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Zoning Ordinance (Acrobat Reader PDF)
Smyth County Zoning Department
Frequently-Asked Questions
1. How can the county tell me what I can do or can’t do on property that I own?
If a property owner can do anything with his or her property, the property rights of neighboring landowners can be damaged or destroyed. The zoning ordinance is a measure designed to protect citizens against actions that would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Zoning is a planning tool that has been upheld in every state as a constitutional local government function. In Virginia, 87 of the 95 counties have a zoning ordinance, including our neighbors, Washington County, Bland County, and Grayson County.
2. Will zoning increase my real estate taxes?
Zoning is a separate matter from taxation. The amount of taxes a property owner pays is determined by the assessed value. The assessed value of property is determined by its market demand, not its zoning. Zoning in and of itself does not add or determine property value. Example: A piece of property adjacent to the Interstate with sewer and water will be assessed based on its location and development potential - not whether it is zoned agricultural or commercial.
3. Where can I get a copy of the ordinance?
Copies are available in the County Zoning Administrator’s office in the Smyth County Office Building. Also the, the zoning map is available for viewing at the County Office Building. We will also make the ordinance and map available on the Smyth County government web site at http://www.smythcounty.org/Zoning/Zoning Department.htm.
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Last Updated Tuesday, April 03, 2007 11:53 AM