What is Cluster Zoning?

Cluster development is a design technique or zoning strategy that involves grouping houses on smaller lots in one area of a development while preserving the remaining land on the site for recreation, open space or protection of environmentally sensitive areas.

In 2006, Virginia’s General Assembly enacted a law mandating all high-growth localities, such as Stafford County, maintain an ordinance that clusters single-family homes in order to preserve open space in residential and agricultural zoning districts. Stafford County’s cluster zoning ordinance ensures a smaller residential footprint on large lots and requires less infrastructure, which makes homes more affordable and property values higher.

Benefits of the County’s Cluster Zoning Ordinance

Whether you are a property owner, resident, business owner or all of the above, the cluster zoning ordinance affects everyone.

Enables construction of affordable housing

By clustering homes, developers pass savings associated with construction and infrastructure on to consumers through more affordably-priced homes.

Preserves green space and natural habitats

Preserving a large portion of land in a development reduces storm-water runoff and fragmentation of wildlife habitats, and it raises the community’s quality of life.

Facilitates extension of broadband and public water to new communities

It’s much easier – and less costly – to run utility lines to communities where homes are clustered, providing families with modern amenities and services.

Reduces taxpayer costs for roads and other infrastructure

The upkeep for road paving and maintenance, as well as electricity and water and sewer lines, is considerably less under the cluster zoning ordinance and minimizes the impact on property taxes.