Chesterfield, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has approved a new zoning ordinance aimed at modernizing the county’s land-use regulations. This ordinance reduces land-use districts from 24 to 14, promoting diverse residential construction and increasing affordable housing options. Key additions include designations for semi-urban neighborhoods, suburban communities, and mixed-use centers. To facilitate the transition, most existing zoning designations will convert automatically to the nearest new district. The ordinance retains agricultural spaces and introduces new commercial districts to foster a vibrant economy while maintaining rural character.
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Approves New Zoning Ordinance
On September 18, 2025, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new Zoning Ordinance that aims to modernize the county’s land-use regulations. This significant decision wraps up a years-long project known as the Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (ZOMod), which sought to align local regulations with contemporary development trends.
Modernizing Land-Use Regulations
The newly approved ordinance is designed to be more user-friendly than the previous rules from the 1970s. One of the key changes involves reducing the number of land-use districts from 24 to 14. This reduction is expected to streamline land-use planning and aid in promoting a wider array of residential construction, including a focus on more affordable housing options.
New Zoning Designations
The new zoning ordinance will introduce several designations to cater to different housing needs. These include:
- Semi-Urban Neighborhood (SU): This designation involves lot sizes ranging from 4,500 to 7,500 square feet, encouraging the integration of affordable housing.
- Suburban Community (SC): Offering lots between 8,000 to 14,500 square feet, this district emphasizes quality single-family neighborhood development.
- Rural Community (RC): This category allows for subdivisions with a minimum lot size of 5 acres in more rural areas.
- Semi-Rural Neighborhood (SR): This transitional zone accommodates lot sizes between 0.5 to 2 acres.
- Alternative Residential (AR): This district allows for innovative housing concepts, with minimum lot sizes of 1,500 square feet.
- Urban Residential (UR): Designed for higher density residential developments near mixed-use centers.
- Mixed-Use Center (MU): This district promotes a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Implementation Timeline and Transition
The new ordinance will officially take effect in January 2026. Most existing zoning designations will be converted to the nearest new district, ensuring that approved zoning conditions experience minimal changes. A five-year grace period will be implemented, allowing property owners to continue development under the existing commercial and industrial zoning regulations, but this will not apply to data center projects.
Buffering and Proffer Adjustments
In addition to the new designations, the ordinance introduces innovative approaches to buffering between different development types. This includes establishing shared responsibilities between residential and commercial developments. Furthermore, a proffer adjustment process will enable developers to customize their projects to lessen potential impacts, while a standardized amenities list will enhance recreational features and infrastructure.
Retained Agricultural Designation
While the ordinance is expansive in its new offerings, it retains the Agricultural (A) designation and adds several commercial districts aimed at accommodating restaurants and shopping centers. Mixed feedback emerged during public hearings, with several residents expressing support for the modernization, particularly in terms of improving housing affordability and clarifying zoning policies.
Background of the Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project
The ZOMod initiative started in 2021 with a budget of $1 million and assistance from planning consultant White & Smith. Following multiple community meetings aimed at gathering feedback, the planning commission recommended this update in July. While Chesterfield previously revised its zoning ordinance in the late 1990s, much of the content remained from the 1970s. The new ordinance also aims to align with Chesterfield’s comprehensive plan, which was updated in 2019.
Residents are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback regarding the new zoning regulations, which promise updated terminology and are set to meet contemporary development needs effectively.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new zoning ordinance approved by Chesterfield Board of Supervisors?
The ordinance aims to modernize the county’s land-use regulations and align them with modern development trends while being more user-friendly.
When will the new zoning ordinance take effect?
The new ordinance will take effect in January 2026.
How many land-use districts will there be under the new ordinance?
The number of land-use districts will be reduced from 24 to 14.
What are some of the new zoning designations introduced?
New zoning designations include Semi-Urban Neighborhood, Suburban Community, Rural Community, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, Alternative Residential, Urban Residential, and Mixed-Use Center.
Is there a grace period for existing zoning conditions?
Yes, there will be a five-year grace period allowing property owners to develop under existing commercial and industrial zoning rules.
Key Features of Chesterfield’s New Zoning Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinance Approval Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Land-Use Districts | Reduced from 24 to 14 |
| Implementation Date | January 2026 |
| New Designations | Semi-Urban Neighborhood, Suburban Community, Rural Community, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, Alternative Residential, Urban Residential, Mixed-Use Center |
| Grace Period | Five years for existing commercial and industrial zoning |
| Budget for ZOMod | $1 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Richmond BizSense: Chesterfield Supervisors Approve Zoning Ordinance
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Virginia Mercury: Chesterfield Leaders Seek Community Feedback
- Google Search: Chesterfield Zoning Ordinance
- Wric: Chesterfield to Hold Meetings for Zoning Modernization Project
- Google Scholar: Zoning Modernization
- Richmond BizSense: Chesterfield Would Restrict Data Center Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning
- 12 On Your Side: Proposal Aims to Update Zoning Ordinance Chesterfield
- Google News: Chesterfield Zoning Updates
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
