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Loudoun County, VA zoning › where can I put this

Where can I put a restaurant in Loudoun County, VA?

Loudoun County, VA, excluding the incorporated towns, which run their own zoning.

“restaurant” matches 2 uses this ordinance names separately. We do not choose between them — they can have different answers, so every one is shown.

Restaurant

Allowed by right in 14 districts

DistrictProperties loadedCodeWhat says so
CC-NC
the use table's own cell
5
20147 (2), 20164 (3)
PTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "CC-NC", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
CC-SC
the use table's own cell
70
20105 (6), 20147 (16), 20152 (12), 20164 (18), 20165 (14), 20166 (4)
PTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "CC-SC", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
GB
the use table's own cell
8
20105 (1), 20147 (1), 20152 (6)
PTable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "GB", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
PD-CC(RC)
the use table's own cell
26
20164 (2), 20166 (24)
PTable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "PD-CC(RC)", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
PD-RV Work
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.04-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.04-1 on PDF page 190, row "Restaurant", column "PD-RV Work", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
PD-SA
the use table's own cell
4
20175 (1), 20176 (3)
PTable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "PD-SA", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
RC
the use table's own cell
289
20105 (35), 20117 (6), 20129 (11), 20132 (28), 20135 (13), 20141 (1), 20147 (60), 20158 (18), 20166 (90), 20175 (2), 20176 (9), 20180 (3), 20197 (13)
PTable 3.02.04-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.04-1 on PDF page 190, row "Restaurant", column "RC", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TC Fringe
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "TC Fringe", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TCC
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant", column "TCC", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TCN
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant", column "TCN", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TRC Inner Core
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "TRC Inner Core", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TRC Outer Core
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "TRC Outer Core", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
TRC TDSA
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "TRC TDSA", reads "P" (P = Permitted).
UE
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedPTable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "UE", reads "P" (P = Permitted).

It depends in 8 districts

DistrictProperties loadedCodeWhat says so
CC-CC Varies
Depends: by right if the use has no drive-through, otherwise special exception
the use table's own cell
62
20147 (16), 20148 (6), 20152 (11), 20164 (18), 20166 (11)
P/STable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "CC-CC", reads "P/S" (P/S = Varies -- Permitted or Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
CC-CC (same district)
when the use has no drive-through
62
20147 (16), 20148 (6), 20152 (11), 20164 (18), 20166 (11)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.8
8. CC-CC and PD-MUB Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12.
CC-CC (same district)
when the use has a drive-through
62
20147 (16), 20148 (6), 20152 (11), 20164 (18), 20166 (11)
SSec. 4.04.10.B.8
8. CC-CC and PD-MUB Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12.
CLI Varies
Depends: by right if the case described in Sec. 4.04.10.B.11 applies, otherwise special exception
the use table's own cell
71
20105 (1), 20152 (69), 20166 (1)
P/STable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "CLI", reads "P/S" (P/S = Varies -- Permitted or Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
CLI (same district)
when the case described in Sec. 4.04.10.B.11 applies
71
20105 (1), 20152 (69), 20166 (1)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.11
11. CLI Zoning District. a. Restaurant uses that do not exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of a building and have no drive-through facility are permitted. b. Restaurant uses that do not meet the criteria of 4.04.10.B.10.a above require Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
CLI (same district)
when the case described in Sec. 4.04.10.B.11 applies
71
20105 (1), 20152 (69), 20166 (1)
SSec. 4.04.10.B.11
11. CLI Zoning District. a. Restaurant uses that do not exceed 25% of the total gross floor area of a building and have no drive-through facility are permitted. b. Restaurant uses that do not meet the criteria of 4.04.10.B.10.a above require Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
GI Varies
Depends: by right if the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft, otherwise minor special exception
the use table's own cell
190
20105 (5), 20132 (1), 20147 (2), 20148 (3), 20151 (1), 20152 (13), 20164 (2), 20166 (154), 20175 (9)
P/MTable 3.02.05-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.05-1 on PDF page 198, row "Restaurant", column "GI", reads "P/M" (P/M = Varies -- Permitted or Minor Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
GI (same district)
when the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft
190
20105 (5), 20132 (1), 20147 (2), 20148 (3), 20151 (1), 20152 (13), 20164 (2), 20166 (154), 20175 (9)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.4
4. IP and GI Zoning Districts. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
GI (same district)
when the seating area is more than 1,000 sq ft
190
20105 (5), 20132 (1), 20147 (2), 20148 (3), 20151 (1), 20152 (13), 20164 (2), 20166 (154), 20175 (9)
MSec. 4.04.10.B.4
4. IP and GI Zoning Districts. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
IP Varies
Depends: by right if the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft, otherwise minor special exception
the use table's own cell
328
20105 (19), 20147 (103), 20148 (9), 20152 (2), 20164 (33), 20166 (149), 20175 (13)
P/MTable 3.02.05-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.05-1 on PDF page 198, row "Restaurant", column "IP", reads "P/M" (P/M = Varies -- Permitted or Minor Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
IP (same district)
when the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft
328
20105 (19), 20147 (103), 20148 (9), 20152 (2), 20164 (33), 20166 (149), 20175 (13)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.4
4. IP and GI Zoning Districts. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
IP (same district)
when the seating area is more than 1,000 sq ft
328
20105 (19), 20147 (103), 20148 (9), 20152 (2), 20164 (33), 20166 (149), 20175 (13)
MSec. 4.04.10.B.4
4. IP and GI Zoning Districts. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
OP Varies
Depends: by right if the use does not stand alone, otherwise minor special exception
the use table's own cell
111
20105 (2), 20147 (47), 20148 (5), 20152 (1), 20158 (2), 20164 (3), 20166 (25), 20175 (2), 20176 (24)
P/MTable 3.02.05-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.05-1 on PDF page 198, row "Restaurant", column "OP", reads "P/M" (P/M = Varies -- Permitted or Minor Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
OP (same district)
when the use does not stand alone
111
20105 (2), 20147 (47), 20148 (5), 20152 (1), 20158 (2), 20164 (3), 20166 (25), 20175 (2), 20176 (24)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.2
1. OP, IP, and GI Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses may be permitted in accordance with Section 3.03.D. 2. OP Zoning District. A stand-alone Restaurant requires Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses.
OP (same district)
when the use stands alone
111
20105 (2), 20147 (47), 20148 (5), 20152 (1), 20158 (2), 20164 (3), 20166 (25), 20175 (2), 20176 (24)
MSec. 4.04.10.B.2
1. OP, IP, and GI Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses may be permitted in accordance with Section 3.03.D. 2. OP Zoning District. A stand-alone Restaurant requires Minor Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses.
PD-MUB Varies
Depends: by right if the use has no drive-through, otherwise special exception
the use table's own cell
47
20147 (5), 20152 (4), 20166 (36), 20176 (2)
P/STable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "PD-MUB", reads "P/S" (P/S = Varies -- Permitted or Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
PD-MUB (same district)
when the use has no drive-through
47
20147 (5), 20152 (4), 20166 (36), 20176 (2)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.8
8. CC-CC and PD-MUB Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12.
PD-MUB (same district)
when the use has a drive-through
47
20147 (5), 20152 (4), 20166 (36), 20176 (2)
SSec. 4.04.10.B.8
8. CC-CC and PD-MUB Zoning Districts. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12.
PD-RDP Varies
Depends: by right if the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft, otherwise special exception
the use table's own cell
34
20147 (33), 20166 (1)
P/M/STable 3.02.02-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.02-1 on PDF page 174, row "Restaurant", column "PD-RDP", reads "P/M/S" (P/M/S = Varies -- not in the Table 3.01-2 key; read Chapter 4).
PD-RDP (same district)
when the seating area is at most 1,000 sq ft
34
20147 (33), 20166 (1)
PSec. 4.04.10.B.3
3. PD-RDP Zoning District. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted, subject to Section 3.03.D. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
PD-RDP (same district)
when the seating area is more than 1,000 sq ft
34
20147 (33), 20166 (1)
SSec. 4.04.10.B.3
3. PD-RDP Zoning District. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in conjunction with Restaurant uses. Restaurant uses with a seating area of 1,000 square feet or less are permitted, subject to Section 3.03.D. Restaurant uses with a seating area greater than 1,000 square feet require Special Exception review and approval pursuant to Section 10.11.
TC Core Varies
Depends: by right if the use has no drive-through, otherwise special exception
the use table's own cell
no parcels loadedP/STable 3.02.01-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.01-1 on PDF page 167, row "Restaurant", column "TC Core", reads "P/S" (P/S = Varies -- Permitted or Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
TC Core (same district)
when the use has no drive-through
no parcels loadedPSec. 4.04.10.B.9
9. TC Core Zoning District. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities must be located in a vertically mixed-use building.
TC Core (same district)
when the use has a drive-through
no parcels loadedSSec. 4.04.10.B.9
9. TC Core Zoning District. Restaurant uses without a drive-through facility are permitted. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities require Special Exception review and approval, subject to Section 10.11 and are also subject to Section 4.04.12. Restaurant uses with drive-through facilities must be located in a vertically mixed-use building.

Allowed only with a discretionary approval in 3 districts

These require a hearing or an approval from the county. They are not a “no”, and they are not a “yes” either.

DistrictProperties loadedCodeWhat says so
JLMA-2
the use table's own cell
618
20132 (42), 20141 (126), 20158 (412), 20175 (38)
STable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant", column "JLMA-2", reads "S" (S = Special Exception).
JLMA-20
the use table's own cell
7
20175 (7)
STable 3.02.04-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.04-1 on PDF page 190, row "Restaurant", column "JLMA-20", reads "S" (S = Special Exception).
JLMA-3
the use table's own cell
481
20132 (291), 20141 (112), 20158 (66), 20175 (3), 20176 (9)
STable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant", column "JLMA-3", reads "S" (S = Special Exception).

Restaurant, Rural

It depends in 2 districts

DistrictProperties loadedCodeWhat says so
AR-1 Varies
Depends: by right if the use meets the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B, otherwise minor special exception
the use table's own cell
11,820
20105 (73), 20129 (153), 20132 (2,972), 20135 (128), 20141 (851), 20158 (818), 20175 (2,026), 20176 (1,895), 20180 (2,087), 20197 (817)
P/MTable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant, Rural", column "AR-1", reads "P/M" (P/M = Varies -- Permitted or Minor Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
AR-1 (same district)
when the use meets the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B
11,820
20105 (73), 20129 (153), 20132 (2,972), 20135 (128), 20141 (851), 20158 (818), 20175 (2,026), 20176 (1,895), 20180 (2,087), 20197 (817)
PSec. 4.04.18.B
B. Use Approvals. A Rural Restaurant use in the AR Zoning Districts is permitted if the use meets the requirements in Sections 4.04.18.B.1 or 4.04.18.B.2, and Sections 4.04.18.C through 4.04.18.G; otherwise review and approval of a Minor Special Exception is required pursuant to Section 10.11.
AR-1 (same district)
when the use does not meet the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B
11,820
20105 (73), 20129 (153), 20132 (2,972), 20135 (128), 20141 (851), 20158 (818), 20175 (2,026), 20176 (1,895), 20180 (2,087), 20197 (817)
MSec. 4.04.18.B
B. Use Approvals. A Rural Restaurant use in the AR Zoning Districts is permitted if the use meets the requirements in Sections 4.04.18.B.1 or 4.04.18.B.2, and Sections 4.04.18.C through 4.04.18.G; otherwise review and approval of a Minor Special Exception is required pursuant to Section 10.11.
AR-2 Varies
Depends: by right if the use meets the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B, otherwise minor special exception
the use table's own cell
1,782
20105 (346), 20117 (740), 20130 (25), 20132 (46), 20135 (238), 20141 (180), 20175 (81), 20184 (119), 20198 (7)
P/MTable 3.02.03-1
Read from the use table: Table 3.02.03-1 on PDF page 182, row "Restaurant, Rural", column "AR-2", reads "P/M" (P/M = Varies -- Permitted or Minor Special Exception, per Chapter 4).
AR-2 (same district)
when the use meets the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B
1,782
20105 (346), 20117 (740), 20130 (25), 20132 (46), 20135 (238), 20141 (180), 20175 (81), 20184 (119), 20198 (7)
PSec. 4.04.18.B
B. Use Approvals. A Rural Restaurant use in the AR Zoning Districts is permitted if the use meets the requirements in Sections 4.04.18.B.1 or 4.04.18.B.2, and Sections 4.04.18.C through 4.04.18.G; otherwise review and approval of a Minor Special Exception is required pursuant to Section 10.11.
AR-2 (same district)
when the use does not meet the use standards in Sec. 4.04.18.B
1,782
20105 (346), 20117 (740), 20130 (25), 20132 (46), 20135 (238), 20141 (180), 20175 (81), 20184 (119), 20198 (7)
MSec. 4.04.18.B
B. Use Approvals. A Rural Restaurant use in the AR Zoning Districts is permitted if the use meets the requirements in Sections 4.04.18.B.1 or 4.04.18.B.2, and Sections 4.04.18.C through 4.04.18.G; otherwise review and approval of a Minor Special Exception is required pursuant to Section 10.11.

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The planned districts are a different answer, not a missing one

61415 of the loaded properties are in a planned district. For those, what you may build is set by an approved Concept Development Plan for that development, not by the county-wide use table. That is a real answer: the plan governs, and it is held by the county.

Concept Development Plan (CDP): Part of a Zoning Map Amendment (ZMAP) or Zoning Concept Plan Amendment (ZCPA) application. The CDP may consist of both a visual and a written representation depicting the layout and/or design of the development, and all associated proffers. When the CDP is approved through the legislative process, the CDP then becomes binding on the developer and his successors in interests.

Chapter 12, Definitions -- Concept Development Plan (CDP)

We cannot retrieve the plan for you — the county publishes the rezoning case as a polygon layer but the plan document itself is not machine-addressable (measured S199). Ask Loudoun County Building & Development for the approved plan covering the property.

This answer is good through March 18, 2025 — that is the date the ordinance we hold runs to, as published by Loudoun County. We last checked with the county on September 14, 2026 and found nothing newer. That is a check on that date, not a promise about today.

What this does not cover

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