The Planning and Zoning Department administers and enforces the Town’s Zoning Local Law and land use regulations to guide responsible growth and development within the community. The department reviews development proposals, issues zoning permits, and ensures that construction and land use activities comply with applicable local regulations.

The department reviews site plans, subdivisions, and on-site wastewater treatment system (septic) designs to help ensure proposed development meets applicable requirements. Staff work with applicants, licensed design professionals, contractors, and property owners throughout the development process to verify that plans are consistent with Town requirements and applicable New York State regulations. The department also provides technical support to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

The goal of the Planning and Zoning Department is to promote orderly development, protect community character, safeguard natural resources, and ensure that land use decisions are consistent with the Town’s comprehensive planning objectives while providing clear and helpful guidance to the public throughout the permitting and review process.

PLEASE BE ADVISED, that effective January 01, 2020, a Zoning Permit is required for the installation of a water supply well on properties located in the Town of Chester as per Section 7.24 of the Town of Chester Zoning Local Law. Water Supply Applications can be found at the Planning and Zoning Office in the Town of Chester Town Municipal Center or online on the Town’s website. 

Please Note: If a water supply well has been installed prior to issuance of a Zoning Permit, an after-the-fact surcharge of $100.00 will be applied to the required fee of $50.00.

For additional information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Office at 518-494-7369 or visit during regular office hours.

Please be advised that on June 13, 2023, the Town of Chester Town Board adopted Local Law No. 4 of 2023, a Local Law Regulating Short-Term Rentals, with an effective date of August 01, 2023. A copy of the Local Law can be obtained at the Town Planning and Zoning Office or found online on the Town website by clicking here.

In accordance with Article 3 of the Local Law, a Short-Term Rental Permit shall be obtained prior to using the Short-Term Rental Dwelling Unit as a Short-Term Rental. Short-Term Rental Permits are non-transferrable and do not expire. If a Short-Term Rental Dwelling Unit is sold or otherwise transferred, at any time that the new owner plans to utilize the Dwelling Unit as a Short-Term Rental, the new owner must apply for and obtain a new Short-Term Rental Permit within sixty (60) days of the planned date of rental.

The Town of Chester Short-Term Rental Permit Application (including instructions) can be found here. Please read through the instructions carefully and contact the Warren County Department of Fire Prevention and Building Codes at 518-761-6542 to schedule an inspection of your Short-Term Rental Property, as this inspection report will need to be submitted with the Application.

Please be advised that if the Application, all required supporting documentation, and the applicable fee are not received within sixty (60) days from the date of issuance of the “Certificate of Authority” by the Warren County Treasurer’s Office, an additional after-the-fact surcharge of $100.00 shall be imposed in addition to the standard $100.00 application fee. This requirement is established pursuant to Town Board Resolution No. 60 of 2025, adopted on April 08, 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact the Town of Chester Planning and Zoning Office at 518-494-7369.