Building and Zoning

building construction

photo: Lisa Johnson

Code Enforcement/Building Inspector:

TUESDAY: Walk-in hours 9am-1pm.

FRIDAY: By appointment only, as the inspector may also need to be at off-site inspections.

The Village zoning ordinance addresses such items as residential, commercial and industrial district regulations, changes in building use, historic over-zone issues, building lot requirements, and additions or alterations.

If you are planning to do any work on your property, you must contact the Building Inspector. Work that is not properly permitted is subject to a fine.

 

Code Enforcement and Building Inspector

Erin Reis
ereis@villageofchatham.org
Phone: (518) 392-5821, ext. 5924
Fax: (518) 392-7757

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 7pm

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at 77 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037 and is open to the public. Link to the agenda: February 10, 2025 BOT Meeting AGENDA

 

Refuse and recycling reminders – weight limit and stickers required

When placing refuse and recycling at the curb for weekly collection please remember the following from the Village of Chatham and County Waste agreement: “The refuse must be placed in standard plastic garbage bags having a capacity not to exceed 35 gallons and weighing not more than thirty (30) pounds, and upon which there must be affixed an official Village of Chatham garbage/refuse collection sticker.  Contractor shall not remove garbage or trash bags that do not have a Village of Chatham garbage/refuse collection sticker affixed.”  Stickers for trash bags may be purchased at Stewarts, Citgo gas station at the traffic light, or at the Village Clerk’s office.

Action Needed From Residents: Lead Water Line Identification

To prepare for future upgrades to our water system and comply with New York State regulations, the Village of Chatham has been tasked with identifying properties that have lead service lines. This information will be shared with New York State to ensure compliance and guide our improvement efforts.

We need your help to determine whether your property has a lead water service line.

Please visit the following link: Lead Service Line Identification Survey. There, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to perform a simple scratch test to identify your service line material. After completing the test, please fill out the short survey.

If you need assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Village Clerk’s Office:

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to improve our water infrastructure and services.

Sincerely,
John Howe, Mayor
Phil Genovese, DPW Working Foreman
Desiree Kelleher, Clerk
Village of Chatham, NY

Examples of Jobs That Require a Building Permit

– building a new structure
– building an addition onto your house
– putting up a fence
– installing a swimming pool
– repairing your front steps
– installing a wood stove
– remodeling your kitchen
– finishing your basement

How to Apply for a Building Permit

Contact the Building Inspector and fill out a Building/Use Permit.  Deliver the completed application to the Village of Chatham, Village Hall and pay the required fee as instructed by the Building Inspector.

Zoning

The Village of Chatham zoning law defines various building zones and what is permitted within those zones. A Village of Chatham zoning map can be viewed Chatham zoning map to print 12 x 18 – OCT 22 2019

The Village code book explains in detail what is permitted. To view the Village code book, please visit the Clerk’s office in the Tracy Memorial Village Hall or follow this link: http://www.ecode360.com/CH1066

To apply for a zoning variance, contact the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Village Comprehensive Plan Final Draft 06/08/2015 Village of Chatham Comprehensive Plan Update FINAL COMMITTEE DRAFT 6-7-1