Review the Updated Draft Zoning Ordinance

This consolidated draft combines all three of the draft zoning modules that were shared earlier this year, and also provides several updates based on feedback from City staff, the community, the Planning Commission, and City Council. 

If you would like to view a printed copy of these materials, copies are being catalogued at the Information Desk at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (201 E Market Street) and Gordon Avenue Library (1500 Gordon Avenue). You can check here to see where copies are available to view.

Introductory Memorandum:

  1. Review memorandum to Planning Commission and Council (PDF)
    • This memo contains a list of available documents, an overview of next steps, and a list of some of the key changes made in the document since the first draft released in Modules 1, 2, and 3.

Draft Zoning Ordinance:

  1. Complete consolidated draft of the Charlottesville Development Code, including the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances:
    • “Redline” version, showing the changes since the first drafts released in Modules 1, 2, and 3 (PDF)
    • “Clean” version, with no changes highlighted (PDF)
  2. Draft Zoning Map: For district definitions, please see Article 2 in the consolidated draft of the Charlottesville Development Code, linked above.
    • Zoning Map without overlay districts (PDF)
    • Zoning Map with overlay districts (PDF)
    • Interactive map (link)
    • Shapefile (for use in GIS mapping programs) (link)
  3. Other Maps:
    • Downtown stepback requirements map (PDF)
    • Street types map (PDF)

Related Manuals:

  1. Draft Development Review Procedures Manual (PDF)
  2. Draft Affordable Dwelling Unit Administrative Manual (PDF)

Related Reports:

  1. Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Feasibility and Rate of Change Analysis (PDF)

Community Engagement Report For February – June 2023:

  1. Community Engagement Report (PDF)

If you would like to review the previous draft of the zoning ordinance, as shared in February through June 2023, you can view those materials here.

Meetings and Hearings

September 14 Planning Commission Public Hearing

The Charlottesville Planning Commission held a Public Hearing for the draft Zoning Ordinance rewrite on Thursday, September 14, 2023. 

  • Details:
    • Thursday, September 14, 2023
    • 4:00pm
    • Could attend in person and via Zoom
  • Recording: Link
  • Hearing Purpose: At this hearing, the Planning Commission heard public testimony. There were opportunities to provide testimony (2 minute limit) both virtually and in person during the meeting.
  • Meeting Materials: Materials are available for viewing on the City’s meeting page, or can be obtained, upon request, from the Department of Neighborhood Development Services, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 610 East Main Street.
  • Please call (434)-970-3182 during business hours if you have any questions about the hearing.

September 19 Planning Commission Work Session

Date/Time/Location:

  • Tuesday, September 19, 2023
  • 5:00pm
  • City Hall – Council Chambers (605 E. Main Street)
  • To view recording: Link here

Work Session Purpose:

  • At this meeting, the Planning Commission discussed the draft Charlottesville Development Code and Zoning Map.

Providing Comments During the Meeting:

Relevant materials are available for viewing on the City’s meeting page, or can be obtained, upon request, from the Department of Neighborhood Development Services, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 610 East Main Street.

September 26 Planning Commission Work Session

Date/Time/Location:

  • Tuesday, September 26, 2023
  • 5:00pm
  • To attend in person: CitySpace, 100 5th St. NE
  • To attend via Zoom: Register here

Work Session Purpose:

  • At this meeting, the Planning Commission will discuss the draft Charlottesville Development Code and Zoning Map and will then consider their recommendation to City Council for a hearing and vote.
  • If needed, Planning Commission deliberation on the Zoning Ordinance may continue to additional meetings.

Providing Comments During the Meeting:

Relevant materials are available for viewing on the City’s meeting page, or can be obtained, upon request, from the Department of Neighborhood Development Services, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 610 East Main Street.

City Council will be holding work sessions to discuss various aspects of the draft Development Code and Zoning Map.

  • The first work session will be September 27, 2023, at 5pm, at CitySpace, 100 5th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (to attend virtually, register here)
  • Please watch the City’s calendar for more information about other upcoming work sessions