This initiative is a significant step for Chesterfield, as it prepares for future growth and addresses the contemporary housing crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What major change has occurred with the new zoning ordinance?
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved a new zoning ordinance on September 18, 2025, concluding a years-long Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (ZOMod).
When will the new zoning ordinance take effect?
The ordinance will take effect in January 2026.
How many land-use districts will there be in the new ordinance?
Chesterfield will reduce the number of land-use districts from 24 to 14.
What is the purpose of the new zoning ordinance?
The ordinance aims to align with modern development trends and to be more user-friendly compared to the existing ordinance from the 1970s.
What new residential designations are included?
The ordinance will introduce several new designations including Semi-Urban Neighborhood, Suburban Community, Rural Community, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, Alternative Residential, Urban Residential, and Mixed-Use Center.
Key Features in Chart Format
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land-Use Districts | Reduction from 24 to 14 |
| Effective Date | January 2026 |
| New Designations | 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 |
| Proffer Adjustment Process | Enables customization of projects |
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
Author: Construction CA News
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