You MUST have a recent potential staff report on file prior to applying for a rezoning. If you are unsure as to whether a potential staff report has been recently completed for a property, please email Planning staff at comdev@co.augusta.va.us.

Introduction:
Every parcel in Augusta County has a zoning designation, such as General Agriculture, Single Family Residential, General Business, or General Industrial. When the desired use for the property isn’t consistent with the current zoning, the property owner can request that the zoning of the property be changed.

Who May Apply?
Any owner or contract purchaser of a property may apply to rezone the property. If the applicant does not own the property, the applicant must have the owner’s consent to act as agent for the rezoning. The agent for the rezoning must have the full power to negotiate with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on the rezoning. Rezonings can also be initiated by the Board of Supervisors or at the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Pre-Submission Conference:
Anyone contemplating rezoning a piece of property in Augusta County should first contact the Community Development Department and request a potential staff report be prepared on the property. After receipt of that report, a Pre-Submission Conference will be scheduled with the Director of Community Development or his designee. In some cases, a Traffic Impact Analysis will also be required prior to making application.

At the Pre-Submission Conference, Community Development staff will review the request with the applicant, explain the rezoning process, and offer any relevant comments or recommendations.

How Do I Apply?
Application is made with the Community Development Department at the Augusta County Government Center. All required forms will be provided for and may be submitted at the Pre-Submission Conference.

At the time of application, applicants should be prepared to submit a written application, a property owner consent form if necessary, a copy of any proffers being offered, and the required rezoning fee. Rezoning fees are as follows:

Mixed Use Districts under Div. G of Chap. 25: $2,500.00

General Agriculture and Exclusive Agriculture Districts under Div. B of Chap. 25: $550.00.

Amendments to Mixed Use District map or ordinance: $2,500.00

Review of Plans of Development: $300.00 + $10.00 per unit

All other rezoning applications: $550.00

How Long It Will Take?
The rezoning process usually takes less than 60 days. The process takes longer if an application is submitted towards the end of a calendar year. 

Public Information:
Prior to the public hearings held by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on rezoning requests, notice is mailed to all adjacent property owners and a red sign is posted on the property. Rezoning requests are also advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the County.

Once staff reports are prepared, copies are sent to the applicant, the property owner, Planning Commission members, and Board of Supervisors members. Copies are also made available to the public at the Government Center, online, and by emailing Community Development staff at comdev@co.augusta.va.us.

What Happens at the Meetings?

The following process is used at the meetings:

• The Chairman will announce the request. 
• The applicant or his representative will present his case for rezoning. If a representative presents the case for the rezoning, they must be prepared to negotiate on behalf of the applicant with the Planning Commission. 
• Persons wishing to speak in favor of the request will be allowed to do so. 
• Persons wishing to speak in opposition to the request will be allowed to do so. 
• The applicant or his representative will be given a chance for rebuttal. 
• The public hearing will be closed. 
• The request will be discussed by the Planning Commission. 
• The Planning Commission will take action on the request or continue the public hearing to a later date. They can recommend approval, denial, or table the request for additional study. 
• Once the Planning Commission makes a recommendation, the request is taken to the Board of Supervisors for action. 
• The Public Hearing conducted by the Board of Supervisors follows the same format as the Planning Commission.

What Happens Next?
If the rezoning is approved by the Board of Supervisors, all proposed development must go through the normal site plan and building plan review process prior to the start of construction. For information on this process, contact the Department of Community Development and the Building Inspection Department.

If the rezoning is not approved, the Board of Supervisors must wait one year to act on a request on the same parcel of land for substantially the same zoning change.