The Zoning Administrator issues a written Letter of Determination (LOD) when a formal inquiry is received regarding the classification of uses, the rights associated with a property, or the interpretation and applicability of zoning regulations to specific uses. Common inquiries in Albemarle County include the confirmation of development rights, vested rights, parcels of record, nonconformities, or de minimis determinations. These letters typically require extensive research by County staff, and may take up to 90 days to issue. 

If a party is aggrieved by the determination, it may be appealed within thirty (30) days of the notice, in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-2311; provided, however, that a ten (10) day appeal period applies to appeals of decisions pertaining to temporary or seasonal commercial uses, and such appeals shall be filed within ten (10) days after this decision. If a timely appeal is not filed, the determination shall be final and unappealable.