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Montgomery County, VA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Zoning § 10-44
Applies to
New construction and enlargements only
General retail loading
1 space per first 10,000 sq ft, +1 per 20,000 sq ft
Surface standard
Durable, dustless; min. prime-and-double-seal
Rural exemption
Gravel/crushed rock allowed for listed rural uses
Enforcement
Zoning Administrator, Sec. 10-52

Summary

In Montgomery County outside Blacksburg and Christiansburg, any new building or use, or any expansion of one, must provide the off-street loading space set by the Sec. 10-44 use table; general and convenience retail needs one loading space for the first 10,000 square feet plus one more for each additional 20,000 square feet, on top of its required parking.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Applicability. ... There shall be provided at the time of erection of any building or use, or at the time any building or use is enlarged, minimum permanent off-street parking and loading space in the amount specified in the requirements of this section. ... General and convenience retail (books, gifts, clothing, paint and wall coverings, toys, discount merchandising, groceries, liquor, laundry, etc.) 4.0 per 1,000 sq. ft. GLA**, less storage areas, Minimum 4.0 spaces 1.0 for first 10,000 sq. ft.; 1.0 per each additional 20,000 sq. ft.

Full Breakdown

The loading requirement only applies at construction or enlargement; an existing use and its existing parking and loading areas are exempt from the current schedule, and if a use expands, only the expansion itself has to meet the table. Where a use is not listed, the zoning administrator sets its parking and loading requirement based on the most similar listed use. Loading and parking surfaces must be durable and dustless, graded to drain, with a minimum treatment equal to a prime and double seal, though alternative permeable pavements are allowed with fire-department sign-off for fire lanes.

A short list of rural-nature uses, including bed and breakfast inns in the A-1 and C-1 districts, campgrounds, cemeteries, churches and clubs under 150-person occupancy, farm enterprises and livestock markets, may use decomposed granite, crushed rock or gravel instead of pavement. 25 footcandles above background at a residential lot line. The full use table sets separate loading formulas by category, for example one loading space for the first 40,000 square feet at full-service restaurants and one per 25,000 square feet of manufacturing floor area up to 500,000 square feet, so the exact loading requirement depends on the specific use built or expanded.

Violations & Fines

Failing to provide the required loading space makes the building or use unlawful under Sec. 10-52: the zoning administrator issues a notice of violation with a correction period (up to thirty days, longer for structural fixes), then can pursue a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 per offense per day, or a civil citation of $200 to $500 per summons, capped at $5,000 total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add loading spaces if I just expand my existing store in Montgomery County outside Blacksburg and Christiansburg?
Only the expanded floor area has to meet the current Sec. 10-44 loading table; the existing building and its existing parking and loading area keep their exempt status under the applicability clause.
How many loading spaces does a retail store need?
General and convenience retail needs one loading space for the first 10,000 square feet of floor area, plus one more space for each additional 20,000 square feet, according to the Sec. 10-44 use table.
Can I use gravel instead of pavement for a loading area?
Only for uses on the county's rural-nature exemption list, such as bed and breakfast inns in the A-1 or C-1 districts, campgrounds, farm enterprises and small churches or clubs; everyone else must meet the prime-and-double-seal surfacing minimum.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

All Montgomery County rules

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