Hanover County Development Guide
This Guide is intended to provide an overview of the various review processes you may be required complete in order to develop your property. Within each description, you will find links to the appropriate applications and deadlines, as well as helpful hints for navigating the process. If you have any questions regarding which process is right for you or if you would like to set up a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal, please contact the Planning Department at 804-365-6171.
Discretionary Processes
Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Projects
Single Family Residential (attached & detached) Projects
Environmental Management
Virginia Department of Transportation
Bond Administration
Section I - Discretionary Processes - Coming Soon!
Section II - Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Projects
If you are planning to develop a parcel in Hanover County for commercial, industrial, and/or multi-family uses, you will need to have your plans of development reviewed through the Site Plan Process. If your development also includes creation of individual lots, you will also need to go through the subdivision process.
Overview 
Administrative Commercial Subdivision 
Site Plan 
Public Improvement Subdivision 
Public Utility Site Plan 
Section III - Single Family Residential (attached & detached) Projects
If you are planning to divide a parcel in Hanover County to create new residential lots, you will need to have your plans of development reviewed through the residential subdivision process. Depending on the complexity of the development and the number of lots created, you will typically go through one of the following processes: Subdivision Plat; Public Improvement Subdivision; Administrative Subdivision; or Subdivision Ordinance Exception for Family.
Overview 
Administrative Residential Subdivision 
Subdivision Plat 
Public Improvement Subdivision 
Public Utility Construction Plan 
Subdivision Ordinance Exception for Family 
Section IV - Environmental Management
When developing within the County, the Department of Public Works will review the proposal with regard to impacts on the environment, which may include drainage, stormwater, and erosion and sediment control. All development must also comply with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
Stormwater Quality 
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act 
Drainage Design 
Erosion & Sediment Control 
Section V - Virginia Department of Transportation - Coming Soon!
Section VI - Bond Administration
As part of your development you may be required to post surety with the County for the cost of installing required improvements such as landscaping, water and sewer, roads, and proffered amenities. This section explains the various sureties required and provides links to the appropriate forms.
Landscaping & Paving 
Public Improvement & Administrative Subdivisions 
Public Utility Requirements 
Comments on this page should be forwarded
to Kevin R. Nelson,
Hanover County GIS Manager.
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