Commercial Guidelines
Commercial Properties
Although Brandermill is primarily known as a residential community, there are over 200 commercial properties located within its boundaries. While only a few residential properties remain vacant, there is a significant amount of undeveloped commercially zoned land available for future development.
Commercial areas are generally located along the periphery of the community, with concentrations in the following locations:
- North side of Hull Street Road (between VA-288 and Harbour View Court)
- Market Square near the Hull Street Road entrance
- Sunday Park (off Millridge Parkway)
- Brandermill Trade Center
- Waterford and Waterford Lakes (Genito Road and Charter Colony Parkway)
- Charter Colony Center (Charter Colony Parkway and Old Hundred Road)
In addition, Brandermill includes two apartment communities and three retirement/assisted living communities within the association.
Commercial Design Standards (CDS)Commercial Covenants at a Glance
Commercial properties within Brandermill are required to comply with the Commercial Design Standards and the Declaration of Rights, Affirmative Obligations, and Conditions (collectively referred to as the covenants). These standards help present a positive image of both the businesses and the community while protecting and enhancing property values.
All covenant-related inquiries should be directed to the Compliance Manager at 804-744-1035, ext. 3001. Non-compliance may result in violation notices. Please review the Violation Process page for additional information.
Architectural Review
Any visible change to a commercial property—whether structural or landscaping-related—requires written approval from the Architectural Review Committee prior to beginning work. Property owners should review the Commercial Design Standards and submit a Commercial Project Application for ARB consideration.
Unsightly Conditions
Per General Covenant, Part I, Paragraph 5, each property owner and tenant is responsible for preventing unclean, unsightly, or unkempt conditions of buildings and grounds.
Signs
Per General Covenant, Part I, Paragraph 4, no signs may be erected or maintained without written permission from the BCA.
- Permanent building signs are permitted for business identification only and may include a logo.
- Temporary signs, flyers, or postings may not be attached to trees, poles, existing sign structures, or surfaces not specifically designed for signage.
Awnings
Per Commercial Design Standard 4.2.4, fabric awnings must be maintained in a clean and undamaged condition. Awnings that are faded, torn, discolored, or damaged must be replaced to match the originally approved design unless a revised design is submitted to and approved by the ARB.
Tree Removal
Per Residential Design Standard 8.6, trees with a diameter of 6 inches or greater, measured 2’ from the ground, may not be removed without BCA approval.
Typically approved requests include:
- Trees closer than 15’ to a structure
- Leaning, dead, or diseased trees
- Individual trees within a group that do not substantially impact yard appearance
In some cases, the BCA may require replacement planting. For applications, contact Compliance Specialist Brian Griffith at Brian.Griffith@fsresidential.com or 804-744-1035 ext. 2004.
For more information and details on trees, please visit the Landscaping & Trees page under the Maintenance tab.