Donation Drop-off Boxes

To apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal or in person.

To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Certificate of Zoning Approval.” Please follow the instructions on the screen.

To apply in person, please bring all necessary documents and check in at the Early Assistance Desk, Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192, to obtain a service ticket for Zoning Counter services. The Zoning Counter is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets for zoning counter services stop at 2:00 pm to ensure all customers are served by the close of business.

Please note:

• Address Validation through the GIS department for a new unoccupied structure is required before zoning submission.Access the Address Validation form.
• A county-approved site plan for the requested project site is required, showing the location of the donation drop-off box(es).
• Notarized authorization by the property owner or legal representative is required for donation drop-off boxes.
• Donation drop-off boxes are not allowed in any residential or agricultural zoning district, except on properties where a special use permit exists for a place of religious worship or assembly.
• Donation drop-off boxes are only permitted on properties that contain a primary use.
• Donation drop-off boxes shall be separated by a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet.
• Donation drop-off boxes shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation, nor be located in public rights of way, required building setbacks, landscape areas, drive aisles, required parking spaces, fire lanes, loading zones, buffers, or any other location that may cause hazardous conditions, constitute a threat to the public safety, or create a condition detrimental to surrounding land uses.
• Each donation drop-off box shall have a firmly closing lid and shall have a capacity no greater than six (6) cubic yards. No donation drop-off box shall exceed seven (7) feet in height.
• Donation drop-off boxes may be constructed of painted metal, rubber, wood, or plastic and shall be properly maintained in a safe and good condition.
• Donation drop-off boxes shall be clearly marked to identify the specific items and materials requested to be left for donation, the name of the operator or owners of the donation container, the entity responsible for maintenance of the drop box and removal of materials and trash from the immediate area, and a telephone number, where the owner, operator or agent of the owner or operator may be reached at any time. The boxes shall display a notice stating that no items or materials shall be left outside of the donation drop-off box, as well as a notice that shall read “Not for refuse disposal. Liquids are prohibited. Do not use for garbage, candy wrappers, soft drink bottles, etc.”
• Occupation of a parking space by a donation drop-off box shall not reduce the number of available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the site.
• All donated items must be collected and stored in the donation drop-off box. Donated items or materials shall not be left outside of a donation drop-off box, and the area around each box shall be maintained by the owner or operator, or the property owner, free of litter and any other undesirable materials.
• In addition to the above-referenced requirements and procedures, a donation drop-off box that accepts used clothing (exclusively or in part) shall adhere to the regulations about used clothing containers in Article II of Chapter 22 of the Prince William County Code.
• If proposing additional site improvements, site plan approval is required. Site plan review is conducted by the Department of Development Services Land Development Division. For information, call (703) 792-6830 or email [email protected].
• This overview is for general information purposes only and may not reflect all aspects of the review process. Site-specific requirements will be discussed at the time of formal review.

• Provide a completed Zoning Application for a Donation Drop-Off Box.
• Provide a completed Address Validation.
• Provide the full-size, 100% to-scale, approved and stamped Prince William County site plan that clearly shows the surveyor’s seal, signature, and scale used.
• Draw the donation drop-off box location to scale on the approved and stamped Prince William County site plan.
  • Highlight the donation drop-off box location.
• Provide notarized permission by the property owner (see page 2 of Zoning Application for a Donation Drop-Off Box)
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.

• A Special Power of Attorney Affidavit is required if the applicant is not the property owner or a registered Prince William County contractor.
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• If other commercial improvement projects have been completed on the property without prior site plan approval, site plan review may be required. Site plan review is conducted by the Department of Development Services Land Development Division.  They can be reached at 703-792-6830 or [email protected].

• To research a property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.
• Donation Drop-off Boxes are regulated by the Zoning Ordinance Section 32-400.22
• Learn more about Site/Subdivision plans and land permits, Documents/Applications

Donation Drop-Off Box Definition:
Donation drop-off box: Any container, storage unit or unoccupied structure, other than an accessory building or structure, that is located outside of a building intended or used for the holding of charitable or for-profit donated items by the general public, including but not limited to clothing, toys, books, and newspapers, with the collection of donated items made at a later date or time. This term shall not include recycling collection points.