Goochland County Moves Development Permitting Online, Streamlines Submissions

Goochland County announced today that beginning January 1, 2026, all Plan of Development applications, Land Disturbance Permits, and Storm Water Management Permits must be submitted through the county Enterprise Permitting and Licensing portal. Applicants will also be required to provide a single paper plan set for county record keeping. The policy applies to both residential and commercial projects that require the listed permits.

The county implemented the Tyler Technologies Enterprise Permitting and Licensing system earlier, and officials say the move to mandatory electronic submissions will increase efficiencies across the Community Development Department. Tutorials and frequently asked questions are available on the county permitting site to guide users through the portal. For questions, contact JM Whalen, Plan of Development Administrator, at (804) 657 2027 or jwhalen@goochlandva.us.

The procedural shift is intended to consolidate multiple submission pathways into a single online workflow, which county leaders expect will streamline internal review, reduce paper handling, and improve tracking of application status. For developers and contractors, the change means adapting current submission practices to the EP&L portal and ensuring digital files meet county requirements. The retained paper plan set is intended to maintain an official record for public files and long term archival purposes.

Local residents who follow development proposals should find permit tracking and public records access more consistent as the county standardizes filing formats. Civic engagement around land use and storm water management depends on clear access to plans and review timelines. The new process may shorten decision windows and clarify comment periods, though community stakeholders should monitor the first months of implementation for any unintended delays.

Smaller firms and individual applicants may need additional time to transition, and the county’s online tutorials aim to reduce barriers to entry. The Community Development Department will oversee rollout and is positioned to collect feedback for adjustments. Citizens and applicants are encouraged to review the online resources and contact the Plan of Development Administrator with technical or procedural questions as the change takes effect.