Types of Development Review

What is a Site Plan?

Per the Rockingham County Code of Ordinances Chapter 17 – Zoning, a site plan is defined as a detailed engineering drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan shall include, as applicable, but not limited to: 

• building footprint
• travel ways
• parking
• drainage facilities
• sanitary sewer and waterlines
• trails
• lighting
• landscaping 

Note: Site plans require design by a professional engineer.  

What is a Minor Site Plan?

Per the Rockingham County Code of Ordinances Chapter 17 – Zoning, a minor site plan is defined as any required development plan that meets the following criteria:

• The site development involves new construction or use of less than 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
• The site development involves an addition to an approved site and the addition is less than 2,500 square feet of gross floor area and has no increase in the parking required in this chapter or a change in utilities.
• The site does not require additional ingress/egress or alteration of existing ingress/egress.
• The site does not require engineering work to develop the building or site.

Note: Minor site plans do not require design by a professional engineer. 

What is an Environmental Plan?

Per the Rockingham County Code of Ordinances Chapter 6B – Erosion and Sediment Control and 6C – Management of Post Construction Stormwater Runoff, environmental plans shall be required for proposed developments as follows:

• An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for proposed developments with areas greater than 10,000 square feet of land disturbance (not to include agricultural operations).
• An Agreement in Lieu of a Plan for building construction on individual lots or sections of a residential development being developed by different property owners.
• A Permanent Stormwater Control Plan for proposed developments with areas greater than one acre of land disturbance (not to include agricultural operations).

Note: Environmental plans require design by a professional engineer. 

What is a Preliminary Plat?

Preliminary plats are an approximate drawing of a proposed subdivision showing the general layout of streets and alleys, lots, blocks, and restrictive covenants to be applicable to the subdivision, and other elements of a plat or subdivision which shall furnish a basis for the approval or disapproval of the general layout of a subdivision.

Note: Preliminary plats require design by a licensed surveyor or professional engineer. 

What is a Final Plat?

The final plat of the subdivision and any dedications prepared for filing for record with Rockingham County Clerk of the Court and containing all elements and requirements set forth for final plats in Rockingham County Code of Ordinances Chapter 16 - Subdivision of Land and as required by state law.

Note: Final plats require design by a licensed surveyor or professional engineer.  

Development Review

By law, the County has sixty (60) days from the receipt of a complete set of plans and accompanying fees to review and make comment. Generally, plan review turnaround is completed prior to the 60-day deadline.

For more information on types of development review, please contact the Site Plan Review Coordinator at (540) 564-6095.

Site Plan Submittal Procedure and Review Process 

Submittal Application Forms, Checklists, and Fee Schedules 

County’s Online Portal for Permitting, Plan Review, and Payment