Frequently Asked Questions

In Roanoke County, there are about 50 committees, commissions, and boards at any one time with several hundred volunteers serving.

Functions of the committees vary and membership is diverse. The Planning Commission; Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Advisory Committee; and Library Board all have a major impact on issues affecting the county. The Planning Commission makes recommendations on rezonings, special use permits, and other land issues. Others, like the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, the Airport Commission, the Roanoke Valley Cable TV Committee, and Fifth Planning District Commission are regional in nature and look at issues from a broader perspective. Ad hoc committees are appointed to deal with a specific project or issue, i.e., the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee and the School Facilities Study Committee.

The volunteer boards are an important asset to local government because they offer a citizen's unique perspective to issues. County staff and the Board of Supervisors are able to be advised directly of the needs and concerns that are of importance to the community. These citizens know what the community wants and needs because they are the community. The many volunteers who serve on these different committees are deeply interested in the issues that their committee deals with. An example of this concern would be the Planning Commission. In addition to making recommendations on rezoning requests and special use permits, they are also deeply involved with the Comprehensive Plan for Roanoke County. The numerous committees, commissions, and boards are a valuable resource to both the Board of Supervisors and county staff.

Only three committees provide for salaries or reimbursements to be made to the volunteer members. These are the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Community Development Authority, and the Planning Commission. In addition, the Board of Equalization, whose members are appointed by the Circuit Court Judges, receive compensation.

In most cases, the only requirement is a desire to serve and an interest in a particular issue. Some committees, such as the Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals / Fire Code Board of Appeals, ask for specific areas of expertise. Many committee members are appointed by magisterial district and most require county residency, except in unusual circumstances.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, commission, or board, apply to fill a vacancy online or complete this application and submit it to the county clerk's office via fax to (540) 772-2193 or by mail at: P.O. Box 29800 Roanoke, VA 24018-0798