PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Michael D. Zehner, Director
(540) 462-3704; fax: (540) 463-5310
e-mail: mzehner@lexingtonva.gov
e-mail: planning@lexingtonva.gov
The Department of Planning and Development offices are located on the second floor in City Hall, at 300 E. Washington Street. A shortcut link to Building Permits, Fees & Inspections has been provided.
The Department of Planning and Development assures that development within the City respects and promotes the heritage, appearance, and exceptional quality of life of the City of Lexington.
The Department is responsible for planning for the City, including preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan, as well as preparing special planning studies such as the Master Plan for Jordan's Point Park, the action plan for restoration of Wood's Creek and the plan for the renovation of the City's entrance corridors.
The Department is also responsible for developing, amending, and enforcing the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 420 and Subdivision Regulations (Copy of Zoning Map). (Should you have difficulty opening these files, try saving them to your hard drive first. Right-click hyperlink, click 'Save Target As.' ) This includes coordinating site plan reviews, conditional use permit requests, design review, and rezoning requests.
Should you need information about flood maps, please see the FEMA site. There is a tutorial available, as well as the maps for Lexington.
The Department enforces all building and property maintenance codes which includes reviewing plans and specifications for proposed construction, issuing permits and conducting required inspections.
The Department also manages the City's Housing programs. This includes writing and administering grants from Federal and State agencies for the rehabilitation of existing housing and the construction of new affordable housing. Assistance in obtaining affordable mortgages for the purchase of houses is also provided to eligible low and moderate income persons. The locally funded Safe and Sound program provides small scale repairs to houses and yards within the City.
Building Permits and Inspections
A building permit is required prior to constructing, enlarging, altering or demolishing any structure, including its electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment. Ordinary repairs to existing structures are exempt. If you are not sure whether a building permit is required for work you are contemplating, please call the Department.
Obtaining a Building Permit:
Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at (540) 462-3738 or the Secretary
at (540) 462-3704. Their offices are located on the 2nd floor
of City Hall, 300 East Washington Street.
Requirements for a building permit:
Sufficient drawings must be permitted to enable the Department to evaluate
the proposed work for conformance to the applicable codes. A site
plan must also be submitted for additions and new construction. Permits
may only be issued to state licensed contractors or building owners.
Fees:
Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing permits for RESIDENTIAL work
are 0.30% of the estimated cost of construction. Fees for COMMERCIAL
work are 0.60% of the estimated construction cost. The minimum fee
is $25.00.
Scheduling Inspections:
Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at (540) 462-3738 or the Secretary
at (540) 462-3704 if you have questions or to request an inspection.
The Planning and Development Department provides staff support to the following Boards and Commissions:
