Explore zoning districts, official map resources, and recent rezoning activity in Hanover County, VA. ZoneWire monitors council meetings to track every zoning change.
Live records updated through September 23, 2026
Updated with meetings through September 23, 2026.
Zoning classifications used in this jurisdiction, from the adopted local code.
Agricultural district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 1) intended for farming, forestry, and low-density rural uses.
Agricultural residential district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 2) for rural residential development on larger lots.
Rural conservation district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 3) for preserving rural character and natural resources.
Single-family residential district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 4).
Multi-family residential district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 5).
Mixed use district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 6) allowing a combination of residential, commercial, and related uses.
Business office district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 7) for office and limited business uses.
Neighborhood business district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 8) for small-scale retail and services serving nearby residents.
Community business district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 9) for general retail and commercial uses.
General business district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 10) for a broad range of commercial uses.
Office/service district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 11) for office and service establishments.
Business park district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 12) for planned office, business, and light industrial park development.
Limited industrial district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 13).
Light industrial district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 14).
Heavy industrial district (Chapter 26, Article 3, Division 15).
These parcels came up for a zoning decision in Hanover County in the last 30 days, often before they hit the market. See what changed, how the vote went, and hear the moment it happened. According to ZoneWire's analysis of official public meeting records, each decision below links to its timestamped source.
Hanover County · Sep 23, 2026
Approved · UnanimousBethany Church Road, south of Route 33, South Anna District
Zoning change from A-1 to AR6 (11 acres), approved unanimously on Sep 23, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Hanover County · Sep 17, 2026
Approved · 5-2Southeast quadrant of Mechanicsville Turnpike and Creighton Parkway
Zoning change from A1 to B3 (40.75 acres), approved by a 5-2 vote on Sep 17, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Higher-intensity use now allowed. Comp the parcel before the owner reprices.
Applicant
Unlock who filed this with ProHanover County · Sep 23, 2026
Approved · UnanimousRS Rezoning for family division off Triple T Lane, approved unanimously on Sep 23, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Hanover County · Sep 17, 2026
Denied · 5-2Comprehensive plan amendment Beaver Dam 1 (CPA 2026-00007), denied by a 5-2 vote on Sep 17, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Denied. Check this board's approval pattern before filing a similar request.
Hanover County · Sep 17, 2026
Approved · UnanimousComprehensive plan amendment South Anna 2 (CPA 2026-00007), approved unanimously on Sep 17, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Hanover County · Sep 17, 2026
Approved · UnanimousComprehensive plan amendment Beaver Dam 2 (CPA 2026-00007), approved unanimously on Sep 17, 2026 in Hanover County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
In Hanover County, 73% of land-use board decisions were approved over the last 24 months. Special exception / conditional use clear 91%, Land use / comp-plan amendment 67%. ZoneWire analyzed 90 land-use board decisions in Hanover County over the last 24 months. Here are the most active project types and how often each one clears.
| Project type | Decisions | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|
| Special exception / conditional use | 22 | 91% |
| Land use / comp-plan amendment | 18 | 67% |
| Data center | 16 | 50% |
| Industrial / warehouse | 9 | 56% |
| Single-family homes | 8 | 100% |
| Subdivision / plat | 5 | 80% |
These are the denials and deferrals in categories that usually sail through, the deals worth understanding before you commit capital.
Get free county alertsThe official Hanover County zoning map is maintained by the local planning department. You can access the interactive GIS map at https://www.hanovercounty.gov/1058/Parcel-Search-and-Mapping-Application. ZoneWire also tracks rezoning activity discussed in council meetings.
Zoning districts in Hanover County include A-1 (Agricultural District), AR-6 (Agricultural Residential District), RC (Rural Conservation District), RS (Single-Family Residential District), RM (Multi-Family Residential District), MX (Mixed Use District), B-O (Business Office District), B-1 (Neighborhood Business District). Each district has specific permitted uses, setbacks, and density requirements set by the local code.
ZoneWire reads every council meeting in Hanover County to detect rezoning discussions, variances, and zoning amendments. Start a free trial to receive alerts when rezoning activity is detected.
In Hanover County, the Planning Commission reviews rezonings and Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), while the Board of Supervisors provides final approval for rezonings, CUPs, and Special Exceptions. Special Exceptions are not reviewed by the Planning Commission. These applications go through a public review process that includes a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors.
Under the county's Customer Service Initiative, a routine rezoning or CUP case is typically a 4-month process, and a complex rezoning or CUP case (one requiring items such as traffic studies and additional reviews) is typically a 6-month process. Special Exception cases are typically a 6- to 8-week process. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a Pre-Application Meeting with Planning staff to review the proposal and discuss required steps and timelines.
Hanover County's zoning regulations are contained in Chapter 26 (Zoning Ordinance) of the county Code of Ordinances, which is published on Municode and specifies the permitted uses in each zoning district. To confirm how a property may be used, an owner can review the ordinance or apply for a Zoning Compliance Letter from the Planning Department, which upon request can confirm whether or not a use is permitted. Changing a property's use typically requires a zoning reclassification or a special permit.
The Hanover County Planning Commission has seven members, one representing each of the county's magisterial districts: Ashland, Beaverdam, Chickahominy, Cold Harbor, Henry, Mechanicsville, and South Anna. The Commission meets monthly, on Thursdays, in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, with a continued meeting the following Thursday when needed.
Hanover County's current comprehensive plan is called Envision Hanover, which was adopted on September 27, 2023. It is a long-range guide with a 20-year horizon that establishes a vision for future growth and development and addresses topics including land use, housing, economic development, and natural resources. The plan guides the county's land-use and zoning decisions.
Yes. ZoneWire Free sends New Meeting Alerts for Hanover County at no cost, with the agenda for each meeting. ZoneWire Pro adds full transcripts, zoning and development analysis, and keyword alerts for $39 per market per month.
Our Hanover County record holds 24 land-use decisions heard in the last 60 days, with the vote where one was recorded.
7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Get an email when a new meeting is posted for Hanover County, with the agenda. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We'll email you a 6-digit code, no password.