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1. Can I operate a business from my home?

Home-based businesses are considered to be accessory uses within residential dwellings. More than one home occupation is permitted, but each must not exceed set standards. The structure must stay consistent with the residential use. Contact Planning and Zoning at (540) 772-2068 for additional conditions that may apply.

View the Home Occupation Regulations.

2. May I keep chickens in a residential neighborhood?

You may keep chickens in a residential zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4) as long as you meet the requirements and apply for a Zoning Permit available in our office (5204 Bernard Drive, Second Floor.) The Board of Supervisors adopted the Residential Chicken Keeping amendment on August 28, 2012.

3. How tall can I build my fence?

Except as provided for in Sections 30-92 and 30-100-8 of the County Code, fences may be constructed in any location, on any lot and on any lot occupied by a residential use type, fences located in front of the building line shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Additional regulations for corner lots apply.

Remember to call Miss Utility before digging at 1-800-552-7001.

4. What types of signage area allowed within Roanoke County?

All signs in Roanoke County must have an approved sign permit. Refacing or replacing a sign still requires a new sign permit. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (540) 772-2068 for more information on allowable number and placement of signs.

5. When is a weed lot officially considered to be a public nuisance?

County Code defines weeds as any plant grass or other vegetation covering a substantial portion of a parcel which is over 12 inches long, other than trees, shrubbery, and agricultural plants. A location is considered to be a nuisance if the above situation is present on the lot. The owner of the lot is responsible for maintaining that lot and for preventing such a situation from arising.

6. Can I have a horse on my property?

A private stable is defined as "the keeping, breeding, or raising of horses or ponies exclusively for the personal use and enjoyment of the owner or occupant of the property or the riding of horses or ponies by the owner or occupant of the property and their guests."

Private stables are permitted by right in all agriculturally zoned properties. In the R-1, Low Density Residential District, a private stable is only allowed by a special use permit.

Additional use and design standards for private stables may apply.

7. What kinds of vehicles are not allowed to be parked in a residential zoning district?

Sections 30-91-2 of the County Code states that parking a commercial vehicle in a residential zoning district is prohibited. Such a vehicle is a truck or commercial vehicle with, or designed to have, more than two (2) rear wheels, except for pickup body type trucks. These types of vehicles are prohibited from parking in residential districts, and must be placed elsewhere.

8. Are campers and boats allowed to be parked in residential districts?

Section 30-91 of the County Code states that campers and boats are allowed in all residential districts. However, except for vehicles parked within multi-family developments, all recreational vehicles shall be parked behind the front building line, unless space is provided in a completely enclosed garage or other building. For the purposes of the above mentioned section only, a corner lot that fronts on two (2) streets shall have only one (1) front building line in accordance with section 30-100-7. In the case of a unique house configuration, the zoning administrator shall determine the parking location for the recreational vehicle, based on having no interference on sight distance in accordance with section 30-100-8.