This Guidance Manual to Clarke County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances is a companion document to the Ordinances. Its design presents regulations, processes, and other important information in a customer-friendly format for citizens, business owners, and design professionals.

The Guidance Manual is organized in a “frequently-asked questions” format addressing common types of applications and requests for information on zoning regulations, divisions of land and adjustments of boundary lines, and other important land use and development matters. It is maintained by the Planning and Zoning Department and is periodically updated to include new and revised information of use to the public.

The Guidance Manual provides plain-language descriptions of rules, regulations, and processes. It is not a substitute for the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Consult the Ordinances to review the law governing these rules, regulations, and processes.

Download current version of the Guidance Manual:

• Guidance Manual to Clarke County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
  (2024 version) 

Links to Guidance Manual Chapters and Sections: 

• Chapter 1, General Information
  
  • How to use the Guidance Manual
  • Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Related Ordinances
  • What is sliding-scale zoning?
  • What is the Clarke County Comprehensive Plan?
  • What is a conservation easement?
  • What is karst?
  • Relationship to the Towns of Berryville and Boyce
  • List of key agencies and departments
    
    
• Chapter 2 -- Information for Residents
  
  • Permit applications generally
  • Small residential construction projects
  • How do I subdivide new lots from my property?
  • How do I adjust property lines with my neighbor?
  • Can I have more than one dwelling on my property?
  • Remedies -- What are my options if I am told my project cannot be approved?
  • How can I file a zoning complaint?
  • Will the County enforce deed restrictions and neighborhood covenants?
  • What is resistivity testing and why is it required?
  • How to get a street address for a property or structure

• Chapter 3 -- Information for Businesses 
  
  • What approvals do I need to operate a business in Clarke County?
  • Home occupations -- How can I run a business from my home?
  • What are the rules for transient lodging businesses?
  • What are the rules for commercial breeding and boarding kennels?

• Chapter 4 -- Agricultural Information
  
  • What is agriculture?
  • Constructing agricultural buildings
  • Regulations for agribusinesses and agritourism activities
  • Land application of biosolids
  • Forestry operations and pre-harvest plans

• Chapter 5 -- Special Events 
  • Special events generally
  • Zoning regulations for public assembly activities

• Chapter 6 -- Information for Design Professionals
  • Current versions of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Guidance Manual
  • Application filing deadlines and pre-application meetings
  • Required components of a complete application
  • Application fees and County consultant fees
  • Sample timelines for common review processes
  • Reviewing agencies and County consultants
  • Minor and major subdivision design guidelines
  • Wireless communication facilities (WCFs)
  • Application forms

• Appendix
  • Current application filing deadlines
  • Current Department of Planning fee schedule
  • Dimensional standards -- AOC, FOC, and RR zoning districts

For general questions about the Guidance Manual, contact the Department of Planning at (540) 955-5132.