The Rocky Mount Community Development Department handles a wide variety of functions helpful to the residents of Rocky Mount and Franklin County.  The office oversees revitalization projects, community planning and zoning, mapping and Geographic Information Services, and economic development and tourism activities.  In addition, this department oversees facilities management for Mary Bethune and Mary Elizabeth Parks, Gilley's Park, Celeste Park (currently under development), the Farmers' Market at Citizen Square, and the Community & Hospitality Center (old train depot).

It is the goal of the Community Development Department to facilitate the participation of the Town's citizens in the processes involved with maintaining quality neighborhoods and affordable living.  Department staff works closely with citizens to guide them through planning and zoning processes which are vital to the health, safety and welfare  of the Town and its citizens.  The Department also provides staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Franklin County Veterans' Memorial Commission, Beautification & Urban Design Commission, and a variety of other committees as appropriate.

The Community Development Department also seeks to facilitate economic development in the community by encouraging the growth of small businesses, recruiting other commercial ventures, marketing community assets, and working closely with partners in the County of Franklin.  In addition, the Department also works closely with community groups such as the Community Partnership for Revitalization (which is the local Virginia Main Street organization), the Franklin County Retail Merchants Association, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to encourage small business growth within the community.

One avenue for encouraging small business growth in the Town is through participation in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program.  The Community Development Department oversees the Town's Enterprise Zone Program, which allows businesses locating within the zone to qualify for state incentives such as real property investment and job creation grants, and local incentives such as reduced licensing fees, taxes and utility hookup costs.

To aid in recruiting commercial ventures, the Town and County are aggressively marketing Phase II of the Franklin County-Rocky Mount Industrial Park, formerly known as the Cox Farm.  The Town and its partners are developing this prime industrial property by adding a rail siding from the adjacent Norfolk Southern railway and developing a new road bed to serve three industrial building sites within the next phase of the Industrial Park.  The Community Development Department recently closed the bid process for the road development, and construction of the road bed has begun.

In addition to the Industrial Park, the Community Development Department is currently working on several other exciting projects which will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Town, promote tourism, and improve the overall quality of life for the community.  These projects include:

Daily operations of the Community Development Department include review of permitting requests and issuance of permits (zoning permits, sign permits, etc.) erosion and sedimentation control, site plan and subdivision approvals, traffic impact analysis, and other related activities.  The Department's professional staff includes the Assistant Town Manager/Community Development Director,  Town Planner, GIS/Code Enforcement Technician, and Deputy Clerk/Administrative Assistant.

Community Development staff members are eager to help you...

• Reserve a park shelter. 
• Start a business.
• Check your zoning. 
• Find an overhead map of your property and its utilities. 
• Get started with a site plan review.       
• Get started on adding a new room or other amenities to your home.
• Order a brick for placement at the Veterans' Memorial Park.
• Learn about the Enterprise Zone.
• With any questions or concerns you may have about your community!