Variance Decisions in Loudoun County

A variance is an authorized departure from the strict requirements of a zoning ordinance. Rather than changing the underlying zoning classification (which is what rezoning does), a variance allows a property owner to deviate from specific rules - like setback distances, building height limits, lot coverage ratios, or parking requirements - while keeping the same zoning designation. ZoneWire tracks variance activity across Loudoun County, VA public meetings.

ZoneWire monitors Loudoun County, VA planning and council meetings, transcribes them, and flags variance activity. As of the latest update we have analyzed 1 meetings and detected 1 variance mentions.

Tracking variance in Loudoun County surfaces zoning and development signals early, so developers, investors, and brokers can evaluate parcels and approvals before they reach the broader market.

Land use in unincorporated Loudoun County is governed by the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, which the Board of Supervisors adopted on December 13, 2023, effective the same day. It replaced the prior Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. Some exceptions apply: commercially and industrially zoned properties in the Route 28 Tax District may remain under the 1972 Ordinance, and applications grandfathered before adoption may continue under the 1993 version. The ordinance is available online through the county's Department of Planning and Zoning.

No. The Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance does not apply within the seven incorporated towns, each of which administers its own zoning code. Those towns are Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg (the county seat), Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill. If your property lies within one of these towns, you must follow that town's zoning regulations rather than the county's.

The Board of Supervisors is the body that adopts ordinances and approves land rezonings and special exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance. The Department of Planning and Zoning manages these legislative land development applications, and its Legislative Land Use Review division serves as project managers, coordinates with agencies, writes staff reports with detailed analysis, and presents applications to the appointed boards. The Planning Commission reviews applications and advises the Board of Supervisors.

The Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on matters related to the orderly growth and development of Loudoun County. It reviews land development applications and comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments and makes recommendations before the Board of Supervisors takes action. The Department of Planning and Zoning assists both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in developing the policies and plans that guide land use in the county.

Variances are heard and decided by the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), whose members are appointed by the Circuit Court (currently five regular members and two alternates). In addition to variances, the BZA hears appeals of the Zoning Administrator's interpretation of the zoning map, appeals of administrative decisions made under the Zoning Ordinance, and special exception applications where structures have inadvertently encroached into a setback. Applications and questions can be directed to the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246.

Yes. ZoneWire Free sends New Meeting Alerts for Loudoun County at no cost, with the agenda for each meeting. ZoneWire Pro adds full transcripts, zoning and development analysis, and keyword alerts for $129 per market per month.