Steps necessary for a new business locating in an existing building to start operations in the County of Warren (outside the Town of Front Royal) are as follows:
- Ensure that the property is zoned for the proposed use.
- If the property has proper zoning and the business is moving into an existing business structure, the business must:
- Apply to the Planning Department for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity is not a use by right, either a Conditional Use Permit or a request for an amendment to the zoning ordinance will be required. Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
- Submit a letter of intent to the Planning Department addressed to the Planning Commission at least 14 days prior to the monthly meeting (2nd Wednesday of each month).
- Go to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office for a County business license.
- Register trade name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
- If the property does not have the proper zoning, a rezoning is needed. Rezoning requires a public hearing before both the Warren County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Specifics of the project should be discussed with the Planning Department.
A new business or an existing business wishing to construct a new building would need to follow these steps:
- Ensure that the property is zoned for the proposed use and is suitable for development (i.e., not in a floodplain or geological risk area).
- If the property has proper zoning, the business must:
- Appear before the Warren County Planning Commission for approval of a use by right. If the proposed business activity is not a use by right, either a Conditional Use Permit or a request for an amendment to the zoning ordinance will be required. Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements.
- Submit to the Planning Department twelve (12) copies of an engineered site plan and a letter of intent addressed to the Planning Commission at least 14 days prior to the monthly meeting (2nd Wednesday of each month).
- Apply for a building permit at the Building Department after approval has been received. The Building Department is responsible for for approving the construction methods and sediment and erosion control plan.
- Obtain business license and register trade name as previously described.
- If the property does not have proper zoning a rezoning is needed as described above.
Useful Links:
- ECode360 Website (current Warren County zoning ordinances)
- Frequently Asked Questions
