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.com
Phone: (518) 392-5821, ext. 5924
Fax: (518) 392-7757

Update 1/20/25: SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARATION cancelled as of 1/20/25, 12pm.

The following Snow Emergency is cancelled as of today, 1/20/25; 12:00pm:

The Mayor has issued a Declaration of Snow Emergency until further notice, beginning today at 2pm.  Click the following to view the issued declaration. Declaration of Snow Emergency 01.19.25

Water Main Break, 01/16/25, Ghent.

Water Main Break in Ghent, 01/16/25. Water service will be interrupted starting NOW, beginning at the Dairy Queen heading south.  The DPW is working as quickly as possible and will restore service as soon as possible.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Village Offices will be CLOSED, Monday, January 20, 2025

Christmas Tree removal

The DPW will pick up Christmas trees from your curb on Mondays and Fridays through the month of January.

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting and Public Hearing: Thursday, January 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm

The next regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2025 at 7pm. Location: Tracy Memorial Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037. The Public Hearing regarding Application #2024-066: Tax Map #66.13-2-31; 1 Washington Ave., Chatham, NY remains open. Agenda: January 16, 2025 ZBA MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA

Board of Trustees next regular monthly meeting, January 13, 2025; 7pm

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7pm. The meeting will be held at the Tracy Memorial Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037.  The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Agenda: January 13, 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.

Planning and Zoning Board Secretary position

Job Listing: Secretary to the Planning Board and Secretary to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Location: Village of Chatham, New York
The Village of Chatham is seeking a dedicated and organized individual to serve as Secretary to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. This is a part-time position that requires attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage administrative tasks efficiently.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and other documents for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
  • Attend all Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, take detailed notes, and transcribe meeting minutes.
  • Maintain accurate records of applications, decisions, and correspondence.
  • Communicate with applicants, residents, and other stakeholders regarding board schedules, procedures, and requirements.
  • Assist in the coordination of public hearings, including legal notifications and distribution of materials.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations regarding planning and zoning board operations.
  • Provide administrative support to board members as needed.
Qualifications:
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other administrative software.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Familiarity with local government operations, planning, and zoning regulations is a plus.
  • Availability to attend evening meetings as required.
Compensation:
Hourly rate to be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references by January 15, 2025 to:
Village of Chatham
77 Main St.
Chatham, NY 12037
Email:
For more information, please contact the Village of Chatham office at (518) 392-5821.
The Village of Chatham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Zoning Board of Appeals – position available

The Village Zoning Board of Appeals is accepting applications and letters of interest for a Zoning Board of Appeals Member position. Training is available. To qualify you must be a resident of the Village; a U.S. Citizen; and at least 18 years of age.  Zoning Board meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm.  Please submit a letter of interest and application by mail to: Village of Chatham Zoning Board of Appeals, 77 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037, or by email to .

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

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:00 pm

The next regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7pm. Location: Tracy Memorial Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037. The Public Hearing regarding Application #2024-066: Tax Map #66.13-2-31; 1 Washington Ave., Chatham, NY remains open. December 19, 2024 ZBA Meeting AGENDA

 

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