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1. Do I need a permit for a storage building?

Yes, all structures require a building/zoning permit. A plat of the property and a simple drawing showing the proposed location of the building is required when applying for the permit. The plat and drawing allows staff to verify easements and setbacks.

2. I need a plat of my property, where can I find one?

If a legal plat is recorded, it may be obtained from the Montgomery County Clerk’s office in the records room. The records room is located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse, 55 East Main Street in Christiansburg. If you have a deed of your property, the deed may include a plat.

3. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

No, fence permits are no longer required. Please note there are a number of items to consider when placing a fence on your property:

(1) Locate your property corners to ensure the fence is being placed within your property. If you are unsure about the location of property corners, many plats showing the boundaries of property can be located in the Clerk of Circuit Court's office, specifically the Records Room, in the Montgomery County Courthouse at 55 East Main St., Suite 1, Christiansburg, VA - (540) 382-5760.

(2) There are no setback requirements for fences but barbed wire and electric fences are not allowed within five feet of and parallel to any street right-of-way.

(3) A fence may be placed in a public utility or drainage easement on your property; however, it is your responsibility to move the fence if the easement needs to be accessed or to make sure that drainage is not impeded by the placement of the fence. The plat of your property should show any easements on the property if they exist.

(4) If you are placing a fence on a corner lot, a 20-foot site triangle needs to be met to ensure the safety of road users. The site triangle is an area formed by a straight line connecting two points, one in each street, on the adjacent street right-of-way line 20 feet distant from the intersection of the two street right-of-way lines which border the property. [Town Code Sec. 30-14(a)].

Please contact the Planning Department at (540) 382-6120 if you should have any further questions regarding fences.

4. Is there a surveyor on staff that can mark my property corners?

No, there is not a surveyor on staff with the Town. To have your property corners marked, please contact a local engineering/surveying firm. You can also try to locate the property corner markers yourself by consulting your plat and using a metal detector.

5. Can I display a sign without a permit?

Sec. 42-704 of the Town Code provides an allowance for some signage to be displayed without a permit. The amount of signage that can be displayed without a permit depends on the type and size of the sign and the zoning of the property. The sign permit and a sign FAQ sheet are available on the Planning webpage.

6. Can I hold a yard sale?

You may hold two yard sales per calendar year and each sale may not last longer than two consecutive days. Yard sale signs may not be placed in any street right-of-way, attached to utility poles or street signs.

7. Can I have chickens on my property?

Yes, in February 2016, Town Council approved a new urban agriculture ordinance, which grants permits for backyard hens under certain conditions. Owners must meet setback and other requirements to qualify and must pay an annual fee. Permit applications are available online and at Town Hall. Chickens are also allowed in the Town’s agricultural zoning district.

8. The property next door me has been abandoned leaving behind junk/debris and high grass. How do I make a complaint?

A complaint can be made online using the Ordinance Violation Complaint Form. You may also contact the Planning Department staff or the Police Department’s Ordinance Officer.

Ordinance Violation Complaint Form

9. What constitutes high grass within the Town of Christiansburg?

Any grass or weeds taller than a foot is considered high grass and would trigger an ordinance violation.

10. When I make a complaint regarding junk/debris and high grass, how is the process handled?

When a complaint is made, an inspection is conducted by Planning Department staff. The inspection allows staff to verify and document the violation. If a violation is determined to exist, the following describes the typical enforcement process:

- a certified violation letter is mailed to the tenant and/or property owner.
- the recipient of the violation letter has ten (10) days to come into compliance. The ten days begin on the day the violation letter is signed for.
- A ten day follow-up inspection is conducted by the staff member handling the violation. If the property has reached compliance, the violation case is closed.
- if the violation remains, the staff member sends a final violation letter and another ten days is given for compliance.
- A final ten day follow-up inspection is performed. If the property has reached compliance, then the violation case is closed.
- If the violation remains, staff will contract the property for mowing/cleanup or pursue court-mandated compliance.

11. When I make a complaint, is my information kept confidential?

Yes, we do not reveal the complainant’s name or contact information. However, the complaint itself is subject to the Freedom of Information Act, exempting contact information that may be included in the body of the complaint.

12. There is a vehicle in my neighborhood that does not have an updated tag or inspection sticker. How do I make a complaint?

Any vehicle that does not have an up-to-date tag or inspection sticker is considered an inoperable vehicle. Residential properties are permitted to have one inoperable vehicle if covered with a car cover or out of sight from the street right-of-way. If you believe there is a violation, you may contact the Police Department's Ordinance Officer at (540) 382-3131 ext. 340.

13. Can I have a business in my home?

Yes, home based businesses are allowed with an approved home occupation application. Some restrictions apply to the type of home occupation allowed.