Zoning Confirmation Letters

What is a Zoning Confirmation Letter?

A Zoning Confirmation Letter is a statement from the Department of Permitting Services.  It identifies and describes the zone in which a property is located.  The letter may include information about the permitted uses in the zone, pending or resolved zoning violations, and standards to apply in case disaster destroys the improvements on the property.  It often verifies the property was in compliance at the time permits were issued. The letter is mainly used to submit to lenders for financing or refinancing.

Requests for Zoning Compliance letters at any Multi-family structure (i.e. condominiums, apartments and some townhouses) will be processed as a Commercial Zoning Compliance Letter request.  Residential properties with Special Exceptions will also be process as a Commercial Request.  Residential Zoning Compliance Letters are for Single Family Dwellings only.

What is the Application Process?

A request can be made to the Permitting Services Manager for Zoning in writing, by phone or by fax. The request should indicate what information the lender is requesting. A check, for fee listed below, must be submitted at the time the request is made. Zoning Staff will prepare the letter after researching the Departmental records for the property

What is the Cost for a Zoning Confirmation Letter?

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

The total fee for each property requested is $231.00. The total fee includes a research fee of $210.00 and a 10% Automation Enhancement Fee of $21.00.  This includes apartment houses, condominiums, four story townhouses, as well as commercial buildings.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

The total fee for each property requested is $110.00. This includes a fee of $100.00 and a 10% Automation Enhancement Fee of $10.00.  This includes single family attached and detached dwellings.

When will the Letter be Ready for Pick Up?

The Zoning Confirmation Letter will normally be ready within seven days.