Municipal ordinances such as zoning laws are laws enacted by municipal governments on matters the state allows to be regulated at the local level—such as whether a building or tract of land can be used for residential purposes, commercial purposes, or both—as well as the permitted height of buildings; building setbacks (from streets); the permitted number of bedrooms; and the required parking spaces.

Municipal ordinances have the same force and effect within a municipality’s limits as a state statute does. If you plan to buy a lot to build a new home or buy, rent, build, or work out of a physical property for your business, make sure your intended use conforms to local zoning requirements.

Neighborhoods are generally zoned for either commercial or residential use. Zoning ordinances can restrict or ban specific kinds of businesses (bars, adult entertainment) from operating in an area.

You may have fewer zoning restrictions if you base your business out of your home, but zoning ordinances can still apply to home-based businesses.

In Virginia, municipal ordinances, including zoning laws, are established by local governments such as cities, towns, and counties. These ordinances regulate land use within their jurisdictions, determining how property can be used, whether for residential, commercial, or mixed purposes. Zoning laws dictate various aspects of property development and use, including building heights, setbacks from streets, the number of bedrooms in a dwelling, and parking requirements. These local regulations are enforceable within the municipality's boundaries and must be adhered to just like state statutes. Individuals and businesses looking to purchase or develop land must ensure their intended use is in compliance with the local zoning ordinances. While residential neighborhoods are typically zoned to exclude commercial activities, certain businesses, especially those considered disruptive or inappropriate like bars or adult entertainment, may be specifically prohibited. Home-based businesses may enjoy more lenient zoning restrictions, but they are still subject to local zoning laws, which may regulate aspects such as signage, customer traffic, and the nature of the business activities.