Town of Port Royal

A town zoning permit may be required before application for a building permit and is required before the use or change of use of land, buildings, or structures, or the start of construction for work requiring zoning review and approval. A zoning permit is also required before a business license is issued. All construction subject to the USBC also requires a separate building permit from the Caroline County Building Official.

Note: No separate Port Royal exempt-work list has been published. Because the town requires zoning review and Caroline County handles building-code enforcement, confirm both town zoning and county building-permit exemptions with each respective authority before proceeding.

Building code

The Port Royal town code adopts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code but expressly assigns all building-code administration and enforcement to the Caroline County Building Official.

Permit validity

The town zoning permit expires if the work described has not started within 1 year or been substantially completed within 2.5 years of permit approval.

Owner-builder

No separate Port Royal owner-builder rule applies to zoning permits. Caroline County owner-builder rules apply if a county building permit is required.

Contractor requirements

The town materials do not state a separate town contractor-license standard for zoning permits. If a county building permit is required, Caroline County state-license and local business-license requirements apply.

1. 01
   Determine whether the project needs only a zoning permit or also a legislative or development approval such as a rezoning, special exception, site plan, variance, administrative appeal, or subdivision request. The town posts separate forms for zoning permits and development applications.
2. 02
   For a zoning permit, complete the town zoning permit application with the exact land use description, property identifiers, utility information, setbacks, and supporting plans. Attach a survey, sketch, plot plan, building plans, and any VDOT, VDH, or town water and sewer authorizations applicable to the work.
3. 03
   If the work involves construction subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, apply separately to Caroline County Planning and Community Development for the building permit.
4. 04
   If the request is for rezoning, site plan, special exception, variance, administrative appeal, or subdivision, file the separate town development application with all required plans, plats, fees, and supporting documentation. An application is not officially filed until all items and fees are submitted.
5. 05
   After zoning approval, proceed with Caroline County building inspections where a building permit is required.
6. 06
   Before occupancy or use, obtain the town certificate of zoning compliance. Town water activation will be withheld until compliance is assured.

Source: Town of Port Royal; Zoning Administrator ↗

Payments may be by check, cash, or charge. Fees must be paid before a development application filing is deemed official.

• Coordinate town zoning compliance inspection through Town Hall (in-person)
• Caroline County building inspections: 804-633-4303 (phone)

Inspection hours

Town office hours: Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appointments also available.

Typical sequence: Town zoning permit and any required development approval first, then Caroline County building permit and county building inspections if applicable, then town certificate of zoning compliance before occupancy or use.

Source: Town of Port Royal; Zoning Administrator ↗