Submitting a Zoning Permit Request

Before beginning most construction or land use projects in Mayodan, you must obtain a zoning permit. This permit ensures that your project complies with the Town’s zoning ordinance and is located in the proper district for the intended use.

When a Zoning Permit is Required

A zoning permit is needed for most improvements, including but not limited to:

• New buildings or additions
• Accessory structures such as garages, sheds, or carports
• Decks, porches, and patios
• Fences and walls
• Swimming pools
• Signs for businesses or organizations
• Any change in the use of property (for example, converting a home into a business)

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact the Planning & Zoning Department before starting work.

How to Apply

1) Complete a Zoning Permit Application

• Applications are available at Town Hall or may be submitted through the Town’s website.
• Provide basic details about the property, project description, and intended use.

2) Prepare a Site Plan

• A simple drawing showing the property lines, existing structures, and the location of the proposed project.
• Indicate distances (setbacks) from property lines, streets, and other structures.

3) Submit Your Application

• Turn in the completed application and site plan to Town Hall, along with the required fee.
• Fees vary by project type—please see the Town’s current fee schedule.

4) Staff Review

• Planning staff will review your request for compliance with zoning regulations.
• If additional approvals are needed (such as from the Board of Adjustment for a variance or special use), staff will guide you through that process.

5) Receive Your Permit

• Once approved, you will receive your zoning permit.
• Keep the permit on site during construction in case of inspection.

Important Notes

• Do not begin work until your zoning permit is issued. Projects started without approval may be subject to penalties or removal.
• A zoning permit is not the same as a building permit. After zoning approval, you may also need to obtain a building permit from Rockingham County Inspections.
• Processing times can vary, so it is best to apply early in your planning process.

Need Assistance?

Town staff are here to help! If you have questions about setbacks, permitted uses, or application requirements, please call or visit Town Hall before submitting your application. This will help ensure a smooth and timely review.

Submitting a Rezoning Request

Sometimes property owners may want to use their land in a way that is not permitted under its current zoning district. In these cases, you may apply for a rezoning request, which is a formal change to the Town’s zoning map.

What is a Rezoning?

Rezoning is the process of changing the zoning classification of a property—for example, from residential to commercial. This allows different types of uses than are currently permitted. Rezoning requests are considered carefully, since they can affect neighboring properties and the long-term character of the community.

Steps to Request a Rezoning

1) Pre-Application Meeting (Recommended)

• Contact the Planning & Zoning Department before filing an application. Staff can help you understand the zoning ordinance, future land use plan, and whether rezoning is appropriate for your property.

2) Complete a Rezoning Application

• Applications are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.
• The application must include a property description, existing and proposed zoning districts, and the intended use.

3) Provide a Site Plan

• Some rezoning requests, especially conditional zoning requests, require a detailed plan showing proposed buildings, access points, parking, and landscaping.
• This helps staff, the Planning Board, and the Town Council understand the specific impacts of the request.

4) Submit Application & Fee

• Turn in the completed application, site plan, and required fee at Town Hall or online.
• Applications must be received by the deadline in order to be placed on the agenda for the next Planning Board meeting.

5) Staff Review & Public Hearing Process

• Planning staff will review your request for compliance with the Town’s zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.
• A public hearing will be scheduled, where surrounding property owners are notified and have an opportunity to provide input.
• The Planning Board reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the Town Council.
• The Town Council makes the final decision to approve or deny the rezoning.

Important Things to Know

• Rezoning decisions are legislative actions—the Town Council has discretion to approve or deny requests based on the best interest of the community.
• Rezoning must be consistent with the Town’s Future Land Use Plan. If it is not, a plan amendment may also be required.
• The process can take 60–90 days or longer, depending on the complexity of the request and meeting schedules.
• Approval of a rezoning does not mean you can begin construction immediately. You may still need zoning permits, site plan approval, and building permits before work can begin.

Need Assistance?

The rezoning process can be complex, but staff are available to guide you. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department early in your planning process to discuss your project, timelines, and requirements.

Submitting a Special Use Permit Request

Some land uses are allowed in certain zoning districts only if specific conditions are met to protect the surrounding community. These are called Special Uses, and they require a Special Use Permit (SUP) before the project can move forward.

What is a Special Use Permit?

A Special Use Permit allows a property owner to use their land for a purpose that is permitted in the zoning district but requires extra review to ensure compatibility. Examples may include:

• Churches or places of worship in residential districts
• Daycares or group care homes
• Certain types of businesses in commercial districts
• Multi-family housing in specific areas

The goal is to balance the property owner’s request with the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Steps to Request a Special Use Permit

1) Pre-Application Meeting (Recommended)

• Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to discuss your proposal. Staff can explain requirements, site plan details, and the review process.

2) Complete a Special Use Permit Application

• Applications are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.
• Provide details about the property, proposed use, and any supporting information.

3) Prepare a Site Plan

• A detailed site plan is typically required showing the layout of buildings, driveways, parking areas, landscaping, and other features.
• This helps staff and decision-makers evaluate potential impacts.

4) Submit Application & Fee

• Turn in the completed application, site plan, and required fee at Town Hall or online by the deadline.
• Applications submitted after the deadline will be scheduled for a later meeting.

5) Public Hearing & Review

• The Town Council reviews Special Use Permit requests.
• A public hearing is held, and nearby property owners are notified.
• The applicant (or their representative) must attend the hearing and present their case.

6) Decision

• The Town Council decides whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request.
• Conditions may be attached to ensure the use is compatible with surrounding properties (for example, limiting hours of operation or requiring screening).

Important Things to Know

Approval of a Special Use Permit is based on specific findings of fact, such as:

• The use will not harm public health or safety.
• The use will not injure property values in the neighborhood.
• The use will comply with all other requirements of the zoning ordinance.

A Special Use Permit runs with the land—it remains valid even if ownership changes, as long as the conditions are met.

Construction or operation cannot begin until all other necessary permits (zoning, building, environmental, etc.) are obtained.

Need Assistance?

The Special Use Permit process requires careful preparation. Town staff can guide you through the requirements, deadlines, and hearing process. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department early to ensure your application is complete and ready for review.

Submitting a Text Amendment Request

Sometimes residents, businesses, or the Town itself may identify the need to update or change the wording of the Zoning Ordinance. This type of change is called a Text Amendment. A text amendment modifies the written rules of the ordinance, rather than changing the zoning map for a specific property.

What is a Text Amendment?

A text amendment alters the standards, definitions, or procedures in the Zoning Ordinance. Examples include:

• Adding or removing permitted uses in a zoning district
• Changing setback, height, or lot size requirements
• Updating definitions of land uses
• Adjusting procedures for permits or approvals

Because these changes affect the entire community—not just one property—they are reviewed carefully to ensure they are consistent with the Town’s vision and plans.

Steps to Request a Text Amendment

1) Pre-Application Meeting (Recommended)

• Contact the Planning & Zoning Department before filing a request. Staff can explain the ordinance requirements and help you determine if a text amendment is appropriate.

2) Complete a Text Amendment Application

• Applications are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.
• The application must clearly state: 1) The section(s) of the ordinance you wish to change, 2) The proposed new wording or amendment, and 3) The reason for the request.

3) Submit Application & Fee

• Turn in the completed application and required fee at Town Hall  or online by the deadline.
• Applications submitted after the deadline will be scheduled for a later meeting.

4) Staff Review

• Planning staff will review the request and prepare a report for the Planning Board and Town Council.
• Staff will also consider whether the change is consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and overall development goals.

5) Public Hearing & Review

• The Planning Board reviews the request and makes a recommendation.
• The Town Council holds a public hearing to consider the request. Citizens are invited to provide input.

6) Council Decision

• The Town Council makes the final decision to approve, deny, or modify the request.

Important Things to Know

• Text amendments apply town-wide—not just to one property.
• The process can take 60–90 days or longer, depending on meeting schedules.
• Council decisions are legislative actions, meaning they are based on policy and the overall welfare of the community.
• Approval of a text amendment does not grant immediate permission to begin a project—you may still need permits or approvals depending on the nature of your proposal.

Need Assistance?

Text amendment requests can be complex. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to discuss your proposal, deadlines, and requirements before submitting your application. Staff will guide you through the process to ensure your request is complete and ready for review.

Submitting a Variance Request

A variance is a limited waiver from specific requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Variances are granted only in special situations where strict enforcement of the ordinance would create a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship for the property owner.

What is a Variance?

A variance does not change the zoning of a property or allow uses that are not normally permitted. Instead, it provides relief from certain dimensional standards such as:

• Setback requirements (distance from property lines)
• Lot width or depth
• Building height or placement
• Other development standards that may be difficult to meet due to unique site conditions

For example, a property with unusual shape or topography may not reasonably accommodate the required setbacks, and a variance may allow a slightly smaller setback.

Steps to Request a Variance

1) Pre-Application Meeting (Recommended)

• Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to discuss your situation. Staff can explain the requirements, application materials, and whether a variance is appropriate.

2) Complete a Variance Application

Applications are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.

The application must include:

• A description of the request
• The specific ordinance provision(s) from which relief is sought
• A statement of hardship explaining why the strict application of the ordinance creates difficulty

3) Prepare a Site Plan

• A drawing showing property boundaries, existing structures, and the proposed project with dimensions and setbacks.
• This helps the Board of Adjustment evaluate the request.

4) Submit Application & Fee

• Turn in the completed application, site plan, and required fee to Town Hall by the deadline.

5) Public Hearing

• Variance requests are heard by the Board of Adjustment at a scheduled public hearing.
• Nearby property owners are notified of the hearing and may provide input.
• The applicant (or their representative) must attend the hearing and present their case.

6) Decision

• The Board of Adjustment decides whether to grant or deny the variance.
• The decision is based on specific findings of fact (see below).
• Conditions may be attached to ensure the variance does not negatively impact neighbors or the community.

Criteria for Approval

To approve a variance, the Board of Adjustment must find that:

• Unnecessary hardship results from carrying out the strict letter of the ordinance.
• The hardship is due to conditions unique to the property (not shared by others).
• The hardship is not the result of actions taken by the property owner.
• The variance will be consistent with the spirit and intent of the ordinance and will secure public safety and welfare.

Important Things to Know

• Variances are not granted for convenience—there must be a legitimate hardship.
• Variances cannot authorize a land use not permitted in the zoning district.
• The process may take several weeks, so apply early in your planning process.
• If granted, the variance runs with the land, meaning it remains valid even if the property changes ownership.

Need Assistance?

The variance process can be technical and requires clear evidence of hardship. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department early to discuss your request and ensure your application is complete before the deadline.

Submitting a Sign Permit

Signs are an important part of doing business and keeping the community attractive and safe. The Town of Mayodan regulates signs to ensure they are properly located, sized, and maintained. Most signs require a Sign Permit before they can be installed.

When a Sign Permit is Required

A sign permit is generally required for:

• New permanent business signs (wall signs, freestanding signs, monument signs)
• Temporary banners or promotional signs
• Replacing or altering an existing sign
• Installing directional or informational signs that are visible from the public right-of-way

Exceptions: Certain small signs, such as address numbers or small non-commercial yard signs, may not require a permit. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to confirm before installing any sign.

Steps to Apply for a Sign Permit

1) Review the Sign Ordinance

• The Town’s sign regulations set standards for size, location, height, lighting, and design. Staff can provide you with the relevant requirements for your property’s zoning district.

2) Complete a Sign Permit Application

Applications are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.

The application must include:

• Business/property owner information
• Type of sign (wall, freestanding, banner, etc.)
• Dimensions, height, and location of the sign
• Materials and method of illumination (if any)

3) Provide a Drawing or Rendering

• A scaled drawing or photo showing the sign’s design, dimensions, and placement on the building or property.
• For freestanding signs, include a site plan showing the distance from property lines, right-of-way, and driveways.

4) Submit Application & Fee

• Turn in the completed application, drawings, and required fee at Town Hall or online.
• Applications must be submitted before any installation begins.

5) Staff Review & Approval

• Once approved, you will receive a Sign Permit that must be kept on file.

Important Things to Know

• Do not install any sign before a permit is issued. Signs installed without approval may be subject to removal and penalties.
• Sign permits are separate from building or electrical permits. If your sign requires electrical work, you must also obtain the necessary permits from Rockingham County Inspections.
• Temporary signs (such as banners for special events or sales) are allowed for limited periods and must meet specific rules.
• Some properties, such as shopping centers, may have master sign plans. Your sign must comply with both Town rules and the property owner’s requirements.

Need Assistance?

Town staff are available to guide you through the sign regulations and help ensure your sign meets all requirements. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department with your design ideas before submitting an application—this can save time and avoid costly revisions.

Voluntary Annexation

Voluntary annexation is the process where property owners outside the Town limits request that their land be brought into the Town of Mayodan. This is done by submitting a signed petition to the Town Council. Voluntary annexation is the most common way property becomes part of the Town.

Why Request Annexation?

Property owners often seek annexation in order to:

• Receive Town services such as water, sewer, police, and fire protection
• Develop property under Town zoning regulations and access infrastructure improvements
• Participate in Town government and elections
• Be part of the Mayodan community and benefit from its long-term planning

How to Apply for Voluntary Annexation

1) Meet with Town Staff (Recommended)

• Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to discuss your property. Staff will review service availability, zoning implications, and guide you through the petition process.

2) Prepare the Petition

• Annexation petitions are available at Town Hall or on the Town’s website.
• The petition must be signed by all owners of the property to be annexed.
• Include a legal description of the property and a map or survey showing the boundaries.

3) Submit the Petition

• File the completed petition with the Town Clerk along with any required fees.
• Staff will confirm the petition meets state law requirements.

4) Town Council Review & Public Hearing

• Once the petition is certified, a public hearing is scheduled. Surrounding property owners and the public will be notified.
• The Town Council will consider the petition and vote on an annexation ordinance.

5) Annexation Ordinance & Effective Date

• If approved, the ordinance is recorded with the Rockingham County Register of Deeds.
• The property officially becomes part of the Town on the date specified in the ordinance.

Important Things to Know

• After annexation, properties are subject to Town property taxes starting the following year.
• Annexation applies Town zoning regulations to the property. Staff can help identify the appropriate zoning district.
• Utility services (water, sewer, etc.) may not automatically extend to the property. Availability and connection costs should be discussed before applying.
• The process typically takes two to three months, depending on meeting schedules.

Need Help?

If you are interested in annexing your property into Mayodan, contact the Planning & Zoning Department. Staff will walk you through the process, help prepare your petition, and answer any questions about services, zoning, or timing.