Since 1980, every Virginia locality has been required by State law to have a Comprehensive Plan. The purpose ... More>>>
James City County’s current land use map (adopted 2003)
The Land Use Map and Comprehensive Plan are intended to provide guidelines for development over the next five years. As part of the 2008 update process, landowners have the opportunity to submit an application requesting that the Board of Supervisors change their Land Use designation.
The application process for change in Land Use designation is an important part of the Comprehensive Plan. Land Use designations assist in interpreting the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and are used with land development standards specific to that designation when the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors consider certain development proposals, such as rezonings and special use permits.
Essentially, a Land Use designation denotes what is seen to be the most appropriate future use and can indicate development intensity for a specific area or parcel. For example, most County and State parks or greenspace areas, including York River State Park and the District Sports Complex, carry the designation of Park, Public, or Semi-Public Open Space. This designation ensures that the areas continue to be set aside for preservation and recreation. Another example includes many of the residential neighborhoods throughout the County, such as Scott’s Pond (off of Olde Towne Road) or Skiffe’s Creek Terrace (off of Route 60 in Grove) which are designated Low-Density Residential and Moderate-Density Residential respectively.
While Land Use designations deal with future uses, zoning designations more specifically define what use is currently allowed on a specific parcel and outlines specific design and development guidelines for these intended uses (such as setbacks, minimum lot sizes, and the like). While your zoning designation is what you can do with your parcel today, the Land Use designation, in conjunction with development guidelines, details how you may be able to use your parcel in the future.
Do you know what your property is designated? If not, visit the County’s current Land Use map developed during the 2003 update of the Comprehensive Plan. Both Land Use and zoning designations can also be viewed for a specific property on the JCC Property Information web page. Copies of the land use map are also available from the Planning Division and the zoning map is available from the GIS/Mapping Division (253-6654 or 253-6887).
