About the Department of Planning & Community Development

The Colonial Heights Department of Planning and Community Development consists of three operating divisions: Planning/Zoning, Code Enforcement, and Building Inspections.

Vision Statement:
The Department of Planning and Community Development is committed to building upon the historical small town feeling of Colonial Heights while enhancing the opportunity for creative development and redevelopment of business and residential districts through efficient processes and coordination with other city departments.

Mission Statement:
To professionally apply planning principles, zoning practices, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and City Ordinances in order to foster vibrant business districts, the stabilization of residential districts, and promote a sustainable environment for future generations.

Goals:

The primary goals of the Planning and Community Development Department are:

1. To guide development, redevelopment, and growth of the City through the application of professional planning principles and zoning practices; and,

2. To ensure the health and safety of the citizens of the city through enforcement of codes and regulations related to construction of residential and commercial developments and enforcement of property maintenance and other ordinances.

3. To maintain a quality of service to the citizens and businesses of Colonial Heights by promptly and efficiently responding to questions and concerns in a courteous and professional manner.

Responsibilities:
The department is responsible for guiding and regulating the City’s long and short-term development to include:
1. Protecting the health, safety and property of city residents and businesses by enforcing the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;

2. Carrying out a long-range comprehensive planning process, which establishes recommendations to efficiently and effectively guide residential and commercial development;

3. Managing the rezoning, subdivision and site plan review processes to ensure that federal, state, and local code requirements are addressed prior to actual construction;

4. Enforcing city codes and ordinances, including property maintenance, inoperable motor vehicles, tall grass, zoning, and other related codes and ordinances;

5. Developing and implementing special projects and programs including, the Community Development Block Grant program for Home Repairs, Appomattox River Trail System development (CHARTS), and Boulevard Business Corridor program; and,

6. Providing administrative assistance for the City Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, CHARTS, Boulevard Revitalization Steering Committee, and Wetlands Board.