Stafford’s comprehensive Land Use Plan, adopted in February 2003, reflects a commitment to business expansion. Almost seven percent of the 277 square miles of land is zoned for business use. A total of 9,331 acres zoned commercial/industrial is available for development.

LAND USE & COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
For the most current zoning information, please visit the Department of Planning & Zoning website. 

• To view digital copies of the Comprehensive Plan, and the Current Land Use Plan & Map, click here, then choose the respective link. 
• To view an online Tax & Zoning Map, click here.  Then click on the tax map number, and subset numbers to view a detailed PDF document of that area. 

SITE PLANS
Site plans are given immediate consideration with all being reviewed in less than 45 days.

INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS ZONES:

M-1 Light industrial Zone
This zone provides for certain types of business and industry, characterized by light manufacturing, fabricating, warehousing and wholesale distribution, which are relatively free from offense and which, with proper landscaping, will not detract from the residential desirability of adjacent properties. Such zones have access to major thoroughfares and/or railroads. There are 28 permitted uses by right and 16 uses allowed with conditional use permits.

M-2 Heavy Industrial Zone
This district provides for a variety of heavy industrial type uses, which may not be compatible with residential use due to some potential nuisance or hazards. Land in this zone is preserved for industrial use and excluded from residential or neighborhood commercial use. Some use permits are required in this zone to assure protection of the general public and surrounding properties. There are 25 uses permitted by right and 18 uses allowed with a conditional permit.

B-1 Convenience Commercial Zone
This zone provides for selected retail shopping and personal service uses to serve the needs of nearby residential areas. Such zones are located at strategic sites in relation to population centers and transportation networks. There are 25 uses permitted by right and 13 uses allowed with a conditional use permit.

B-2 Urban Commercial Zone
This zone provides for sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of business, commercial and service activities. Such zones are located at strategic locations along major highways and where there are adequate utilities to serve intense development. There are 40 uses permitted by right and 17 uses allowed with a conditional use permit.

B-3 Office Zone
This zone provides for professional offices, located in transitional areas between commercial and residential uses. There are 10 uses permitted by right and 5 uses allowed with a conditional use permit.

RBC – Recreational Business Campus
This zoning district allows a corporate office campus setting with active and passive recreational uses. Some of the uses permitted in the zoning district are: conference facilities, office, research and development, limited light manufacturing, limited retail, helistops, hotel/condominium, and recreational uses such as golf courses, walking trails, theaters and tennis courts and other active recreation. Maximum building height and floor ratio are greater than in other zoning district.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Code Administration is now housed within the new Planning & Zoning Department. Please contact them at (540) 658-8668 or by email at planning@co.stafford.va.us for detailed questions and additional information. Click here to obtain necessary permit forms and applications online.  For a list of existing sites and buildings available for business development in Stafford, please visit our sites and buildings database.