County Governance and Guidance
County Comprehensive Plans and Policies
Virginia Code states that, “every governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction.” The plan is to be general in nature, but include a transportation plan, recommendations for the general development of the territory, and an affordable housing component. It may also include designations for various land uses, public facilities, areas of historical significance, and urban development areas.
The purpose of this document, which is amended periodically, is to create a guide for development within the respective county over the next twenty years to maintain their underlying vision and goals. Fauquier County’s Comprehensive Plan is available online or through the County’s Planning Office. Questions about the plan and how it pertains to your property should be directed to:
Fauquier County Planning Office
(540) 422-8200
Loudoun County’s Comprehensive Plan is available online or through the County’s Planning Office. Questions about the plan and how it pertains to your property should be directed to:
Loudoun County Planning & Zoning
(703) 777-0246
County Zoning
County Zoning is regulated by its respective Zoning Ordinance. The Ordinance is intended to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public and to implement the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
The Ordinance is administered by the County’s Zoning staff and is subject to periodic revisions upon action by the Board of Supervisors. Zoning approval is required before any new structure is built on a property, including agricultural buildings. Zoning approval is also required before grading or other land disturbing on your property and before a new use is added or a change in use occurs.
The Fauquier County Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are available for review online. Specific questions should be directed to:
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Fauquier County Zoning Office
(540) 422-8220
The Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are available for review online. Specific questions should be directed to:
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Loudoun County Planning & Zoning
(703) 777-0246
County Planning Commissions and Board of Supervisors
A county’s Planning Commision will consist of appointed members who are charged with advising the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to the growth and development of the county. Each commissioner represents a magisterial district and their responsibilities can include providing recommendations for special permits, rezoning, comprehensive plan amendments, changes to the zoning ordinance, and other land development issues.
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Fauquier County's Planning Commission
https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/boards-committees/planning-commission
Loudoun County Planning Commission
https://onboard.loudoun.gov/board/3524
A county’s Board of Supervisors is elected by the residents and serve, by law, as the governing body of the County. The Board sets goals and objectives; establishes priorities for County programs and services; establishes County legislative and administrative policies through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions; appoints the County Administrator and members of various boards and commissions; adopts the annual budget; appropriates funds; and sets tax rates. Each Supervisor represents a magisterial district just like the Planning Commissioners.
Fauquier County Board of Supervisors
https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/board-of-supervisor
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Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Land Taxation
In 1971, the General Assembly enacted a law permitting localities to adopt a program of special assessment for agricultural, horticultural, forest and open space lands. The program provides for the deferral of real estate taxes when a property meets qualifying standards for agricultural, horticultural, forestry or open spaces uses. Assessed values under the program are generally less than those estimated at fair market value. The requirements of this program will differ depending on your county.
Fauquier County’s Land Use Requirements and Application are available online. Questions about the program can be answered by the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at (540) 422-8160.
Loudoun County’s Land Use Requirements and Application are available online. Questions about the program can be answered by a staff member in the Exemptions & Deferrals Divisions by calling (703) 737-8557 or emailing landuse@loudoun.gov.
Agricultural and forestal Districts
Fauquier and Loudoun Counties administer an Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD) Program to conserve, protect, and encourage the development and improvement of agricultural and forestal lands. AFD’s are rural conservation zones reserved for the production of agricultural products, timber and the maintenance of open space land as an important economic and environmental resource.
Districts are voluntary and are initiated by a landowner or group of landowners as a mutual undertaking with the local government. By establishing a District, property owners agree not to convert their farm, forestland and other open space lands to more intense commercial, industrial or residential uses for a term of four to ten years. In return, the County and Commonwealth agree not to take actions or make infrastructure investments that will place increased pressure on landowners to convert land in the district to more intense land uses during the term of the District. The benefits to the participant include lower taxes.
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Fauquier County has created thirteen Agricultural and Forestal Districts. Maps of these districts and their respective ordinances are available on the Fauquier County website. Criteria and applications for creating a new AFD are available online. Once an application has been submitted, it is reviewed by the Agricultural District Committee, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors. Questions about the program should be directed to:​
Fauquier County Planning
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There are twenty-one AFDs located throughout Loudoun County that include 41,000 acres. Maps of these districts and their respective ordinances are available on the Loudoun County website. Criteria and applications for creating a new AFD are available online. Once an application has been submitted, it is reviewed by the Agricultural District Committee, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors. Questions about the program should be directed to:
Loudoun County Planning & Zoning