Any time you clear, grade, excavate, or transport soil, you are causing a land disturbance. These changes may result in soil erosion from water or wind. A land disturbing permit allows landowners to move areas of dirt, construction or roadway over 10,000 square feet in size. Both the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Louisa County require this permit. The landowner must submit a set of erosion and sediment control plans to the County, ensuring that the land will be protected from erosion onto other property, state roads, and nearby waterways and wetlands. A pre-construction meeting with County staff is required for land disturbance projects. Most individual house builders can avoid the requirements of a land disturbing permit, but please read the Frequently Asked Questions to be certain.

Once your property is developed, it's the job of Code Enforcement staff to make sure you have followed the Zoning and Subdivision ordinances and other regulations of the County code. Staff measure zoning setbacks; respond to complaints about litter/debris; enforce the Inoperable Vehicle Ordinance; and address other code complaints. Click here to find out more.