What is a Comprehensive Plan
Compliance Review?

The Fauquier County Comprehensive Plan guides development within the County to promote, preserve and protect the health, safety and general welfare of its citizens. Because public developments (public streets, public areas and public facilities) comprise a substantial component of the plan, the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2232, requires that proposals for such developments be subject to a compliance review. Should the Planning Commission believe that the application submitted is substantially in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, they have the approval authority for the application. However, should the Board of Supervisors disagree with the Planning Commission's decision; they may overrule the action of the Planning Commission by a majority vote, even if an appeal is not filed.

Comprehensive Plan Compliance Review Process

1. Pre-Application Meeting

• The Pre-Application meeting will allow staff and outside review agencies to provide initial guidance to the Applicant regarding the project, and outline the regulatory/approval process(es) applicable to the proposed development.
• Submission requirements include 3 copies of the Pre-Application Meeting Form, 3 copies of a Concept Plan and a USB Flash Drive with individual PDFs of all submission requirements.

2. Formal Application

• Once the Pre-Application meeting is held, an application may be filed. The application must be filed no later than 45 days prior to the Planning Commission's meeting. The Planning Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month in the Warren Green Building at 10 Hotel Street, Warrenton, Virginia, 20186. Filing deadlines and other information can be found on the Planning Commission page.

Submission Requirements

• Land Development Application with original signatures

• $1,100.00 (includes technology fee)

• 5 copies of a Statement of Justification

• 5 copies of a Concept Plan

• 5 copies of any supporting materials which demonstrate compliance with the Comprehensive Plan
• Flash drive containing individual PDFs of all submission materials (please do not include any financial information such as check copies or the fee calculation sheet)

3. Planning Commission Public Hearing

• After an application has been accepted, it will be reviewed by various County agencies. Staff will lend letters to adjoining property owners notifying them of the Planning Commission meeting. The applicant is required to post notice signs (prepared by staff) on the property at least 15 days prior to the Planning Commission hearing date, and then to provide an affidavit to staff showing that the posting was done at the required time. The completed affidavit shall be filed with the Department of Community Development within three days after posting of the property.
• Staff will prepare a report on the application. This staff report will be provided to the Planning Commission, with a copy to the Applicant in advance of the meeting. Copies of the report will also be available to the public and online at the County's NOVUS Agenda Page.
• The day of the Planning Commission meeting, a work session is typically held and Applicants are encouraged to attend.
• The Planning Commission holds its public hearing in the evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. The Applicant and public will have the opportunity to speak at the hearing. After the public hearing is held, the Planning Commission will approve or deny the application.
• The Planning Commission will then communicate its findings to the Board of Supervisors, indicating approval or disapproval with written reasons.