Staff reviews each application for completeness, case information is sent to a variety of review agencies, including Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Health Department, and the Department of Emergency Services.  Cases are assigned to individual planners. Based on the submitted application materials and comments from review agencies, the case planner prepares a staff report to the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission holds a work session and a public hearing prior to forwarding a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.  The Board also holds a work session and public hearing before taking action on an application. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these hearings.

Call (540) 422-8210 or visit the Application Tracking Map to find out the name of the planner that is processing the case. You may also wish to find out the case number and the name of the applicant. You should make staff aware of any concerns that you may have. The Planning Department staff is available to talk to residents about the status of pending cases.

The Department leads community planning efforts related to the Comprehensive Plan, working with citizens and businesses to define the community vision overall and in individual Service Districts. The Department also works to develop the appropriate policies and ordinances aimed at achieving that vision. In addition, the Department also offers various workshops throughout the year. Follow the News or Events links on the Community Development Homepage for more opportunities for involvement.

There are a couple of ways to comment on applications. Public comment is received at all public hearings. If unable to attend a public hearing, comments can be submitted in writing or via e-mail to the Department of Community Development. All comments will be forwarded to the appropriate staff, Committee and/or Board for which they are relevant.

Most of the Committees and Boards that are staffed by the Department of Community Development meet once a month. All meetings are open to the public. In addition to a public meeting, several Committees and Boards conduct public hearings on specific applications. During public hearings, comments are received from the public. Some of these Committees and Boards have work sessions prior to the public hearing. Work sessions are also open to the public; however, public comment is not received.

Specific meeting locations, agendas, and times for meetings and work sessions are posted online and/or in the newspaper. Visit individual Committee or Board webpages for more details www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/boards-committees and select a Committee or Board).

Board of Supervisors - 2nd Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission - 3rd Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals - 1st Thursday each month at 2:00 p.m.

Transportation Committee - As needed

Architectural Review Board - 1st Wednesday each month at 4:00 p.m.

Agricultural and Forestal Advisory Committee - Typically 1 time per year in late winter/early spring

The preferred process for viewing an existing project file is to contact the Planning Division at (540) 422-8210 and provide at least one of the following: 1) Project Name; 2) Parcel Identification Number (PIN); or 3) File Number.  Special Permit, Special Exception, Rezoning and Preliminary Plat applications are available online through the Application Tracking Map. 

Fauquier County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is administered by the County’s Department of Agriculture Development.  To learn about the voluntary land preservation program, visit www.fauquiercounty.gov/ government/departments-a-g/agricultural-development or call (540) 422-8280.

Many subdivisions in the County are subject to covenants and deed restrictions, which regulate the use of property beyond the limitations contained in the County's ordinances. Deeds and covenants are private agreements between property owners and are not enforced by the County. Therefore, before you add a shed or fence to your property or initiate any other significant changes, you should check with your homeowners' association or deed to determine if any restrictions apply. 

A copy of a plat may be obtained at the Records Room on the First Floor at 29 Ashby Street, Warrenton. If a copy of your plat is not on file with the County, search your residential loan closing documents or contact the lending institution from which your mortgage was obtained or you will have to hire a private land surveyor to have a new plat prepared. 

For property information visit Real Estate Online at http://reo.fauquiercounty.gov. You may search for a parcel using owner name, address, Parcel Identification Number (PIN) or subdivision name.

Every property in Fauquier County is governed by regulations.  Every property also has a Comprehensive Plan land use designation and Zoning District classification.  Call (540-422-8210) or visit the Department of Community Development at 16 Courthouse Square, Warrenton, VA 20186 to discuss any questions you may have with a staff member regarding the property's characteristics and applicable regulations.