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What Chesterfield County, VA’s new zoning means for homebuyers, builders, and investors

What Chesterfield County, VA’s new zoning means for homebuyers, builders, and investors

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New zoning laws are reshaping how and where homes get built in Chesterfield County, VA.
Chesterfield County is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing areas, but its zoning laws haven’t changed much since the 1970s. Large lot sizes and limited housing types weren’t a problem then but today, skyrocketing prices and a lack of housing supply are making it hard for many families to find homes they can afford.

That’s where ZOMod – short for Zoning Ordinance Modernization – comes in. This long-awaited update is designed to align Chesterfield’s zoning with modern housing needs and growth patterns.

For buyers, builders, and investors, it’s more than just a rule change. It’s a shift that will reshape the future of housing, development, and opportunity across the county.

WHY CHESTERFIELD NEEDED ZONING REFORM

In the last decade, home prices in Chesterfield nearly doubled, while rents climbed just as quickly. Nearly half of renters now spend more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving many cost-burdened and with fewer options.

Outdated zoning rules are part of the problem. Nearly 80% of the county’s land is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, each on minimum 12,000-square-foot lots. That drives up prices and limits availability for starter homes. Multifamily construction is also restricted, with 20-acre minimums and limits on the number of larger apartment units allowed.

ZOMod aims to address those challenges and build a more inclusive, affordable Chesterfield for the future.

WHAT IS ZOMod?

ZOMod is a full rewrite of Chesterfield’s zoning ordinance designed to implement the county’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan. Here’s what it brings:

  • New zoning districts. The county will reduce 24 zoning districts to 14, making the system clearer and easier to navigate.
  • Greater housing variety. More areas will allow for townhomes, duplexes, and apartments, not just single-family homes.
  • Smaller lots and denser housing. Minimum lot sizes will shrink from 12,000 square feet. to as small as 1,500 square feet., which supports smaller, more affordable homes.
  • Amenities and walkability. New rules require parks, sidewalks, and green buffers to encourage connected, livable neighborhoods.
  • Environmental focus. ZOMod emphasizes green development, with protections for rural areas and requirements for greener streetscapes.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR HOMEBUYERS, BUILDERS, AND INVESTORS

ZOMod affects almost every corner of the Chesterfield real estate market. Here’s what you need to know:

For buyers

ZOMod could make it easier to find houses for sale in Chesterfield at different price points. With smaller lots and new housing types, families may have more access to starter homes, downsizing options, or more affordable locations.

For builders and developers

ZOMod offers a more flexible and predictable process for builders. By reducing the need for lengthy approvals, projects can move faster with less red tape. The new rules also allow for more variety within each zoning district, including options for lot sizes, setbacks, and amenities.

For investors

ZOMod creates new opportunities for investors by allowing higher-density development and more diverse housing options. This can increase the value and potential return on properties, especially in mixed-use areas that align with market demand.

However, some previously permitted uses may now be considered nonconforming, so it’s important for investors to review their current properties and plans under the new zoning system.

PLAN YOUR MOVE TO CHESTERFIELD COUNTY TODAY

ZOMod marks one of the biggest changes Chesterfield County has seen in years. It brings more affordable housing options for buyers, a smoother process for builders, and fresh opportunities for investors in this growing area.

If you’re planning to buy, build, or invest in Chesterfield real estate, now’s the time to learn how these changes could affect you.

The Poore Team can help you make sense of the new rules and find the right property for your goals. Call 804.567.9250 or send an email to get started.

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