The Zoning Ordnance permits certain uses and development by special exception, which is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board if the project is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.  Special exception uses are identified by the “SE” in the Table of Permitted Uses in Articles 1325 and 1327 of the Zoning Ordinance.  The Zoning Officer will review the application with the Planning Commission, then issue a “referral” so that the applicant can file an application for a hearing at the Zoning Hearing Board.  The Zoning Ordinance may also require special exception approval of other aspects of a  development proposal, such as signage or parking.  The Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing and use the criteria specified in Section 1363.16c to ensure that the proposal does not adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood.  If the Zoning Hearing Board approves of the special exception, the applicant can pick up the zoning permit from the Planning Department.

Zoning permits are required prior to the erection, alteration, demolition, or construction of any structure requiring a building permit, including decks or porches exceeding 3 feet in height, or accessory structures, such as garages.

Zoning permits are also required for signs, fences, and any new or expanded use of land or structure, including parking lots, outdoor storage and display, loading docks, or any interior alterations within a building which create additional dwelling units, changes of use, or expansions of existing uses.

First look at the Zoning Map to find out which Zoning District(s) your property is located in. Then check the Zoning Ordinance for the regulations that may impact your project, including property use, the height and size of buildings and structures, parking requirements, and signage requirements. The Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance are found on the Zoning & Planning Department webpage.

A zoning permit is required to ensure that properties are used or developed in conformance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance. A building permit is required to ensure its structure or repair is built in a safe manner in accordance with building codes.  Typically, for any kind of new construction or major renovation project, you will need both of these permits.

The Zoning Permit will always come first as the use of the property must be approved before the plans for that use can be evaluated and approved. Building permit applications must be submitted after the zoning permit application is approved.

The property owner is responsible for obtaining a zoning permit. The property owner may appoint an authorized agent to apply for the zoning permit.

You can call the Planning & Zoning Department for general information, but we can serve you much better if you submit plans first, and/or make an appointment to discuss your plan in person. The Planning & Zoning Department will give you the best guidance they can, but ultimately the responsibility to comply with the Zoning Ordinance rests with the property owner. Unfortunately, no set of regulations can foresee every kind of circumstance, and there is always the possibility of varying interpretation.

It is suggested that you meet with a pertinent professional (zoning/realty attorney, surveyor, engineer, contractor, etc.), then check with the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Ordinance has specific uses it allows in each zoning district. Don’t interpret the ordinance yourself. Be sure the Zoning Officer agrees that the use you propose for a given location is permissible and is able to be supported by proposed parking or other accessory uses you need.

Most building permits require zoning approval, including those for interior renovations, mainly to determine if any zoning provisions such as change of use, parking, etc. would apply. Not all will require a site plan. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 610-447-7707 to find out more.

The City does not have records of property lines.  We recommend you contact a surveyor.  Your deed will provide you with the coordinates.  You can obtain a copy of your deed via the Delaware County Recorder of Deeds website or at their office in Media, PA.

As this is a private, civil matter, the City cannot do anything in these issues. You should contact a licensed surveyor or an attorney for guidance.

The installation of a new fence requires a zoning permit. Any fence or wall shall be durably constructed and well-maintained. Fences that have deteriorated shall be replaced or removed. If you are replacing an existing fence same for same, which means same height and material, you may not need a zoning permit. The Planning & Zoning Department needs a before and after picture to confirm replacement same for same.

A fence is defined as an accessory structure. Therefore, a fence is not permitted on a property that does not have a principal building or structure.

Please note the following requirements for fences located in Residential Districts:

• Any fence located in the required minimum front yard of a lot in must not exceed 4 feet in height.
• Fences in the front yard of a dwelling shall be an open-type of fence (such as picket, wrought iron, vinyl post, or split rail) with a minimum ratio of 1:1 of open to structural areas.
• Any chain link fence in the minimum front yard should be vinyl coated.
• The maximum fence height is 4 feet in front yard areas. A front yard is any yard that fronts a street. Any chain link fence in the minimum front yard in a Residential District should be vinyl coated.
• A fence in a location other than a required front yard shall have a maximum height of 6.5 feet.
• No fence shall be built within an existing street right-of-way.
• A fence may be constructed up to a lot line. A fence may be constructed on the lot line if the owner haves the mutual consent of the adjacent property owner.
• No fence or wall shall be constructed out of fabric, junk, junk vehicles, appliances, drums or barrels.
• If a fence has a more finished side, the more finished side should face towards the neighboring properties or street. Fence supports should be placed on the inside of a fence.
• No fence shall obstruct the sight distance as required by Section 1361.03.C.

See Zoning Ordinance Section 1347.03 (d)(4) for fence and wall requirements.

Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 610-447-7707. When calling with a complaint, it is helpful to provide the office with the address of the property, specifics as to what you observed, and when the alleged violation occurred or occurs.

When a complaint is filed with the Planning & Zoning Department, the Zoning Enforcement Officer will inspect the property to verify the complaint. If any of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance are being violated, the Zoning Officer will send a certified letter to the property owner and/or lessee indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. If a violation continues, the matter is filed with the district magistrate’s office for a hearing.

In Residential Districts, the conversion of a one family dwelling into two or more dwelling units is limited to a building that includes more than 3,000 square feet of heated habitable indoor floor area. If the existing dwelling meets this threshold, a conversion is permitted by Special Exception (Zoning Hearing Board Approval). In Non-Residential Districts, multi-family apartment dwellings are permitted in the C-1/R, C-2/R, CBD, and W-1 Zoning Districts.

A Zoning Permit and Building Permit are required for both. A site plan of the lot, with existing and/or proposed structures is required. It is important to include dimensions of the improvements and setbacks to all property lines, so that the Zoning Officer can determine compliance with the zoning regulations of that district. Additional Zoning data is required when completing the Zoning Permit Application.

Yes you do. Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department 610-447-7707 if you have any additional questions.

You should contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 610-447-7707.

All accessory uses and structures need a zoning permit. Accessory buildings, structures or uses that are clearly customary and incidental to a permitted by right, special exception or conditional use are permitted by right, except as is provided for in the Zoning Ordinance. Sheds, garages, swimming pools, etc. are considered accessory structures to a single or two-family home. See Zoning Ordinance Sections 1329.03 and 1347.03 for more information.

Setbacks are distances of a structure to a lot line or right-of-way. In the City of Chester, these are known as yard requirements. Each building has a required front yard, rear yard, and side yard. Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance for the specific structure you are proposing.

The development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed conditions of the lot and other information, including property dimensions, setback dimensions, impervious surfaces, and parking locations. This plan information is required in order for an informed decision to be made by the approving authority.

Yes. If the water is 30″ deep or deeper, it is classified as a swimming pool. Fences (i.e. barriers) may also be required. Pools are not permitted in the front yard. Please be aware, a front yard is any yard that fronts a street.