Chesterfield County has released Draft 4 of its Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project, known as ZOMod, for public review. This draft is available on the county’s website ahead of a Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for July 15.
The draft follows extensive consultations, including over two dozen work sessions with the commission, nine meetings with the Committee on the Future, and numerous community engagements. These efforts have generated hundreds of citizen questions and comments.
Addressing common concerns, county officials clarified several points about ZOMod:
On the issue of zoning districts leading to denser development, officials stated that “the comprehensive plan… identifies where and to what intensity the county would like to see growth occur.” They emphasized that densities will not change with ZOMod’s adoption.
Regarding forested buffers, it was clarified that “no existing buffers are being altered in any way,” and buffer widths will increase for many future developments.
Concerns about more intense commercial uses near neighborhoods were addressed by explaining that small-scale retail and office uses are being converted to a new Neighborhood Business district. This aims to limit scale and intensity while increasing buffer zones from 40 feet to 50 feet.
Officials also responded to fears about widespread apartment construction by noting that apartments are allowed only in specific districts where multifamily housing already exists or is approved. They assured residents that no higher density residential uses are permitted in single-family zoning districts without going through the zoning process.
Citizens’ participation in the zoning process remains a priority under ZOMod. Community meetings and public hearings will continue as avenues for input. The county plans to maintain its practice of collecting citizen comments online for those unable to attend meetings.
Finally, addressing why a new ordinance was necessary rather than modifying the existing one, officials pointed out that Chesterfield’s comprehensive plans prioritized developing a new ordinance due to outdated provisions in the current one. They argued that ZOMod will offer a streamlined ordinance aligning with modern development visions outlined in the comprehensive plan.
