- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Zoning & Development
Zoning & Development
The Zoning and Development Department is responsible for managing plan review, zoning certificate issuance, and code inspections for Zoning, Housing, and Nuisance laws in the City. The Department acts as a central point for coordinating construction and land development activities within the City providing support services for businesses, developers, and residents.
The information contained on this site is meant to be a helpful resource for the residents, property & business owners, and contractors of the City of Chardon. However, due to the complex nature of some projects, we strongly recommend that you or your contractor contact the Development Services Department directly prior to beginning any construction projects so that we can provide any necessary information or guidance.
The Zoning and Development Department is responsible for the administration of the City's Planning and Zoning Code. Duties include maintaining the City's Zoning map, development plan reviews, and administrative support for the Planning Commission.
What is Zoning?
Zoning translates to local regulations that govern what types of land uses can be placed in specific locations throughout the community. Every lot, parcel, or property in the City has an assigned zoning type, referred to as a district, that specifies what can be built on that property.
Where Can I Find the Current Zoning?
Current zoning regulations can be found in two places. First, the City's Zoning Map shows the specific zoning of all properties in the City. Second, the City's Planning and Zoning Code states what can be built in each district type.
How is Zoning Changed?
Changing zoning requires an act of City Council. Zoning changes can be requested by property owners by completing a Zoning Change Application.
Review Process
Requests for zoning changes are reviewed by both City Council and the Planning Commission. After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Department for completeness, and then staff will guide you through the review process. During the review process, Council and the Planning Commission will each invite you and your neighbors to present on why the proposed change would be beneficial for the area. The total review process takes between 3-4 months to complete based on Council and the Planning Commission's regular meeting schedules.
Can I Apply for an Exemption from the Zoning Code?
Yes! If you believe your property has special circumstances that make it difficult or unreasonable to conform to the zoning code, you can apply for a variance. Variance requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission.
The Zoning and Development Department is responsible for the enforcement of the City's Property Maintenance Code as codified in Part 13 of the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances, more commonly referred to as nuisances. This includes responding to complaints, conducting property inspections, and completing nuisance abatement.
How Do I File a Code Complaint?
Code complaints can be filed by contacting the department directly via the contact information to the right.
How Do I Follow Up on a Complaint?
In the course of investigating the complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer will likely contact you for more information. While the Code Enforcement Officer might follow up with you about the status of your complaint, you will generally know that your complaint has been addressed when the concerns referenced in your complaint have been resolved.
What Happens if a Complaint is Filed Against Me?
If a complaint is filed against you and is substantiated, the Code Enforcement Officer will contact you to try and resolve the issue without a violation or fine. If you correct the issue in a reasonable period of time, then no penalties will be pursued against you. If you fail to correct the issue within a reasonable timeframe, then the City may pursue legal action to enforce correction of the violation.
Can I Appeal a Code Complaint?
Yes. If you believe the Code Enforcement Officer has made an error in the enforcement of the City's Property Maintenance Code, you can appeal the Officer's decision to the City Manager's Office.