Most Common Zoning Complaints

Commercial Vehicles

The Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance defines a commercial vehicle as a vehicle whose manufacturers’ rating or empty cargo capacity exceeds that of 3,000 pounds. 

Vehicles exceeding such a capacity must be parked and stored on a lot zoned for such a use and are not permitted in residential zoning districts.

Image of a commercial vehicle in a residential area

Inoperable Vehicles

In residential districts in Loudoun County, all vehicles that are parked on a property must display valid state tags and a valid state inspection sticker. 

Both the state tags and valid state inspection sticker must be properly displayed on the vehicle or the vehicle is defined as an inoperable vehicle. Such a vehicle may only be stored on a lot if the inoperable vehicle is stored in an enclosed structure. 

Photo of an inoperable vehicle

Recreational Vehicles

While recreational vehicles, such as boats and motor homes may be kept on residential lots, the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance does place limitations on where recreational vehicles may be parked. 

In order for recreational vehicles to be kept on a residential lot, the vehicles must be stored in a car port, enclosed building, or behind the nearest portion of a building to a street.  

Photo of a recreational vehicle in a residential area

Zoning Permits

Failure to obtain a zoning permit for any new structure on a lot is a common zoning violation. The Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance requires that any new structure to be placed or constructed on a lot must have the required permits in order for the structure to be placed on the lot. The permits ensure the property owner abides by the required setback limitations as defined by the various zoning districts. 

Additionally, new construction is also subject to building code and permitting procedures. 

Photo of structure under construction

Commercial Uses in Residential Districts

Operating a commercial use within a residential district is strictly prohibited by the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance does allow a property owner to operate the administrative portion of a business from the confines of the home; however, the ordinance places restrictions that the applicant must abide by when seeking an approval of a home occupation. These restrictions ensure the residential characteristics of the neighborhood are not disturbed by the home occupation.  

Residential Overcrowding

Overcrowding in residential dwellings is a threat to public safety and the welfare of the occupants of the homes, as well as the neighborhoods. Find out more about overcrowding and residential occupancy regulations.  

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