Community Development

Responsibilities

Examples of the department's work include:

• Administration of the Historic District
• Administration, maintenance, and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance
• Implementation of the Warrenton Comprehensive Plan 
• Processing of building permits, building inspections, special use permits, sign permits, variances, rezonings, Comprehensive Plan amendments, zoning determinations, and Zoning Ordinance text amendments
• Review of development site plans and subdivisions

The department also provides staff support for the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Architectural Review Board.

Building Safety

Included in the Department of Community Development are the offices of Building Safety and Inspections and the Town's Fire Marshal. These two offices are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. By performing a series of inspections during the construction process, Town inspectors ensure the future health, safety, and welfare of town citizens.

Warrenton Farmers' Market

The Department of Community Development also provides management and oversight of the Town-sponsored Warrenton Farmers' Market. This seasonal open-air market is open 8 AM to Noon on Saturdays from Easter to Thanksgiving. The Saturday market takes place behind Town Hall at 21 Main Street, Warrenton, Virginia 20186.

Applications & Permits

Download application forms and checklists for:

• Building Permits
• Certificate of Appropriateness
• Land Development Applications (site plans, subdivisions, bonds, text amendments, rezonings, special use permits)
• Land Disturbance Permits
• Zoning Permits

We're now online! Click here to submit your application on our web-based portal. Applications may also be submitted in person, by mail, or via email. 

Historic District

As the northern Virginia county seat since 1759 and a community long noted for its beautiful setting, the Town of Warrenton boasts an exceptional collection of governmental, residential, and commercial architecture reflecting a wide range of styles and tastes. The Historic District was established in 1982 to implement an evaluation process regarding potential impacts on historic resources.

The Historic District Guidelines help reinforce the distinctive architectural character of the Warrenton Historic District, public awareness of the unique cultural value of the developmental history of the town, and a sense of pride in the quality of life are enhanced while tourism and the local economy grow.

Maps / Geographic Information System (GIS)

The department also houses the town's Geographic Information System technology (GIS), which is used to create visual representations of geographic features through map-making. Using this technology the town maintains up-to-date maps of municipal infrastructures such as roadways, sewer systems, utility lines, flood plains, property parcels, structures, zoning designations, and overlay districts.

Utilize the Town's interactive mapping system. Find your zoning district, future lane use designation, nearby utilities, and more. To download GIS data files email the Zoning and Land Development Department for Town maintained layers or contact the Fauquier County GIS Department.

Adopted Comprehensive Plan

Plan Warrenton 2040, adopted by the Town Council on April 13, 2021, serves as Warrenton's Comprehensive Plan. It is the summation of public outreach, steering committee meetings, public workshops and surveys, public hearings, and work sessions with the Planning Commission and Town Council. 

Zoning

View the Town of Warrenton's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. 

Memberships

• American Institute of Certified Planners Building Officials and Code Administrators
• American Planning Association
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Tree City USA, National Arbor Foundation
• Urban Land Institute
• Virginia Main Street Program