DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITIZEN'S GUIDE

Department Overview  | Citizen's Guide to Community Development  |  Frequently Asked Questions

Development Rights Brochure 
A Citizen's how-to manual for development rights.

Land Use & Planning Glossary 
A listing of key land use and planning terms.

Land Use Law Handbook 
This handbook provides a review of Virginia's planning, zoning and subdivision laws, as implemented by the County's Comprehensive Plan and its Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. It also provides a review of many of the principles and laws that come into play in every land use decision, such as the Dillon Rule, the Conflict of Interests Law and the Freedom of Information Act.

Living in Albemarle County's Urban Areas 
A closer look at Albemarle's approach to managing growth and creating quality urban environments.

Legislative and Administrative Processes 
A flow chart demonstrating the Legislative and Administrative processes for rezonings/special uses and site plans/subdivision plats.

Planning and Zoning 101
An explanation of of the basic terminology and practices for planning and zoning.

Zoning Information Packet 
Albemarle County's Department of Community Development has created this information packet and checklist to set clear expectations about the requirements to approve preliminary and final zoning inspections. This will allow us to consistently provide quality service to our customers.