Planning Department

Who We Are

The Planning Department’s staff includes a Planning Director, Assistant Director, and Planning Technician. At certain times of the year a planning intern maybe used for researching, analyzing and generating relevant data for various planning projects. The department is located on the ground floor in the Chester City Hall and the office hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The Planning Department provides many services to other departments in city hall and to the residents, businesses, and visitors requesting information about the city. The types of services that are provided by the Planning Department are divided into the following categories; several of which are mandated by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Planning

Information

Development Review

Zoning Information

Permits and the Codified Ordinances

Community Outreach

Mission Statement

To promote appropriate development and redevelopment of the city through the application of sound and innovative planning principles. The staff adheres to a planning process that considers the needs of residents, looks at the big picture, and examines issues from all angles (social, environmental, hazard and physical).

Zoning and Subdivision / Land Development

The Zoning Officer in the Planning Department administers and enforces the City of Chester Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Zoning is usually the first step in the development approval process.  Zoning regulations ensure that the land use and site layout on every parcel in the City of Chester is compatible with its surrounding context.  Each land use activity must demonstrate that it is compliant with the Zoning Ordinance – whether it’s simply a change in land use, a brand new construction project, or a rehabilitation project. Generally, a project will need a zoning approval (i.e., a zoning permit) if it involves:

• Erection, construction, movement, placement or extension of a structure, building or sign, including but not limited to a swimming pool, deck, or a fence or wall that is more than 3 feet in total height,
• Change in the type of use of a structure or land, or expansion of use,
• Creation of a lot or alteration of lot lines,
• Creation of a new use,
• Demolition of a principal building, or partial demolition of the exterior of a principal building,
• Site alterations or mineral extraction as defined by Section 1365.02 of the Zoning Ordinance,
• Construction of a motor vehicle driveway, parking pad or parking lot,
• Installation of garbage dumpsters, and/or
• Certain temporary uses as described by Section 1363.03(g) of the Zoning Ordinance.

A zoning permit must be obtained prior to issuance of a building permit by the City of Chester Building Official, who is responsible for administering and enforcing construction codes.

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