Vienna Department of Planning and Zoning

The Vienna Department of Planning and Zoning is responsible for enforcing the Town Code’s planning and zoning provisions.

About
The Department of Planning and Zoning’s mission is to: "“Provide the highest level of short and long-term planning, zoning and code enforcement services to the Town of Vienna to ensure that it remains attractive, safe, clean and the premier community in Northern Virginia.”"

Jurisdiction
The Department of Planning and Zoning is charged with ensuring compliance with the zoning provisions laid out in Chapters 4, 13, 17, 18, and 18.1 of the Town Code.

Architectural Design Control
“Architectural Design and Control” is Chapter 4 of the Town Code, and outlines rules for building design to prevent the construction of “bizarre, garish or otherwise inappropriate” exteriors.

Refuse, Garbage and Weeds
Vienna’s policy on refuse, garbage and weeds is covered in Chapter 13 Town Code, which describes procedures for property maintenance and waste removal.

Subdivisions
“Subdivisions,” Chapter 17 of the Town Code, lays out regulations for the planning of subdivisions, specfically plot design, street sizes, and easements.

Zoning
Chapter 18 and attachments place restrictions on how certain areas in Vienna are used in an effort to avoid overpopulation and to ensure sufficient light, safety, and “ample parking facilities” (Chapter 18 and attachments.

Functions
The Department of Planning and Zoning:
 * Enforces and resolves any violations of the Town Code, which includes issuing zoning citations;
 * Prepares the Comprehensive Plan and amendments to the subdivision and zoning ordinance;
 * Supervises the administration of development activity;
 * Oversees special projects such as grant applications;
 * Consults with the Town Attorney to ensure compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations;
 * Works with Federal, Commonwealth, regional, and local planning agencies;
 * Provides Vienna with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping services.

Related Activities
The Department also supplies the following boards and committees with technical and staff support:
 * Board of Architectural Appeals
 * Board of Zoning Appeals
 * Planning Commission
 * Town/Business Liaison Committee
 * Vienna Town Council
 * Windover Heights Board of Review

Director of Planning and Zoning
The Director of Planning and Zoning (or Zoning Administrator) is the head of the Department of Planning and Zoning. The current Director is Gregory M. Hembree, AICP.