The Zoning Department provides information on permitted uses and other information regarding the zoning of properties throughout the municipality.
Zoning By-laws contain specific, legal regulations, such as permitted uses of a property. The purpose of a zoning by-law is to regulate how the land can be used, what you can build and where it can be built on the property. Zoning also serves to protect areas by preventing or limiting incompatible uses and establishing appropriate standards for development.
Zoning Letters
Zoning Request Forms for Zoning Compliance, Zoning Review, Work Orders or Environmental Assessment Letters are available at the
Building Services Department -
Chatham Civic Centre or you can download a Zoning Request Form here. It is our goal to complete the letters within 10 business days. Requests for letters can be faxed, mailed, e-mailed or phoned in.
Fees for Zoning Letters
- Zoning Review (Zoning/Work Orders): $107.65
- Zoning Compliance: $107.65
- Environmental Assessment: $107.65
- Septic Compliance Review: $90.00
Accessing Zoning Online
The properties within the municipality are labelled by different zones where different land uses are permitted. There are zones, for example, which permit single detached dwellings, others that permit apartment buildings, shopping centres or industrial uses, etc. To determine the zoning of a property yourself, you can access Chatham-Kent's
Zoning By-law Viewer.
The zoning of each property is designated by a code comprising numbers and words. The zoning codes are defined in the Zoning By-law. Sometimes there are situations where the zone applied to a property does not meet the intent or the desires of the property owner. Examples could include adding a second unit to a home where it isn't permitted, changing from residential to commercial uses or any substantial changes. In the case that your property is not zoned to meet your needs, contact the Planning Department at 519-360-1998.
Many zoning designations have special exceptions that are site-specific to the various lands indicated in the site-specific zone. For the various zoning designations, the Zoning By-law should be read in conjunction with any special exceptions. While the information contained in the Zoning By-law and On-Point maps is correct, they should not be the only source you use. Please call the Planning Department at 519-360-1998 or visit the office at Chatham Civic Centre to determine the correct zoning and interpretation of the Zoning By-law for your property.
