Roanoke County's Zoning Code Enforcement officers work with citizens and property owners to investigate and resolve violations of the County code and zoning ordinance. These rules and regulations are in effect to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens and to promote convenient, harmonious, and attractive communities.
Our Zoning Code Enforcement staff receives hundreds of zoning code violation complaints each year, ranging from tall grass complaints to unpermitted construction, vehicle violations, and excessive debris. To help streamline the reporting of zoning code violations and the investigation of complaints, residents are encouraged to use the division's Neighborhood Concerns Application.
The Neighborhood Concerns application features:
A drop-down list of zoning-related categories, including grass and brush complaints, excessive debris, vehicle violations, construction violations, and more,
Interactive map-based location selector that lets visitors select the precise location of a zoning complaint,
A digital "receipt" for the complaint that lets you check on the complaint's status as soon as 24 hours after submission.
Stay informed with notifications from Roanoke County's Notify Me service! We offer email and text notifications for trash collection, road notices, Library programs, Planning and Zoning meetings, Board of Supervisors meetings, election dates, and general Roanoke County news.
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Roanoke County’s new RoCo Mobile app for iPhone and Android devices puts County services and information at your fingertips! The app features one-touch access to easily view County News, Emergency Alerts, Calendars, Public Notices, and more! Just tap to go directly to Job listings, GIS applications, Trash Collection, Payments, and other key services available on our website.
The RoCo Mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play for Android devices. Put the power of RoCo Mobile in your hand today!
(ROANOKE COUNTY, Virginia - January 16, 2026) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a mapping application to host new, preliminary flood maps for our region. Roanoke County residents are encouraged to view the new maps to see the changes and submit comments or appeals to FEMA before these maps are published in their final version later this spring.
The new floodplain maps will determine residents' need for flood insurance. Homeowners in new expanded areas may now be required to purchase flood insurance for federally backed home mortgages. In other areas, FEMA has determined there is a decreased risk of flooding and homeowners may find a reduced need for flood insurance.
Visit the Region 3 Flood Map Changes Application (https://arcg.is/0PuKW8 and use the Search button to enter your address. Yellow areas on the maps represent increases to the flood risk area, while purple areas represent decreases in risk.
Questions or concerns can be addressed locally by contacting Roanoke County Civil Engineer Nickie Mills or calling 540-772-2033. Roanoke County residents can also provide comments on FEMA's Preliminary Map Products ahead of the 90‐day appeal period by emailing comments by February 13, 2026, to the following individuals:
Roanoke County's administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the MLK National Day of Service. See more information below about services and facilities...
Trash Collection for all routes will be one day late all week.
Roanoke County Public Libraries will be closed Monday, January 19.
Parks. Recreation and Tourism's adminsitrative offices and Brambleton Recreation Center will be closed,Green Ridge Recreation Center will be OPEN normal hours from 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM.
CORTRAN services will not be available on Monday, January 19.
Roanoke County Clerk of Circuit Court will be closed on Monday, January 19.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Roanoke County will hold a third public webinar for the Housing Market Analysis Study from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. The webinar will be hosted by RKG Associates, Roanoke County's consultant on this study, and will consist of a detailed analysis of the supply, demand, and needs of the Roanoke County housing market, as well as the results of a site identification analysis. It can be joined on the study webpage on January 29th, no pre-registration is needed.
The Bonsack Fire and Rescue Station is celebrating one year of service since officially opening on January 14, 2025.
Located along the 460 corridor, Bonsack is one of the fastest growing areas in the county. Prior to the station being built, most of the calls in the Bonsack area were answered by the Vinton station with an average response time of eight minutes. The response time is now four minutes.
“Through demands it was identified that Roanoke County needed a station in the Bonsack area, so that’s what kind of spurred the idea and got it going to get us here today,” Chief Travis Griffith said.
The biggest thing that sets the Bonsack station apart from others is the split bay design. This separates the living quarters from the fire and rescue gear, which helps prevent toxins that may be on equipment from coming into the living spaces.
There are also several features in place to help remove carcinogens from the environment including a special washer for gear and air filtration systems in the gear room and bays.
The investment into the new station went beyond just the building – it included a significant investment in personnel and equipment. Roanoke County hired and trained 18 new firefighters and bought a new fire truck and ambulance for the station. The three crews that work the station have a minimum of five people working at a time with a mix of veteran firefighters and the newly trained staff.
“It shows what the county wants to do for the citizens and the businesses, you know, public safety is a priority … they don’t just say it, they do it.” Chief Griffith said.
Fire stations remain a priority for the Board of Supervisors as they look to update aging stations. As part of the capital improvement program, money has been allocated for renovations of seven fire and rescue stations in Roanoke County over the next ten years. Planning work has already begun on the Hollins Fire and Rescue Station, which originally opened in 1981. Just over five million dollars has been allocated for renovations to the station for this year which will include integrating the split bay design.
Check out our card! From parks and libraries to public safety – we asked folks from across our departments what they’d put on a Roanoke County Bingo card.
Here are our tips on how to complete a black-out Bingo.
The Adopt-A-Bowl features pups from the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection facing off against Angel’s of Assisi. This year’s event will go live on February 8, but you can watch last year’s showdown here.
Eat at a new restaurant
It doesn’t have to be a newly opened restaurant, it just has to be new to you! Here are two places that you may not have checked out yet:
Greco’s Pizza
Hanging Rock Tavern
Enjoy the blooms at Happy Hollow
This park is a hidden gem in Roanoke County with a beautiful azalea bush trail that usually blooms in mid-to-late April.
Attend a community meeting
Our administration and planning department host regular community meetings. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events. We’ll also count a Board of Supervisors Meeting – you can find the dates for all of those here.
Get a library card
You can stop by any library to get a card. Here’s what you need to bring.
Explore a new section of the greenway
This can be another new-to-you option. But if you’re looking for a new section, a portion of the West Roanoke River Greenway near Salem opened last year with a new parking lot at 2304 W Riverside Drive, Salem. Later this year, a section of greenway will open near Explore Park.
You can check out all the Roanoke Valley Greenways here.
Check out a Tavern Stage concert
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy food and drinks from Twin Creeks Brewpub at a free summer concert. Keep an eye on this pagefor the 2026 dates and bands to be announced later this year.
Go to an event hosted by Public Safety
The Police Department, Fire and Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office host events throughout the year including the Egg-Stravaganza and Trunk-or-Treat. Keep an eye on their Facebook pages for upcoming events.
Take a photo with the LOVE sign
If you’re out at Explore Park for a concert, a bike ride or anything in between, stop by the visitor’s center and get a photo with Roanoke County’s LOVE sign.
Say ‘hi’ to your garbage collector
Our solid waste crews work hard to collect trash across the county, so say ‘hello’ or give them a wave the next time they come down your street!
Hike part of the Appalachian Trail
There are two major AT hikes in Roanoke County – McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth. If you want a shorter hike, check out Sawtooth Ridge.
Drive or bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The parkway winds through parts of the county with great places to stop and have a picnic. Check here for road closures, especially in the winter and after severe weather.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
Learning to use a fire extinguisher is a great way to keep your home and family safe. Want information on how to learn? Reach out to our Fire and Rescue Community Outreach Coordinator Laura Schneider at LSCHNEIDER@roanokecountyva.gov.
Have a picnic at a park
Find a list of all the parks in Roanoke County here!
Participate in the Storm Drain Stenciling Program
This program is a great volunteer opportunity for scouts, neighborhood associations or even just a group of friends! You can find more information about the program and more ways to get involved here.
Check out an Adventure Dog from RCACP
The RCACP’s Roanoke Adventure Dogs program allows members of the community to take adoptable dogs out on offsite, day-long field trips. Find more information about the program here.
Visit a Little Free Library
There are plenty of Little Free Libraries around the county, including in many of our parks.
Check out a small business
Whether it’s holiday shopping or a cup of coffee, there are a lot of great small businesses around Roanoke County to explore.
Make sure your house numbers are visible
This is another recommendation from our public safety crew. In case of emergencies, it’s crucial to have your house number clearly marked so fire trucks or ambulances can easily find your house!
Meet a police officer or firefighter
This one will be easy if you go to a public safety event! Even if you don’t, there are plenty of opportunities to do station tours or say hello to the officer at the Administration Building during tax season.
Join the Summer Reading Program
Keep an eye on the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages for information on the Summer Reading Program – it’s open to adults and children to participate.
Watch a video on our YouTube channel
Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Check it out (and subscribe of course!)
Participate in a Parks and Recreation program
Throughout the year, there are plenty of classes and programs hosted by Parks and Rec. You can check out their current RecLife brochure or follow them on Facebook to see upcoming events.
If a Board of Supervisors meeting is in progress, select the "LIVE MEETING" link at the top of the page to stream the meeting on your computer, tablet or phone. You can also view past meetings from this page by selecting the Video link to the right of any past Board of Supervisors meeting date. For past meetings, you can select an agenda item and fast-forward to the video of that item.
Our Little Free Library locations in Roanoke County Parks are getting some well deserved TLC. If you notice yours isn't around, don't fret! They will be back after receiving fresh paint and maintenance.
Reserve a meeting space at your favorite RCPL location. Spaces include meeting rooms, conference rooms, and study rooms. Study Rooms are available for free. All bookings can be done via the website or by calling your favorite RCPL location. Visit our website to learn about fee structure, terms and conditions, or to make your reservation.
Launching on July 1! Library Concierge is a monthly subscription service open to all patrons with library cards in good standing. Each month, subscribers will automatically receive curated content or a list of digital titles available on our digital platforms based upon their preferences at the beginning of each month.
It’s easy to get a library card. If you’re a resident of Virginia, you can receive your free library card. Your card gives you access to all Roanoke Valley Libraries: Botetourt County, City of Roanoke, City of Salem, and Roanoke County.
With Your Library Card You Can
Check out library materials like items from our Library of Things collections, books, movies, video games, audiobooks, and more.
Use computers (desktops and laptops at the library) and printing services, including mobile printing at our four large locations.
Place Items on hold through our catalog at rvl.info.
Access online resources like Transparent Languages, US Major Dailies, The Roanoke Times, Universal Class, and more.
Applying for a Card
Come to the library and complete an application during operating hours. Please bring your photo ID that includes your current address (or a photo ID with a non-current address with a check, bank statement, utility bill, etc. that lists your current address).
In February 2026, Roanoke Valley Libraries will transition to Polaris, a new online catalog designed for easy and efficient use. RVL member libraries in Botetourt County, City of Roanoke, City of Salem, and Roanoke County are excited to offer this improved experience for all RVL patrons.
The upgrade will improve how users search, manage, and access library materials. After the launch, library patrons will be able to:
Navigate the catalog on their phone, tablet, or computer.
Use Smart Searches, which have spell-check and automated search suggestions.
Check out and hold eBooks, audiobooks, and more in the catalog.
Select a preferred pickup location from any participating library location.
Choose to renew material automatically three days before it’s due.
Change communication preferences to be contacted via email or text.
See library locations integrated with Google Maps.
Continue using features they already use, such as keeping track of what they’ve checked out, maintain existing holds, and create reading lists.
During the transition to the new catalog, some library services or catalog functions may be temporarily unavailable from February 15-24 with the catalog launching on February 25.
Roanoke Valley Libraries will remain open and active during the catalog transition period. Patrons can continue attending programs, accessing digital materials through Libby and Hoopla, browsing and checking out items in person, using public computers and printers, and studying or working at library locations.
The mobile app will release an update with the new software and a new name, RVL Go. Keep an eye out for details and an update on your mobile device if you already have the app.
We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to serving you with an improved online library experience.
The Hollins Library project, with planning and initial design scheduled in FY2023 and construction in FY2026, is slated to replace the existing Hollins Library with a state-of-the-art new community library. The project proposes inviting public spaces to include everything from books, music and movies to the latest technology offerings. HBM Architects is helping Roanoke County with planning this exciting project for the Hollins Community.
The current Hollins Library opened to the public in 1971. This is the next library branch to be reimagined for Roanoke County. The Hollins Library has the second highest circulation rates in Roanoke County. It also ranks second in the region for circulation. The project proposes enhancements including improved public spaces such as meeting and study rooms, children’s and teen areas and multi-purpose creative spaces. The design will follow an innovative service model consistent with South County, Glenvar and Vinton Libraries.
Construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2026 with completion being Spring/Summer 2027.
A new StoryWalk® structure is now available at the South County Library, offering families an engaging way to combine reading, movement, and outdoor exploration. The project was made possible through funding from the Friends of the Library.
StoryWalk® installations place the pages of a children’s book along a walking path, encouraging children and caregivers to read together while enjoying the outdoors. The new structure provides a permanent, accessible way for the library to rotate stories throughout the year and expand early literacy opportunities beyond the building.
A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new StoryWalk® will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 4pm at the South County Library in the children’s area followed by a walk down to the wetlands trail. Community members and families are invited to attend.
Curious about the Friends of the Library? Members of the Friends of the Roanoke County Public Library (FOL) organization are people who believe a strong public library is essential to Roanoke Valley, contribute their support to achieve this goal, and work for a cause important to them and to their community. Each year the FOL sponsors the annual Summer Reading Program and more.
The South County Library’s StoryWalk® supports literacy development, physical activity, and family engagement, reflecting the library’s ongoing commitment to learning at every age.
Roanoke County is ripe with outdoor adventure, so it's time to get Out of the Office and explore all of what Southwest Virginia has to offer.
Each episode features special guests who share the latest things to see and do around the county and the greater Roanoke Valley. From hiking, to events and more, there's plenty to explore no matter what time of the year it is. Plus, find out what events are coming up from Parks, Recreation and Tourism!
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Roanoke County will hold a third public webinar for the Housing Market Analysis Study from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. The webinar will be hosted by RKG Associates, Roanoke County's consultant on this study, and will consist of a detailed analysis of the supply, demand, and needs of the Roanoke County housing market, as well as the results of a site identification analysis. It can be joined on the study webpage on January 29th, no pre-registration is needed.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in conjunction with design-build contractor Branch Civil Inc. will hold a “Pardon Our Dust” public information meeting on Thursday, January 22 to discuss construction impacts and traffic management for upcoming roadwork on Interstate 81 in Roanoke and Botetourt counties.
The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lord Botetourt High School located at 1435 Roanoke Road in Daleville. There will be a brief presentation given at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. and representatives will answer questions and provide information.
Interstate 81 will be widened to add one lane in each direction between exits 143 and 150. The project also includes replacing bridges over eight crossings on I-81 and installing more than 1.5 miles of sound barrier along the northbound lanes. Two ramps at exit 150 will be realigned and one will be removed. The improvements are intended to reduce crashes, lessen delays and enhance crash response times.
This widening project is part of the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth. The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $361 million design-build contract for this project in July 2024. Construction started in summer 2025 and is expected to finish in summer 2031.
The I-81 CIP includes 65 capital projects and numerous operational improvements throughout the interstate's 325-mile corridor in Virginia. The nearly $4 billion program was signed into law in spring 2019. More information is available at Improve81.org.
Weather depending, drivers can expect intermittent lane closures on Peters Creek Road northbound and southbound in the City of Roanoke between Valleypointe Parkway and Thirlane Road NW starting the week of January 19. Lane closures are expected between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. through mid-March. One lane each direction will remain open during work.
This project will re-align and signalize the Exit 2N ramp from northbound I-581 to northbound Peters Creek Road, eliminating the current merge ramp and making it easier for drivers to access Valleypointe Parkway.
During spring and summer, the current exit ramp will be narrowed, as construction begins on the new exit ramp.
Construction is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.
The schedule is weather dependent and may change. Drivers should pay attention to signs to get the latest information.
Roanoke County - Weather permitting, starting in early January, drivers on a section of Route 11 (Williamson Road) in Roanoke County can expect a long-term traffic shift as part of a project to construct a new sidewalk.
The southbound lane of Williamson Road will be closed between Route 1821 (Greenway Drive) and Route 836 (Plymouth Drive). Drivers will use the center turn lane to drive south on Williamson Road during construction.
As part of the project, a 200 foot section of Plymouth Drive near its intersection with Williamson Road will be closed for approximately two weeks this spring. Drivers will need to use alternate routes during this closure.
Electronic message boards and signs will be in place to alert drivers to the upcoming changes in traffic pattern. Message boards will be updated with the most current schedule.
The shift will be in place until the project is completed in spring 2026.
I met Laura Schnieder, our Fire and Rescue Community Outreach Coordinator, over at the Fire Academy recently to have a go at the physical agility course. This circuit is part of the application process that recruits go through for the Fire and Rescue Department.
The course is pretty intense. Here’s the rundown of everything you have to do in under seven minutes while wearing a 50-pound vest:
carry a 100-foot hose up to the fourth floor of the burn building
drag a fully charged hose 75 feet
drag a 175-pound dummy 100 feet
carry a fan 150 feet without lifting it on your shoulders or dropping it
use a sledgehammer to move a 150-pound beam down a sled
Going into the test, I felt like I could manage all the tasks, but time was what concerned me. However, I quickly realized the vest, which simulated the firefighter’s gear, was going to be a major problem. As someone with a smaller build, 50 pounds is a significant amount of weight to add, plus it made me quite top-heavy.
I knew pacing myself was going to be important, so I didn’t rush myself through the first two tasks. (Side note: I’d never been in the burn building before and it does in fact smell like they burn things in there all the time.)
When I got to the dummy drag, that’s when things started to turn. There is a lot of friction between the dummy and the concrete which makes it even harder to drag. As I was struggling, Capt. Nick Schmitt commented, “this is where most people regret coming out.” And, if I’m going to be honest, I was having second thoughts about this video idea. Even with some tips to carry the dummy, I still had to stop a lot which slowed my momentum.
I finished the dummy drag, but my legs and arms were turning to Jell-O.
The fan obstacle became much more of an obstacle because my body was so worn out from dragging the dummy. Again, I was stopping a lot to try to regain my strength which really ate into my time.
I got on the Kaiser Sled with 30 seconds left of my time and attempted to finish anyways, but my body was DONE. I swung the hammer a few times but knew that I didn’t have any strength left. I tapped out and then very quickly asked for help to get the 50-pound vest off.
Laura, however, was a different story. She had done the course once before and had been preparing for her rematch. It was awesome to watch her crush the course, but I won’t spoil her final time. Don’t hold your breath for a rematch of my own on the agility course!
Want more information about the recruiting process for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue? Check out their webpage here, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Looking to shop local for the holiday season? We have you covered! We recently checked out five business around the county, so if you’re looking for something local, something sporty or even tools for the holiday, check these businesses out.
Jamison’s Farm Market (5635 Grandin Rd. Ext.)
This is the perfect place to help with cooking this year! They have frozen casseroles and cheesecakes that can make hosting a breeze, as well as candies that make great stocking stuffers.
Jamison’s also puts together gift baskets with local goods that make quick, easy gifts. The baskets come in a variety of sizes, or you can pick out your own goodies from around the store and they’ll make a custom gift basket. Jamison’s can also ship the gift baskets!
Country Corner (4273 Challenger Ave. NE)
You may know County Corner as a nursery, and they don’t disappoint for the holiday season! The greenhouse is packed with a variety of poinsettias and Christmas cactuses.
The shelves are packed with ornaments as well. Their displays are divided into themes, from the forest to the beach, girls’ night and hunting. If you know someone with a special tree – this is the place to be!
Just the Right Gear (2265 Catawba Valley Dr.)
You’re never too old to get a bike for Christmas! Just the Right Gear has everything you need from mountain bikes to accessories and apparel. They are now stocking electric bikes, too.
There are also plenty of stocking stuffers for the cycling enthusiast in your life. Just the Right Gear has lights, tool kits, gloves and more that make great little gifts. Plus, their upcycled branded flannels are a great way to sport your favorite cycling store while out on the trail!
Northwest Ace – Hollins (7650 Williamson Rd)
From tool kits to stocking stuffers, don’t sleep on Ace! There is a Hallmark section inside, so you can get Keepsake ornaments, cards, wrapping paper and stocking stuffers.
Ace also has deals going on this holiday season on sets and electric tools in the brands you love. While we were there, we also spotted a toy chainsaw, leaf blower and more if there’s a kid in your life that loves helping with DIYs.
Kind Brew Coffee (3555 Electric Rd. Suite B1)
Kind Brew opened just a few months ago in the West Village shopping center and has coffee and handicrafts in their shop. If you have a tea and coffee lover in your life, there are a lot of loose tea mixes and lattes in a jar to choose from.
There are several local vendors in stock including honey, herbal mixes, pottery, and amigurumi. So stop by and get yourself a coffee as you shop – they have a signature white roast blend that they roast in house!
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.
Standing in front of the Roanoke County Administration Building with a can of spray paint definitely felt like I was doing something illegal, but as part of our storm drain stenciling program, it’s actually community service.
Storm drains flow directly into our streams and rivers without being treated. This means that dog poop that’s not picked up, oil that leaks from a car and excess salt applied to icy steps will find its way to our waterways after rain.
I joined Rachel, our GIS storm drain expert, to paint some storm drains to remind everyone – only rain down the drain!
The safety cones and yellow vest made it feel official as we painted two drains near the front and back entrance of the administration parking lot.
Painting the drains itself was quick and easy. The stormwater team provides you with everything you need including a map (made by Rachel!) of all the drains in the area you can paint.
Rachel had never been on the participant side of the program so she and I each painted a drain for the experience! Now anytime someone parks near the entrance to participate in a board meeting or pay their taxes, they’ll be reminded that the drains empty directly into our waterways.
If you’re interested in getting involved it’s a great volunteer opportunity for scouts, neighborhood associations or even just a group of friends! You can find more information about the program and more ways to get involved here.
Em Poertner is Roanoke County's Public Information Specialist. She hosts the Out of the Office podcast and Roam RoCo video series. If you have ideas for something to explore around Roanoke County, email her at epoertner@roanokecountyva.gov.