Development Review

Mission


The mission of Development Review is to provide prompt and essential assistance to the developers and citizens in order to maintain the character and integrity of neighborhoods, to promote excellence of commercial and residential development, to prevent undue traffic and safety hazards, and to encourage the most harmonious development and use of land.

Regulations & Requirements


Submitting development plans provides the all required reviewing entities to review and comment on the plan for general compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements. The zoning of the site will be checked to ensure that the proposed use is permitted in the district. The applicant will be advised of requirements relative to:
  • Availability of water and sewer services
  • Building setbacks
  • Erosion and sediment control
  • Flood plains
  • Parking
  • Screening and buffering of the site
  • Stormwater management
  • Subdivisions
  • Other requirements that may affect the development

Reviewing entities must include, but are not limited to Rockingham County Planning and Zoning, Fire and Rescue, and Public Works, applicable town, the Virginia Department of Health (VDOH), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Plans


The following is a brief description of the types of plans handled by Development Review Services. Detailed information and applicable forms are available.

Site Plans


A site plan is a detailed engineering drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan usually displays a building footprint, travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer and waterlines, trails, lighting, and landscaping.

Preliminary Plats


Preliminary plats are an approximate drawing of a proposed subdivision showing the general layout of streets and alleys, lots, blocks, and restrictive covenants to be applicable to the subdivision, and other elements of a plat or subdivision which shall furnish a basis for the approval or disapproval of the general layout of a subdivision.

Construction Plans


Construction plans are the drawings submitted by the engineer which show the location, character, dimensions, and details of the work and which are a part of the subdivision or development.

Final Plat


The final drawing of the subdivision and any dedications prepared for filing for record with Rockingham County Clerk of the Court and containing all elements and requirements set forth for final plats in Chapter 16 - Subdivision of Land and as required by state law.