New Kent County supports, incentivizes, and aims to maintain a lasting partnership with all current and potential businesses. We understand the role we play in supporting you from the very beginning and making NKC a place where your business can grow and prosper as part of our community.
benefits and incentives
To encourage development of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses, New Kent has formally adopted a policy to utilize incentives including grants as well as permit expenses and fee forgiveness. The incentive programs are managed by the New Kent County Economic Development Authority and are guided by these principles:
- Expansion of the tax base is the primary reason for the utilization of business development incentives.
- Incentives may be available to both new business and the expansion of existing business.
- To qualify for incentives, projects must be consistent with the development goals of the County as found in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other official documents and policies of the County.
- Diversification of the economic base is a particularly important consideration.
- Incentives must make economic sense to both the County and the business receiving the assistance.
- Incentives are performance based.
- Additionally, incentives offered by Virginia may be available and the County will assist in the utilization and apply for those that are appropriate.
As a separate political entity of the Commonwealth established under the Code of Virginia and created by the Board of Supervisors, the function of the New Kent County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is to promote the orderly economic growth of New Kent without detriment to the County’s natural environment and in a manner consistent with the direction provided by the Board of Supervisors in the County’s Land Use Plan and Ordinance. The EDA is governed by Virginia Code Section 15.2-4900 and New Kent Code Section 18.181.
Virginia in general and New Kent in particular offers many benefits to business:
- Virginia is the northern most right-to-work state.
- Virginia has consistently been ranked by Forbes.com, CNBC and other rating organizations as one of the best states for business.
- New Kent County understands the need for a business-friendly climate and offers a moderate tax structure, a reasonable regulatory environment and a variety of business incentives.
New Kent County has the advanced utilities, communications and transportation networks necessary to support future commercial needs.
tax structure
Local tax rates are established annually by the Board of Supervisors and assessments are conducted by the Commissioner of the Revenue.
View tax rates through this link, which will redirect you to the New Kent County website.
Commissioner of Revenue Tax Rates | New Kent County, VA – Official Website
planning, zoning, and permits
Planning and zoning functions are administered by the Planning Division under the Community Development department. Applications, forms, contacts, and more information can be found at the link below, which will redirect you to the New Kent County website.
Planning and Zoning | New Kent County, VA – Official Website
Currently, NKC Planning is working on a rewrite of our Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance in order to better align and fully achieve the visions and goals outlined in our county’s Comprehensive Plan. The timeframe for adoption of this rework is currently set for Fall of 2027.
