Planning & Community Development

The 2021 Comprehensive Plan Update is underway! We encourage all Ashland residents, business owners, and all those interested in shaping the future of the Center of the Universe to complete this survey and provide your thoughts on what makes Ashland, Ashland. You can find more information about the update and the process by visiting www.ashlandcompplan.com.

We also need your input! Please follow this link to complete the community survey for the Comprehensive Plan Update.

For additional comments, please contact us at planning@ashlandva.gov or (804)798-1073.

Responsibilities

The Department of Planning and Community Development provides professional advice and technical expertise to the Town Manager, Town Council and its commissions, residents, the business community and the general public on current land use and development issues.

The department assists in guiding development and redevelopment efforts in the community, seeking to maintain the unique character of Ashland. Additional areas of responsibility include enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, coordination and review of development plans, business support and development, and the enforcement of various property maintenance regulations within Ashland.

Related Resources

• Ashland Town Code
• Development Guidelines Handbook
• Housing Development Guidelines
• Tree Canopy Matrix
• Residential Development: Policy and Regulation Checklist
• Residential Development: Zoning Quick Reference Sheet
• 2040 Transportation Plan 
• Parcel Search and Mapping Application

Our Commitment

While focused on a long term commitment to economic vitality, environmental integrity, and development design through the highest quality master plans, plan implementation and development review, the Department of Planning and Community Development commits to providing the community with high-quality, proactive services, and programs to enhance the quality of life of the Town's residents, businesses, and visitors, and to promote a well designed, physically integrated, livable and prosperous community. It shall provide the community with personal attention, accurate and detailed information, and timely responses in a manner that instills public trust and confidence while exceeding service expectation.

If you have questions about either of these zoning districts, please feel free to contact Planning staff at (804) 798-1073.

Ashland by the Numbers

If you want to learn more about our community, check out Ashland by the Numbers, an annual report developed to spark discussion on all things Ashland! Numbers and graphics help us examine preconceptions, analyze trends, identify market positions, and understand our context with other small towns, Hanover County, the Richmond region, and Virginia.